With the arrival of sunny days, children are back in the garden. Seeing them come out again from their consoles to enjoy the fresh air is truly delightful. What’s a bit less joyful are the "equipment" that accompanies their play... because, when it comes to children, it often means playhouses, trampolines, swings, and even, during the warmer days, inflatable pools.

If you too feel a sense of ambivalence regarding these playful installations (they need to have fun, but their "mess" somewhat disrupts the garden's atmosphere), here are a few ideas for layout, tips, and solutions for integration.

1) The garden house

The miniature houses are highly sought after by little ones. We understand why: it’s the perfect place to invite friends over for tea (made from soil, grass...) or to play shopkeeper with pebbles. Instead of a plastic model (not very expensive, though… but quite garish), opt for a wooden house, which blends in better, especially if you green the roof. If you prefer a natural look and your soil remains cool, why not build an igloo or a tipi from living willow? It’s quite easy and the result is truly charming! The joy of the house also lies in its construction; rather than buying a kit, build the frame with the children and then let them finish it off. Fun and a rustic effect guaranteed!

A living willow igloo: a very natural construction - Photo: Pinterest

2) The swing

Who doesn’t have memories of long sessions on the swing? In dreams, the swing hangs from the sturdy branch of a majestic oak, and the question of its integration doesn’t arise. In reality, few gardens boast this perfect tree... which is often replaced by a mundane frame. As with garden houses, opt for a wooden frame, which is more aesthetically pleasing than steel. Accompany it with one or more climbing plants like a clematis, for example. In a small garden, be clever and choose a two-in-one: attach your swing to a (sturdy) pergola that can also serve as a support for growing a vine, kiwis, or be adorned with wisteria! Once the children are in bed, take down the swings and reclaim the space!

The swing is integrated into a sturdy pergola that can be vegetated - Project: Carrie Preston - Studio TOOP - Photo: Jolanthe Lalkenst

3) The slide

The slide generally delights thrill-seekers… but also budding climbers who love to go up it the wrong way. To combine sliding and adventure, why not create an outdoor obstacle course? For this, use buried tyres, cut tree trunks, and securely fixed beams. And if your garden is already wooded, you could even install a zip line or a slack line!

A small "adventure" course blends easily into the vegetation and allows children to develop their imagination and motor skills

The slack line has the advantage of being discreet (by the way, remember to take it down before zooming around with your ride-on mower) and is also popular with older kids

4) Trampoline

Ah, the trampoline! If only I could find the person who popularised it… Not only does it take off at the first strong gust of wind, but with its long legs and high nets, it dominates any garden. To reduce its visual impact, there are two solutions: bury it by digging a pit, which allows you to do away with nets. This solution involves significant work, but the dug pit won’t go to waste: when the children grow up, you can use it to install a pond or a water feature. The other solution, less demanding, is to hide the trampoline behind a thicket. Choose fast-growing plants like bamboo or Miscanthus giganteus for an even quicker effect.

A trampoline perfectly integrated into a small Dutch city garden - Project: Carrie Preston - Studio TOOP - Photo: Joanne Schweitzer

5) Pool

The inflatable or above-ground pool is the topic I have never given in to. Besides the fact that it requires constant supervision with little ones, I can’t stand their electric blue colour, which is quite striking. And I’m not even talking about the equipment and products needed to prevent the water from turning a colour reminiscent of Shrek’s swamp in just a few days (but that’s another story...) If you have been weaker than I on the subject of the pool and this situation tends to persist, there’s only one solution: camouflage. For this, there are two options: building a raised wooden deck where the pool will be placed (a significant project) or planting a trimmed hedge at just the right height to soften the pool’s presence while still allowing you to keep an eye on the swimmers. This space could, in a few years, be converted into a green room.

If none of these solutions suit you (how well I understand you!), know that there is an alternative: a hose, some basins, a few water pistols… and a patio misting system. More economical in water than a pool, they are also much more discreet while being just as refreshing and even more fun!

Do you have other ideas for cohabiting with children's play? Feel free to share them in the comments!