When most people think about accessible gardens, the first ideas that come to mind are wide pathways and raised beds for those with mobility challenges. But when you’re designing a garden for the whole family—children included—there’s much more to consider.

San Diego Master Gardener Stephen Cantu, developed the concept of Family Inclusive Gardening (FIG) around seven basic principles:

• Equitable Use
• Flexibility in Use
• Simple, Intuitive Use
• Perceptible Information
• Tolerance for Error
• Low Physical Effort
• Size and Space for Approach and Use

The team at Epic Gardening explained these principles beautifully in their article “Accessible Garden Design: Universal Garden Concepts.” They highlight practical approaches—like adding wind chimes along pathways—that make a garden not just functional, but sensory-rich and engaging. Their Accessible Gardens page is also full of helpful tips for getting started.

As I worked on the Planning section of Natural Gardening for Families, I found these resources especially valuable.

And if you’re looking for a spark of inspiration, don’t miss the video tour of Stephen Cantu’s stunning two-acre garden paradise—a living example of family-inclusive gardening in action.