Cultivating Wonder: A Guide to Creating a Children’s Garden — Rare Plants Online

In the world of gardening, children emerge as natural enthusiasts. Their innate curiosity and joy in immersing their hands in soil, witnessing growth, and participating in gardening activities alongside their parents are unmatched. Envisioning a little nook in the garden that a child can call their own amplifies this joy. But the question arises, what…

In the world of gardening, children emerge as natural enthusiasts. Their innate curiosity and joy in immersing their hands in soil, witnessing growth, and participating in gardening activities alongside their parents are unmatched. Envisioning a little nook in the garden that a child can call their own amplifies this joy. But the question arises, what should populate this magical space? I propose a blend of whimsy and interactive delight, featuring plants that captivate through touch, scent, or their unique charm, and not forgetting those that beckon to our pollinating friends, creating a garden distinct from the adults’.

Here’s a selection of plants guaranteed to enchant the young gardener in your life.

Edible Wonders: Immediate Delights

Imagine the thrill of harvesting and instantly enjoying the fruits of one’s garden. Begin with the Strawberry ‘Elan’, a Dutch hybrid known for its prolonged bounty of exceptionally sweet berries from spring to early fall. Next, introduce cherry or grape tomatoes into the mix. Varieties like ‘Sweet 100’, ‘Sun Gold’, and ‘Red Grape’ offer sweet, bite-sized treats.

For an unusual pick, consider the ‘Oregon Sugarpod II’ dwarf snow pea, perfect for snacking straight from the vine. And of course, the beloved sunflower, particularly the ‘Mammoth’ variety, provides seeds that can be enjoyed raw or roasted for a delightful snack.

Intriguing Flora: Sparking Curiosity

Add plants that ignite wonder and questions. Love-in-a-Mist (Nigella species) with its sky-blue flowers, Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) resembling little extraterrestrial heads, and the transformative Cup & Saucer vine (Cobaea scandens) are sure to fascinate. The Candy Corn plant (Cuphea micropetala) with its unique flowers, Marigold ‘Harlequin’ for a dash of vibrant colors, and the almost surreal Living Stone plant (Pleiospilos nelii) add layers of curiosity and amazement.

Touch and Discover: A Sensory Adventure

Children learn through touch, making tactile plants a must. Woolly Mulleins (Verbascum species) and Parrot’s Beak (Lotus berthelotii) offer distinct textures for exploration. Creeping Raspberry (Rubus calycinoides) and Pink Muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) provide contrasting soft and rough textures to engage young fingers.

Aromatic Bliss: Scents to Remember

Incorporate plants with captivating fragrances. Sweet Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens ‘Alba’) and White Evening Primrose (Oenothera pallida) fill the air with their sweet aromas. Mock Orange (Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’) and Citronella (Pelargonium citrosum ‘Citronella’) not only smell divine but also invite touch, enhancing the sensory garden experience.

Pollinator Pals: Learning and Conservation

Encourage a love for nature’s helpers by planting varieties like the Pincushion flower (Scabiosa species), Borage (Borago officinalis), and Blue Bedder Echium (Echium plantagineum ‘Blue Bedder’), attracting bees and butterflies. Hollyhocks (Alcea pallida) and the Ladybird poppy (Papaver commutatum) serve as beautiful beacons for pollinators, while Fennel ‘Zifa Fino’ provides a home for the Anise Swallowtail butterfly.

Edibles in Bloom: A Taste of Nature

Educate and amaze with edible flowers like nasturtiums, sweet peas, calendulas, and violets. These not only add color and flavor to dishes but also offer a delightful surprise that one can indeed eat flowers!

Herbal Explorations: Fragrant and Culinary Delights

Introduce herbs such as lavender, mint, and thyme, offering sensory enjoyment and practical culinary uses. These easy-to-grow plants provide aromatic pleasure and are a lesson in sustainable living.

Garden Artistry: Creativity Unleashed

Finally, blend art and gardening by incorporating child-created art pieces or whimsical decorations. Equip young gardeners with kid-sized tools and encourage them to label their plant friends, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity in their garden space.

In creating a children’s garden, we not only cultivate plants but also nurture young minds, instilling a lifelong appreciation for nature, growth, and the environment.

Originally published at https://rareplantsonline.com on March 22, 2024.