Child Planting Wheelbarrow

A collectible child’s wheelbarrow planted with succulents such as sempervivum makes a fun gardening project for children. Being of some value, the wheelbarrow was not drilled with holes! This dictated both the planting — which is drought-tolerant — and a sunny position protected from rain, to avoid waterlogging. To plant, cover the base with a 2cm depth of gravel and then compost. Once each succulent was planted, it was surrounded by fine grit, to prevent damp earth causing the fleshy leaves to rot. These sempervivum ahave strong silhouettes that show up well against a grit mulch. Shells add a final touch, brought back from various seaside holidays both at home and abroad. Succulents are especially good plants for children to grow, easy-going and tolerant of healthy neglect.