Ideas for a child's garden within an allotment

[OhdearNigel]

We have set aside an area about 12 x 6m for DDs play area at the lottie. Hopefully we will have [http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130674835044?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1426.l2649#ht_864wt_1396 this] in it, our sandpit, a small raised bed for her to grow strawberries & other things, a little table and chair, a little patio by the playhouse for her blueberry bush (she is obsessed with them) and some wind chimes that she was given for her birthday.

She is 2 +2m. Any other bright ideas for things to include ? We are going to grass seed the area and put a low fence round it to section it off from the productive areas

bother

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130674835044?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1426.l2649#ht_864wt_1396

At the risk of sounding negative, are you sure your allotment committee will allow you to do this? It sounds delightful, but our committee would quibble at having such a large space 'unproductive' (strawberries notwithstanding) and would blow a gasket at the playhouse.

No problem at all. Other plots have similar things and it would only take up about an eighth of the plot. There are no rules on productivity at our plots - you are free to use your land as you like as long as it is maintained. The rest of our plot is crammed to the rafters with plants anyway

Also the area is 12 x 6 ft, not metres

Well, now you have clarified the measurements, it's less of a shock!

Well in that case it sounds lovely. How about a bird feeder and bug house too?

Bird feeder sounds brilliant idea as we can't have it in the garden due to our cats. She loves watching the birds. What is a bug house ?

Bug houses come in various forms. Some are a bundle of hollow sticks (you can make your own from small bamboos and other hollow stems) and some are logs with holes drilled in them. They all serve the same purpose, which is to provide overwintering shelter for ladybirds and other beneficial bugs. Most of the gardening websites and garden centres sell them.

How about sunflowers & other flowers such as cosmos, callendula and corn flowers?

And some window boxes on the playhouse!

We have a similar sized area for DD. We are planning to incorporate some sturdy plants too, chives, chard, nasturtium etc, just in case there is a problem with it not being used for food. :o