How to... create a flower border for a child

Introducing children to gardening will give them an appreciation of plants and nature that they'll hopefully carry for the rest of their lives.

Give them a space of their own that enjoys full sunlight, with well-prepared soil to ensure that everything will grow quickly and flourish.

Pick plants that are easy to grow and will give quick results. Here are our favourite child-friendly plants:

Runner beans: Create a wigwam from bamboo canes. Sow seed at the base, thinning them to leave only the strongest. Be sure to water them well.

Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena): Bright blue flowers, with seed-heads that rattle when shaken.

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis): Easily grown from seeds, and you can add petals to salads too.

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus):  Easily grown from seeds, plants can grow 1ft per week. You and the children could take a plant each and race them until the plants reach maturity.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote'): Scented flowers that can be cut and dried for indoors.

Curry plant (Helichrysum italicum): Kids will love (or love to hate!) the spicy scent given off on sunny days.

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