Creating a Child-Friendly Tiered Garden – an Update

Disclaimer: I can’t promise that these photos are particularly pretty (you will, in fact, see a lot of mud), but sometimes you need to document a process before you get to the pretty stuff, and hopefully you’ll get some tiered garden ideas from this post! 

Those who read this blog regularly will know that our home that we moved into in October has a very large, but essentially, child-unfriendly, tiered garden. It was one of the things that made me refuse to even look at the house when I saw it on Rightmove originally, until I was persuaded to actually go and see it, and it was only then that I saw just how big each tier was and had the vision that we could actually make this a brilliant and exciting garden for our children. 

Well, after managing to clear a great deal of the original garden last spring, we essentially left it over the summer whilst we concentrated on other building work and bits and bobs in the house.

But now…now we have real progress when it comes to our tiered garden, and I thought I’d share some of our tiered garden ideas with you!

I have some ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures now, and you can see how much we’ve done in terms of prepping the garden for a new adventure playground area, as well as new planting. We still have a long way to go, but we’re hoping to get the go ahead for the children’s new play area which is to encompass proper rubber chip surfacing and a large new climbing frame, as well as having the trampoline and playhouse moved to new spots. All going well this should be done within the next couple of months, leaving us with some new sleepers to put in either side of the new steps, and then some more earth and appropriate plants over the next couple of years. 

We roped in our builders who carried out our kitchen renovation, as being a tiered garden there was quite a lot of physical donkey work involved that we just couldn’t do ourselves, and they did a great job!

I’ll show you exactly what we’ve done, and what it was like before… I have to admit that seeing these new pictures makes our tiered garden look extremely stripped-back and desolate now, but obviously this will change in due course. 

Before

After

As you can see above, we’ve replaced the extremely dangerous and broken steps with solid new ones made out of railway sleepers. We’ve had the majority of vegetation removed from either side of the new steps (although keeping a couple of ‘statement’ plants/trees) so we can start afresh. We still need to put a couple of walls of sleepers in either side to create new, sloped beds and so any new soil added doesn’t slip down. Once this has been done then we can start to think about what plants will work best. I’m am SO pleased we have these steps now in our tiered garden as they are so much safer for the children, plus they’ll look great once the rest of the garden is finished as at the moment they look a little stark. 

Before

After

What a difference, even if it does look like a mud wilderness at the moment! Some people might wonder what the hell we’ve done as the tiered garden was so lovely and green before, but it will hopefully be like that again at some stage. To be honest, we had to do what we did, as this back bit of the garden was in so many funny mini-tiers and levels, plus the back wall was leaning and unsafe so we had to get it sorted. It was just such a waste of space when it was all overgrown and wasn’t levelled. Now we have two big spaces in which to put a large climbing frame, as well as move the trampoline and playhouse to. 

We’ve also built a new, small set of chunky steps leading up to the very back tier, which again, are much safer for the children. Once the children’s bits have been installed and the surfacing down (hopefully nice, muted green rubber chipping to blend in a little more), we can perhaps place some plants/shrubs in pots around the outside of the play area. The builders also replaced that dangerous back wall with one made out of sleepers and posts n’ concrete, so again much safer, and also it looks much nicer too. Sloane and Sons have created a great guide on how to make your garden safe and child-friendly. 

I hope we can show in a few months time what can be achieved in a tiered garden to make it child-friendly, and some of our tiered garden ideas put into practice, and I’m so excited to get working on the climbing frame area with a favourite company of mine (all going well!). 

Will update you with future progress on our tiered garden as and when we have it!

I also thought it might be helpful to answer some FAQs when it comes to tiered gardens, in case you were considering designing one…

Do you need planning permission to tier your garden?

Whether you need planning permission to tier your garden depends on several factors, including the height of the tiers, the impact on neighbouring properties, and whether your home is in a conservation area or subject to specific planning restrictions. Generally, minor landscaping works, including creating terraces or tiers with retaining walls under a certain height (typically 30cm to 1m), do not require permission. However, if significant excavation is involved, the tiers alter natural drainage, or retaining walls exceed permitted development limits, you may need to seek approval from your local planning authority. It’s always best to check with your council before starting any major garden alterations.

How much does it cost to level your garden?

The cost of levelling a garden can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the area, the extent of the work required, soil removal needs, and whether professional landscapers are hired. On average, levelling a small garden might cost between £500 and £1,500, while larger or more complex projects involving excavation, retaining walls, or additional drainage solutions can range from £2,000 to £10,000 or more. DIY levelling can reduce costs, but hiring professionals ensures proper grading, drainage, and stability. Additional expenses for a tiered garden may arise if new turf, decking, or landscaping features are added after levelling.

How to Plan a Tiered Garden for Maximum Functionality

When designing a tiered garden, it’s important to consider what you’re going to use each level for in order to maximise its functionality for everyone in the family. Start by defining the key areas of your garden—each tier should serve a specific function. For example, one tier could be dedicated to planting flowers, shrubs or a small herb garden, while another could be used for seating or outdoor dining. Like us, if you have children, you’ll want to consider placing a play area on one of the tiers, where it’s easy to supervise them, with soft grass or rubber mulch for safety. You could also incorporate multifunctional spaces, such as a tiered vegetable patch where kids can get involved in gardening (we have plans for runner beans and tomatoes in pots), or even a small garden stage for family performances or storytelling. This approach not only makes the garden more usable, but it also adds visual interest, creating different “zones” that can be enjoyed by all. By thinking carefully about the needs of your family and guests when it comes to a tiered garden, you can design a tiered garden that is practical, enjoyable, and safe for everyone.

Other FAQs when Planning a Tiered Garden:

1. What is a tiered garden?

   • A tiered garden is one that features multiple levels or “tiers” separated by retaining walls or steps, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional space for growing plants or playing.

2. How can I make a tiered garden safe for young children?

   • Use soft, natural materials like grass or rubber mulch on the paths. Ensure steps have handrails or edges to avoid trips, and avoid sharp plant edges that could harm children.

3. What plants are best for a child-friendly garden?

   • Opt for non-toxic plants like lavender, sunflowers, or soft grasses. Avoid thorny or poisonous plants such as foxglove, and ensure there are no sharp or hazardous elements in your garden design.

4. How do I prevent falls in a tiered garden?

   • Install sturdy railings or edges for each level. Ensure steps are wide and have low slopes. Use soft materials like grass or rubber on the ground around stairs and ledges to cushion falls.

5. Can I include a play area in a tiered garden?

   • Absolutely! You can create a play area on one of the levels, adding a sandbox, climbing frame, or a swing. Make sure it’s visible and accessible from the main garden areas.

6. How do I keep a tiered garden maintained when young children are involved?

   • Keep the layout simple and ensure the garden is child-proof by using durable, low-maintenance plants and materials. Encourage kids to help with age-appropriate tasks, such as watering plants.

Do you have any garden plans for this year? I’d love you to share them in the comments below.

See some more garden ideas over on my Pinterest page

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.