Hello

Hi hcad, welcome to Gardeners Corner. Trying to create a garden to suit all family needs is always a challenge, but I'm sure the rest of the GC Gang will be along to give you some friendly advice and encouragement.

 

Welcome to the forum hcad.

It's a great start in your new garden, I think you've done the right thing, making it safe for you little one is the first priority.

Those fences certainly need softening up with climbers, I'd start by looking at Clematis and Jasmines - they are easy to grow and pretty fast. There is a vast choice, some Jasmines are scented and some flower at different times of the year, same with clematis so the trick would be to select some that provide year round interest. Also some are evergreen and some deciduous so more decisions.

They all would need some help, trellis or netting. You could also grow Sweet Peas which are an Annual (i.e. will die off in the autumn) but give a very fast cover with lovely scented blooms.

Maybe you want to attract wildlife such as birds and insects into the garden? If so consider Honeysuckle, Star Jasmine and Passion Flower.

You want to leave at least 2 ft for a border to grow these, so don't lay the lawn right up to the fence.

On the patio obviously that will have to be pots and containers, you could have a go at a few veggies - grow stuff you like to eat - some are easy like lettuce - others such as tomatoes are rewarding but require a bit more TLC.

If you want hanging baskets I assume they would be on the house wall either side of the patio doors? There is a massive choice of colourful flowers some trailing some erect, such as Petunias, Fuschia and Geraniums. Baskets are fun and simple to make up and will do well on your south facing wall. They will need watering at least once a day in the height of summer though.