Keeping your garden looking good whilst using it for a variety of needs is not as hard as you might think with a bit of garden planning. This article looks at a few solutions that will enable the whole family to enjoy a perfect outdoor living.

Ideally you want your garden to work for you and at the same time look good. You want to use it to relax in and also use the space as an extension to the house, for other members of the family to enjoy as well. Initially this might seem a problem; kids want to play, adults want to entertain and everyone wants to relax.

1. Identify exactly what you want from your garden

Do you want to entertain a lot; barbecues etc?
Do you need somewhere for children to play?
Do you want a vegetable patch to grow your own produce?
Will there be a greenhouse?
Are you planning on having garden furniture?

Come up with your ownlist.

2. Design your garden accordingly

Remember there are no rules here. You have a blank canvas. Most problems arise between children playing and adults wanting to garden or relax.

a) Consider hardy shrubs and grasses that will take the odd bashing from a football.

b) If your garden is small and space is at a premium, why not grow upwards? Put climbers on a pergola. Until the plants have established themselves you can cover the sides temporarily with sheets for shelter from the wind. Use the space inside for relaxing or eating.

c) Take advantage of plants in containers. That way you can move them at will to accodomodate various situations or when you just feel like a change.

d) Situate your garden furniture and dining area away from the potential play areas and use wind breaks as barriers. Buy weatherproof and rustproof products.

e) Try to locate your barbecue in a safe area. Consider a mobile barbecue so you can adapt to any situation and weather conditions. And get a gas controlled one. Don't spend all day trying to light one!

f) Consider games that both adults and children can enjoy. Croquet is ideal, although ,make sure the kids don't take chunks out of your lawn! Show them how to play.

The best solutions are those that allow you the greatest flexibility. Try to establish the different activity elements of the garden so that in theory they can be moved around with the minimum of effort.

With some pre-thought you can plan a garden that will suit all members of your family and accomodate visitors when you are entertaining. Work, rest and play all at the same time..honest!