Suzanne Barry's Page

For many people nature and gardens can be healing places. Having a connection with a natural environment is especially beneficial for children. Children's gardens become a place for discovery, experimentation, learning about the cycles of life and play. A successful, child friendly, nature site needs to have elements that encourage their sense of adventure. Many children have had little or no exposure to wild places. They may have some false preconceived ideas and fears. The more they are exposed to natural places, allowing them freedom to explore and observe, they realize their connection to all things. This knowledge helps to inform the personal choices that will impact their lives and society.

I design children's gardens through the eyes of children. Sometimes, the box is more fun than the toy. The garden needs to be a hands on experience, places to hide and may be a bit messy and incorrect. I have been working with children in natural environments for 15yrs. I've learned that it isn't always a controllable environment. Nature and children both have spontaneous moments. There have been garden planting days that feel like I just gardened with a bunch of puppies. Plants were stepped on, holes were dug in the wrong spots, leaves pulled off plants and mud everywhere. Through it all, fun and learning was still going on.