Oh I am thinking of doing a small area as a herb garden, with mint, thyme, parsley etc. Having a small area to grow some bits with the children, tomatos, strawberries etc. I was wondering about some 'smelly' shrubs, like lavender and heather. Do they work in a garden? thanks

It depends how big your garden is, but a paved area (all weather play area) with pots with flowers (children love growing plants), herb area as Flik suggests, don't grow Lilies- the pollen can stain clothes, small veg area- lots of beans, peas etc grow in small areas just need watering and occaissional feed maybe a sandpit- cover with a board to stop the rain and cats getting into it?

I don't know how old the children you mind are, Flik, but if you can get them involved in the garden, it will mean a lot to them. Maybe a part devoted to something annual, colorful and fast-growing, like Californian poppies, or nigella, that they can sow the seeds themselves and watch as they germinate, grow and flower....?