Making a patio green, pretty and child friendly

[assett]

We're just about to move to a house with a very plain, paved patio garden and I really want to make it somewhere nice to look at and good to play in. Does anyone have any suggestions?

It has fencing all round it and I was wondering if there was some way of planting something in containers that would grow up the fences to add some greenery. And maybe adding some small fruit trees or flowering shrubs. And maybe adding a bird box or something else for added nature interest. And poss a mirror/bunting or something to make it bright and cheerful.

As for the surface, I was thinking of getting some bright coloured interlocking squares to cover the paving stones to make it better for the toddler. Does anyone have experience of these/other good play surfaces?

Any other ideas or suggestions most welcome

I got some foam squares from ELC for when DD was a tot which were fine.
We grew strawberries in a planter last year and also some potatoes and tomatoes - DD really enjoyed helping to plant them and watch them grow.
Bird boxes/feeders are a nice idea and bring some interest into the garden, you can also get 'homes' for insects too - this site might give you a few ideas
www.alanaecology.com/wildlife/Nest_Boxes.html
Something like honeysuckle or clematis would look nice growing up the wall, or if its sunny you could try something fancy like an espaliered apple tree.

They aren't cheap but I would get something like these raised beds to go along the fences then grow things like honeysuckle and clematis to cover the fences . You can get cheaper, shallower ones and make a little vegetable or fruit garden, my DS loves fresh peas off the veg patch and strawberries go down well plus herbs handy for cooking. There are patio fruit trees you could also give a go.

A wooden sandpit would be good for that age group. You'll find a whole load of things like birdboxes and things to encourage ladybirds and other insects in the garden centre. Don't know much about the foam mats but they sound like a good idea.

Hi, thanks so much for your replies - really, really appreciate it. My shopping list is beginning to take shape! Do keep the ideas coming. Thanks v much

If you are looking to attract birds, don't have mirrors as they will crash into them

Honeysuckle is a great idea and its hard to beat with a climbing rose or two. If you're short on space, sandpits that have wooden tops and benches can double up as an eating area outdoors for toddlers.

Def a pot or two for strawbs, the children love picking them and flowers are pretty.

Shrubs like hebe or a perennial like Sedum are good, for pretty flowers, low maintenance and great for watching bees and butterflies. Our Sedum are smothered in bees in the early autumn, and the DC love watching them.

Evergreen jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides alba) is a fantastic climbing plant, highly recommended. It will grow in a little bit of shade or in sun, and because it's evergreen you get year round interest. It doesn't grow too fast so won't be a brute, and in addition you get beautiful scented white flowers in summer, as well as some of the leaves turning red and yellow in autumn.

Double it up with climbing roses for added interest.

And you can't beat a bit of Lavender for scent and attracting some bees and butterflies.