Fun Garden Games for all ages

With purse strings tight and a family weekend at a theme park costing short of a week for two in Majorca there is no better time than to utilise our outdoor space and have some fun with garden games for all the family. I am very sure that the majority of us have fond memories of at least one particular board game. Whether the suspense of snakes and ladders or the more strategic 4 in a row is preferred these classic games cannot only strengthen basic social skills but can also provide the foundations for fond memories. With a range of educational elements they can also help children with focussed tasks, not to mention fulfilling children’s most desired way to pass the time and that is to be with you. While we all lead busy lives, garden games can enrich the time we spend with our children and satisfy their thirst for competing and learning new skills.

Giant Snakes and Ladders

Without trying to avoid the rapid development of childhood treasures it is never more important to find a balance between the necessary gadgets of the digital generation and satisfaction of simple educational games that have been moulding characters for years. Timeless games such as skittles and the more sophisticated croquet can teach children basic skills that will carry them right into adulthood. Apart from sharing and taking turns these activities will provoke interaction with others that no amount of online games will provide. The strategic thinking required in chess can encourage young people to not only think more strategically but to expand their skills in problem solving. Get knotted, along with other physical games will encourage everyone to get active in the garden while having fun and will make a valuable contribution to a healthier lifestyle for children and adults alike. A range of gym equipment for all ages can also be the perfect addition to your garden to keep everybody fit and healthy. Games tables such as air hockey, pool and table tennis can encourage competitive games between pairs or even provide weeks of fun if a tournament is organised, building confidence and helping children avoid falling into the common trap of dreading school sports. Alternatively, sandpits allow younger children to explore their senses and can be therapeutic for any challenging behaviour young people may struggle with.

Croquet Sets

These oversized activities will not only add a contemporary look to any lawn or terrace but can also add a fun twist to any garden party. Some would argue that the humble board game has played an intricate role in the development of society and that the rise of social media could have a detrimental effect on the structure of social relationships as we know them. Croquet in fact was one of the first opportunities for women to play outdoor games with men, with tight croquet offering the perfect opportunity for the ball to be hit into the bushes and team mates to search for it together. So why not abandon the tweets for one weekend and invite some friends over for some good wholesome fun….you never know who you might meet while searching for that ball! Nicky's Seeds and Garden Games

Grass seed for beautiful lawns

As with anything planted from seed preparation and maintenance is key in producing a beautiful lawn. Sowing lawn seed is not only more cost effective than turf but it also offers a wide variety of mixtures. From woodland grass seed for heavy shaded areas to ornamental lawn and greens for the more delicate plots you are sure to find a mixture to suit your needs. Choose a lawn mixture such as back lawn for family spaces. The rye grass in the mixture will help it grow in more hardwearing areas. Growing lawn seed will also allow you to cover small spaces in your garden to make sure areas such as corners and slopes are evenly spread with lush grass.

Front lawn seed

Sow grass seed anytime from late summer to mid autumn. Skim and level the soil making sure it is free from weeds and stones. Walk on the soil to firm it down and then rake it again to a fine level finish before lightly raking in a granular fertilizer. Wait 2 – 3 days before sowing the grass seed into marked areas. Shake the box of lawn seed before scattering the seeds in one direction and then the opposite direction to make sure all areas are covered. Once covered with lawn seed, lightly rake over the area and water well. It is important to stretch some netting over the top to protect the lawn seed from birds and be sure not to let the new lawn dry out. Keep any weeds away and when the new grass had grown about 2 inches high cut it with a mower. Rake up the clippings after the first few cuts but there is no need to continue, as the clippings will recycle nutrients into the soil.
To maintain your new lawn and help defend it against weeds, disease and any unwanted insects it is vital to keep it watered, fed and regularly mowed. If using sprinklers during the summer months it is important to use them regularly as inconsistent watering can cause your lawn to become stressed and damaged. Water your lawn early in the morning to allow the grass to dry during the day. Water deeply to encourage root growth and leave an empty jar within reach of the sprinklers to measure the amount of water used. When an inch of water is collected it is time to turn off the water. Feed a lawn twice a year with a lawn fertilizer high in nitrogen and mow it little and often to help it to maintain moisture throughout the year. Try not to cut your grass seed too short and repair mowers regularly as dull blades can damage grass. Rather than treating the whole lawn with weed killer, treat weeds directly.
As your lawn matures it will become more accustomed to its location and surroundings and will flourish. Maintaining each simple step discussed will mean you can enjoy your garden with pride, knowing you have enriched the soil, sown the lawn seed and maintained your lovely lawn to produce grass that is always greener on your side of the fence.