Keep the kids entertained in the garden this summer

Turn your garden into a sensory playground this summer

Simple plants, herbs and games can help children explore nature through touch, smell and taste during the school holidays

Parents searching for screen-free ways to entertain children this summer can transform even the smallest outdoor space or windowsill into a sensory garden.

Plants with distinctive textures, fragrances and flavours offer children a hands-on introduction to gardening while helping them develop fine motor skills, confidence and vocabulary.

Texture is one of the easiest places to begin. Lamb’s ear is particularly appealing because of its soft, velvety silver-grey leaves, while ornamental grasses provide a gentle swishing sensation.

Snapdragons can also add an element of play. When the base of the flower is squeezed carefully, it opens and closes like a tiny mouth.

Herbs introduce another dimension because many release their fragrance when brushed or gently rubbed between the fingers.

Mint, lemon balm and rosemary produce strong and easily recognisable scents, while lavender has a softer aroma. Hardy varieties including sage and thyme are also capable of withstanding plenty of attention from enthusiastic young gardeners.

Several pots can be arranged together to create a simple smelling game. Children can close their eyes before attempting to identify each herb or compare the different fragrances.

Choosing plants that produce visible results quickly can help maintain their interest. Nasturtiums are easy to grow, with edible leaves, flowers and seeds, while sunflowers provide an obvious sense of progress as they grow taller each week.

Cherry tomatoes require more patience but eventually give children something they can pick and eat.

Families can turn pots into a sensory trail along a garden path, patio or balcony. The same idea can also work on a sunny windowsill for households without a garden.

Children could be challenged to match textures to descriptions or identify plants from their scent. Homegrown herbs can then be used in simple meals, such as mint in fruit salad or basil on homemade pizza.

Providing children with their own small watering can, gloves and trowel can also give them a sense of responsibility and encourage them to care for the plants independently.

Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, said families did not need a large garden or specialist equipment to create the activity.

“A few well-chosen plants in pots on a doorstep or windowsill can be just as exciting for a child as a huge garden,” he said.

“It’s about letting them touch, smell and explore and get them connected with nature.”