Non Toxic Garden

I would work this from the opposite direction - a list of plants to NOT include. Have a look at : http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/poisonous-garden-plants-153943.pdf
A comprehensive list to check your planting list with.

John there is a comprehenisve list of toxic garden plants on Google. Just type in Toxic Garden Plants and its at the top of the page.
We were only discussing the lack of such information the other day, at garden centres etc.
Good luck.

Wagger, we crossed in the post, well in a way!

A sensory garden would be nice, for taste and smell there are many non toxic herbs.

Far more plants than most folk imagine are toxic, whether they just give you an upset tummy or actually poison you... Once you've got a list together John you are welcome to run it by us in case we spot anything you've missed on the toxic front. Good luck!

See what you mean, Mad, lol.

In simple terms, here are a few. You can get Nasturtiums, Stocks (Ten week) English pot Marigolds, (Calendula). Sweet Peas (sown now in pots), gives you a good start, first year display.
In Autumn, Wallflowers, Polyanthus and Pansies, bulbs can be bad news as they can be dug up and eaten by animals. Good soil is all they need without bulk fertilisers. Andrea's herbs could be an added extra. All these plants will withstand wear and tear.

lavender then should be a 'must have'

Hello John have sent you a pm

All the best with your lovely gift which will enhance so many lives. sue x

Have you thought about growing vegetables and fruit in their garden?

Will that give the resident the same joy as flowers Ian? Also parts of some fruit and vegetables are toxic. F & V will also require more work and effort than just having non-toxic flowers.

Your very right MG, F & V will take more looking after but I do know of a scheme where people with similar conditions have a veg patch in their garden and they love it and care for it themselves. I know this would take an awful amount of work to set up but in the long run could help the residents to learn a lot more than just having a lovely flower bed would.
Holly goes there every so often (for assessment) and I roll my sleeves up and help out while the Dr's. are doing their thing. The residents at the centre are sooooo proud of the work they have done and the veg is as good as any I can grow.

I guess we need to hear what John has to say on the topic Ian...

I would like to thank all respondants to my question, I have now to sit down and work out what will suit this garden. It may be a while before I have sorted
this but I will come back with my ideas etc for comment.
Again thanks to all - John15

Good luck John, keep us posted and - maybe even a quick blog with pix. once you've sorted?