Scratch your child's name on a marrow and they can watch it expand as the marrow grows. Try to include a few herbs such as thyme and mint that are hardy and smell wonderful. Make a small seat facing their garden so the kids can spend time there in comfort.

Younger children can plant up their own containers. Include lots of extra grit at the bottom to avoid waterlogging, however much water is given. Kids like plants that are interesting to touch so grow a few grey/hairy-leaved plants such as Stachys lanata. Bright colours will also excite interest - try Mesembryanthemum.

Encouraging wildlife and birds in the garden will fascinate children - be sure to have a few birdfeeders hanging around. See Wildlife Gardening for other ideas.

When they are older, develop a space for adventurous play such as an area of dense planting to create a jungle area where kids can hide and make dens. If there's space, try to give older children their own area to play ball games without damaging your plants. Surround the space with a tough hedge - privet is ideal.