Garden by a Play Area: Tough Plants plus Clear Edges
A garden by a play area should be planned with children in mind. Kansas State Research and Extension advises paths 5 to 6 feet wide where children play, while UC Master Gardeners in San Diego County advise placing thorny plants away from walkways.
The short answer
A garden by a play area works with sturdy plants, clear edges plus wide paths. Kansas State advises paths 5 to 6 feet wide where children or carts pass. UC Master Gardeners in San Diego County advise placing thorny plants away from walkways. Edge each bed so children see where it begins.
Where should plants go?
Kansas State notes misplaced paths lead to trampled plants plus broken branches. Set sturdy plants back from the path plus place thorny plants away from walkways.
| Feature | Note | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Play path | 5 to 6 feet wide | Kansas State |
| Path for one | At least 3 feet wide | Kansas State |
| Path surface | Even plus smooth | Kansas State |
| Mulch path | Needs edging | Kansas State |
| Thorny plants | Away from walkways | UCCE San Diego |
Source: Kansas State plus UCCE Master Gardeners of San Diego County.
How wide should paths be?
Kansas State notes paths for children or carts should be 5 to 6 feet wide. Skip uneven surfaces plus note wet stone gets slippery.
How do I edge beds?
Kansas State notes mulch plus gravel paths need edging to hold them in place. A firm edge also tells children where the bed begins.
How to: step by step
- List every plant in the yard by name.
- Set sturdy plants back from the path.
- Move thorny plants away from walkways.
- Lay paths 5 to 6 feet wide.
- Edge each bed.
- Smooth out any rough spots.
Troubleshooting
Flattened plants: no clear path. Add one.
Mulch across the lawn: no edging. Add it.
Unfamiliar plant: not on your list. Identify it.
For more on outdoor growing see garden microclimates for cannabis, planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout plus deer and cannabis gardens. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Toxic Plants, UCCE Master Gardener Program of San Diego County
- Down the garden path, K-State Research and Extension, Johnson County
- How to assess your microclimates, UC Marin Master Gardeners
FAQ
How wide should a path by a play area be?
Kansas State Research and Extension advises paths 5 to 6 feet wide for children or a large garden cart. A path for one person should be at least 3 feet wide. Paths should have even surfaces so no one trips while running.
Do beds by a play area need edging?
Yes. Kansas State Research and Extension notes mulch plus gravel paths need edging to hold them in place, plus mulch can wash away. A clear edge also shows children where the bed starts. Set the edge flush so no one trips while running past.
Where should thorny plants go near a play area?
UC Master Gardeners in San Diego County advise placing plants with spines or thorns away from walkways. Kansas State Research and Extension notes misplaced paths lead to trampled plants plus broken branches. Put paths where people already walk plus set sturdy plants back from them.
Is grass a good surface near a play area?
Kansas State Research and Extension notes grass is soft to walk on but does not hold up to heavy traffic. Wide paths of 5 to 6 feet suit children. Avoid uneven surfaces plus note that wet stone can be slippery near a play area.
Where should paths go near a play area?
Kansas State Research and Extension notes paths should go where people already walk, since misplaced paths lead to trampled plants plus broken branches. Watch where children run, then lay the path along that route. Set sturdy plants back from the edge so a passing child does not crush them.
