Garden Design 28: Young At Heart | Vite Greenhouses
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June 9, 2026

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Young At Heart
A COLLECTION TO CAPTIVATE CHILDREN
If you have children, grandchildren, or frequent young visitors, a special garden for them can introduce them to the enchantment of plants. Many of these selections have delightful, descriptive common names that are easy to associate with the plants they identify, such as Hairgrass (Deschampsia), Goat's Beard (Aruncus), and Balloon Flower (Platycodon). Nepeta and Thymus have a pleasing fragrance when picked or rubbed. The soft feel of Lamb's Ear (Stachys) is an enticing feature, especially for younger children. And the ability of Obedient Plant (Physostegia) flower stems to hold a position as they are bent is another fascinating trait. The Buddleia adds movement and will draw wandering butterflies for children to watch. Plant this garden in a sunny location with good drainage. Even though this garden uses plants appealing to children, adults also are bound to enjoy the colors, shapes, and textures throughout the gardening season.


a. Aruncus dioicus
Height 4-6', Spacing 24-36".
h. Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'
Height 36", Spacing 24-36".
b. Buddleia 'Harlequin'
Height 6-8', Spacing 4-5'.
i. Physostegia 'Miss Manners'
Height 24-36", Spacing 18-24".
c. Deschampsia 'Northern Lights'
Height 24-36", Spacing 24-30".
j. Platycodon 'Fuji Blue'
Height 24-36", Spacing 15-18".
d. Dicentra spectabilis
Height 24-36", Spacing 24-30".
k. Salvia 'May Night'
Height 18-20", Spacing 12-15".
e. Echinacea 'Magnus'
Height 36", Spacing 15-18".
l. Scabiosa 'Butterfly Blue'
Height 12-18", Spacing 12-18".
f. Geranium 'Rozanne'
Height 18-20", Spacing 24-36".
m. Stachys byzantina
Height 12-18", Spacing 15-18".
g. Gypsophila 'Festival Star'
Height 15", Spacing 18-24".
n. Thymus 'Mother of Thyme'
Height 3-4", Spacing 12-18".
This garden includes 45 plants of 14 cultivars. Substitutions of similar plants may be made if some varieties are not available.
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helpful hints
  • Plant this garden surrounding your chiildren's play area or sand box.
  • Play word games with your children to help them identify and remember each plant in the children's garden. Aruncus is commonly named Goat's Beard and Stachys is called Lamb's Ear.
  • Ask your children where they would most like to see their garden planted and make a day out of ceating your children's space together.
  • By substituting for or eliminating the Buddleaia, this garden could be a Zone 5 collection.
Credits: Etera Perennial Guide, Vol. 1, 1999

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