The Children’s Garden contains plants that have a pleasant or interesting smell, texture, or history, as well as plants that are useful in keeping children well. An example of the latter is the peppermint (Mentha piperita) shown above which relaxes smooth muscle tissue and thus is good for tummy aches.

African marigold (Tagetes erecta) is the authentic insect repellent marigold; the flower itself contains a chemical which most insects find disagreeable. The flower petals are used in South America as a weak dye.

Banana (Musa sp.) contains potassium which is helpful in relieving growing pains. Antifungal and antibacterial properties can be found in both the pulp and the peel of fully ripe bananas. Bananas also feed the natural acidophilus in the intestinal tract.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuum) thrives in sunny temperate climates, but it withstands a range of temperatures. Certain varieties of sunflower have been bred to produce maximum yields of oil. Because of the size of the blossom, the flower naturally attracts a large number of pollinators, such as birds, butterflies and bees.