Creating a natural playhouse is a fantastic way to integrate play into the natural beauty of your garden. Not only does it provide a unique space for children to imagine and explore, but it also encourages an appreciation for nature from a young age. This guide outlines suitable plant options and provides a step-by-step construction method for building a living playhouse.
Plant Options for a Natural Playhouse
When selecting plants for a natural playhouse, consider growth rate, durability, maintenance needs, and seasonal changes. Here are some excellent plant options:
- Willow (Salix spp.): Fast-growing and pliable, willows are ideal for creating living structures. Their branches can be woven into walls and roofs that leaf out beautifully in spring.
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): With their tall stalks and dense foliage, sunflowers can create vibrant, seasonal walls that are easy to grow.
- Bamboo (Bambusoideae): Bamboo grows quickly and tall, offering a sturdy structure for a playhouse. Ensure you choose a clumping variety to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.
- Bean Vines (Phaseolus spp.): Bean vines, like runner beans, grow rapidly and can cover a structure in lush greenery while also producing edible beans.
- Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.): For fast coverage with beautiful flowers, morning glory vines are an excellent choice. They can weave through trellises to create colorful walls.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
1. Design and Planning
- Sketch your playhouse design, considering size, shape, and the type of plants you want to use. Simple structures like domes or teepees are particularly well-suited to plant growth.
2. Prepare the Site
- Choose a location in your garden that receives adequate sunlight and has well-draining soil. Clear the area of weeds and debris.
3. Construct the Frame
- Using materials like bamboo poles, wooden stakes, or flexible metal rods, construct the frame of your playhouse. Secure the frame firmly in the ground and ensure it is stable.
- For a willow structure, plant live willow rods in the ground and weave them together as they grow.
- For sunflower or bean vine houses, arrange the frame where you will plant seeds around the perimeter.
4. Planting
- For willow structures, plant cuttings or rods immediately after constructing the frame. Water generously.
- For sunflower and bean vine houses, sow seeds directly into the ground around the base of your frame, following seed packet instructions for spacing.
- If using bamboo or morning glory vines, plant them at appropriate intervals around the frame, and guide young plants to climb the structure as they grow.
5. Maintenance and Care
- Water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods, to encourage growth.
- Train vines and branches by gently weaving them through the structure or tying them with soft garden twine.
- Trim any unruly growth to maintain the shape of the playhouse.
6. Add Natural Decorations
- Enhance your playhouse with natural decorations like flower boxes, pebble paths, or even a living roof of succulents for flat-topped structures.
Conclusion
Building a natural playhouse is not only an engaging project but also a beautiful addition to your garden that provides a habitat for wildlife and a magical retreat for children. By selecting the right plants and dedicating time to nurture and shape them, you can create a living structure that evolves with the seasons and sparks joy and curiosity in the natural world for years to come.
