When we bought our house almost five years ago, we were so excited to explore the backyard. The house had been previously owned by an elderly couple who loved to garden and then was abandoned for about a year. We moved in in the fall and began right away cutting back the wild to expose the bones. And then we had baby #1. Gardening took place between naps and with her in a sling or front pouch. As she got older, we had to entertain her in the yard in order to get our hands dirty. We were given a small plastic slide and bought a plastic sandbox. But (thankfully) our kid was more of an explorer and the plastic sandbox quickly lost its charm. With baby #1 now a four and a half years old and baby #2 growing like weed, A and I have been rethinking our backyard play situation. We began with the notion of pre-fab playstructures. Then we moved on to A building a playstructure to fit our yard. And now we have decided on a treehouse.
Doesn’t that look fun?? (image source: http://www.treehouses.com/treehouse/treesort/photos.html)
We have a gorgeous tall and strong tree in the middle of the yard. It oversees the perennial gardens (including a lovely collection of rose bushes) and the wisteria arch. And now it will provide enjoyment for our little ones. And so I have been on the hunt for inspiration. If you check out any of the links below, make it Barbara Butler. Her treehouses/forts are works of art.
Treehouse/Fort Architects and Builders:
http://www.treehouseworkshop.com/port_kids.html
Resources:
http://www.thetreehouseguide.com/
http://www.b4ubuild.com/books/playhouses.shtml
And check out this link on Rewilding Childhood
