I’ve always been keen to get the family as a whole involved in gardening, I have fond memories of gardening with my Grandma as a young child and I think that this is where my love of growing things developed. Following on from my post about garden activities for children here’s a list of my top ten plants for a child friendly garden.
1. Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) – This perennial with its fuzzy leaves is a favourite in any child’s garden. Children love to feel the soft silvery leaves.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) – Butterfly bushes make wonderful small trees in a child’s garden and most children are fascinated by the winged creatures attracted to the plants.
3. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) – These cheery, yellow annuals are fun and easy to grow, see who can grow the tallest!
4. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) – They can pick the flowers and make them talk. I remember doing this in my Grandma’s garden as a child.
5. Mint (Mentha) – Children enjoy the smell of different types of mint and rub the leaves between their fingers to release the scent.
6. Thyme (Thymus) – Use this plant between stepping stones. It is tough enough to handle the occasional mis-step.
7. Curry Plant (Helichrysum italicum) – The warm spicy aroma smells just like curry.
8. Carrots – Children like the fluffy tops and enjoy the surprise of finding veggies growing underground – watch out and you might catch a glimpse of Peter Rabbit!
9. Lavender (Lavandula) – The foliage of these plants is a lovely grey green, but the best part for kids is picking the scented flowering wands.
10. Grass – It smells great when freshly cut and cushions them when they fall over!
The Simplicity Project 