In schoolyards and playgrounds, children climb and scramble. They wander among the plants, looking for edible berries and small insects to admire.

The plants in these areas should preferably be free of thorns and spines and non-toxic to humans and animals. They should preferably be hardy species that can withstand rough conditions. They must be drought-tolerant and require little maintenance.

Edible shrubs and perennials are ideal for a schoolyard or playground. Examples include the hazel (Corylus avelana), the serviceberry (Amelanchier lamarckii), and soft fruits such as raspberries and red or black currants. Herbs add an extra dimension with their aromatic leaves, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage.

Shade is a welcome addition to playgrounds and schoolyards. Larger trees with broad canopies are suitable for providing shade, for example, over an outdoor classroom or a slide. Fast-growing species are appealing because they provide the desired shade fairly quickly after planting. Suitable trees include Prunus avium, Acer pseudoplatanus, Malus baccata ‘Streetparade’, Tilia, and Walnut (Juglans).

Species that can withstand climbing and scrambling include Acer campestre and Carpinus betulus. Salix alba is also a good choice because of its vigorous growth and ability to regenerate.

Children sometimes forget that plants are fragile when they’re playing. We therefore recommend using hardy plant varieties. It’s a good idea to cordon off planting beds with stakes or a low fence to prevent them from being trampled.