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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to want a garden

35 replies

sushidave · 27/05/2012 21:07

We're currently looking to buy our first house (first baby on the way) and wondering what needs to give on our wish list - I realise compromise is the name of the game when you're giving your 'dream house' ideas a reality check. We've seen a gorgeous place today with everything we want, nice location etc, but has just a small back yard. My question to you guys is how important is having a garden when you've got a wee one? It seems that many people move house when their kids get to be 3/4 so they get that all-important garden, but I'd rather not move and move again. DH reckons the small yard is fine for what we'd need with a baby/ small child, but I'm not so sure..

OP posts:
AgentZigzag · 27/05/2012 21:10

It is nice to have somewhere for them to run about, but it doesn't have to be big, you can pack a lot of things into a small space to make it look garden-ish.

A garden just means you have to do the gardening, not always the positive it's made out to be

applepieinthesky · 27/05/2012 21:10

If you haven't got a garden at the moment then it's a step up isn't it? I would say a garden is a must with children and it's the reason I moved.

wishiwasonholiday · 27/05/2012 21:11

Depends if you have a park or green nearby too, we never use our garden as we live right next to a park.

LexieSinclair · 27/05/2012 21:13

I wouldn't compromise on a garden. My DCs spend so much time in ours when the weather is decent, the youngest is 20 months and he would spend all day outdoors if he could. I agree it doesn't have to be a big garden though.

lola88 · 27/05/2012 21:16

My gardens small but have a bbq deck chairs a baby pool a foam play mat all packed in it's lovely if i want DN to run about we go to the park most of the time she's happy to sit in the pool she's 5

Beamur · 27/05/2012 21:17

A yard is fine with a little one, but ideally somewhere nearby with more space, like a park is good when they get a bit older.
Personally, although my garden is a bit grim (and next time we move I'm holding out for a decent garden) in good weather it is soo useful to have the space to play outside - but I'm not sure it outweighs the other things you have to balance when looking for a house.

Kayano · 27/05/2012 21:19

I bought a house with a big garden and wish I had a smaller one after I found and insect in my knickers yesterday! It takes sooooooo much work it makes me sick.

nothingoldcanstay · 27/05/2012 21:21

If you are planning more then yes a good size garden is an asset. They will want to play together outside more.
If you plan on the one then it's so much easier to get out and about then it's not such a big deal TBH. I've got one and it's more annoying now DS is older as he would love a trampoline but we don't have the room. There is no space to practice bike riding or skating either. We are near to a park in a cul de sac so it's not too bad really.

OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos · 27/05/2012 21:21

I think it depends on your lifestyle and how close the local parks are. If this house ticks all the other boxes I wouldn't completely write it off, but it depends on those other things as to whether a small garden has to be a deal breaker.

lifechanger · 27/05/2012 21:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thisisyesterday · 27/05/2012 21:30

for me it's really, really important.

my 3 boys love playing outside and i wish our garden was bigger so they could tear about

parks are all well and good, but sometimes you don't want to have to walk down there, you just need to have space of your own for them to play safely while you get on with other things.

it would be one of my top priorities

McHappyPants2012 · 27/05/2012 21:33

After 3 hellish summers in a flat then moving to a house with a garden I would have a garden above a fitted bathroom

Deadsouls · 27/05/2012 21:36

Would you be planning in proposed area for a while, if so have you given any thought to school catchments?

jojane · 27/05/2012 21:40

We lived in a flat when my eldest 2 were born and I hated it, hot weather meant packing a bag full of stuff and going somewhere. Local park had no loos, ice creams would have to be bought at full price etc. we moved 3 years ago when they were 2 and 7 months, they are now 5, 3 and we have an 18 month old and our garden is a godsend. It's not huge but we have a sand pit, climbing frame, swing, playhouse, space for running round and paddling pool etc. means I can buy ceap lollies and keep in freezer, drinks, loos etc are to hand. While I cook tea the kids ru round the garden, we can grow flowers, herbs etc. build snowmen in the winter etc. as long as its not raining they go out a lot.
As a small baby a garden isn't too big a deal but now they are bigger. It too small to 'go out' to play etc I wouldn't swop it for the world

MarySA · 27/05/2012 21:42

If you were intending to move again in say four or five years I'd say go for this house. But as you say you'd rather not move again I think I would want a garden if possible and compromise on other things. But a lot of children do grow up quite happily without a garden. And you can still have paddling pool and sandpit as someone else has said.

McHappyPants2012 · 27/05/2012 21:42

Packing for the park don't bother me, it the nasty kids with there parents defending there actions that pisses me off

Xmasbaby11 · 27/05/2012 21:43

I would prioritise having a garden, not just a yard. It is so relaxing having a little green space, even in those months it's too cold to go out. I know that sounds crazy, but it pleases me even to look out the window!

But there is always compromise with a house .. it depends what you would have to sacrifice to get it?

WorraLiberty · 27/05/2012 21:44

YANBU to want a garden.

The real dilemma is whether you should shave it or not.

Rilson · 27/05/2012 21:45

It was something that was very important to us and although we havent got a huge garden,we have done a lot with the space we have.

I love coming home from the school run,throwing the door open and the boys go and burn off some energy on the climbing frame before dinner.Today they were out there in the paddling pool on/off from 10am-5pm.

We have a small veg patch at the top that DH built last year and then a small patio area.Its not much but its ours.

pictish · 27/05/2012 21:45

We moved for a garden too....and when the weather is like this, its value is immeasurable.

pictish · 27/05/2012 21:46

Yup - our three have been out there from 11am - 7.30. They will sleep well tonight. I love the garden.

Original poster
sushidave · 27/05/2012 21:51

Thanks for the speedy replies all. There are playing fields about 5 mins walk away, the (south-facing) yard is big enough to fit a BBQ and a patio table/chairs in and the current occupants had a kiddie car and other toys in. There's a car-free 'backs' beyond the yard where the other kids in the street were playing / chalking /scooting etc, so it looked like all the neighbourhood kids did their thing there. Now, school catchments.. that's a whole other conversation: I'm only 6 weeks pg..

OP posts:
LunarRose · 27/05/2012 21:56

Is it big enough for a trampoline?

I'm one for saying if it's in all other respects perfect and there is a park nearby go for it.

openerofjars · 27/05/2012 21:58

I loathe gardening and the house we are moving out of only has a shared yard.

But. But. When we went to a friend's house and DS said, "Ooh, park!" when he saw her garden, when we can't have a paddling pool (not possible in a park or playing field) in this heat, when DS automatically coos with delight at lawns, then I am glad we are upsizing to a house with a decent garden.

I will just have to lump all the weeding and lawnmowing.

TartyMcFarty · 27/05/2012 22:06

If it weren't for our lovely big garden I'd hate my house.

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