Nursery tales

Gardening author Hilton Carter's latest book Living Wild is all about choosing and styling the right plants for cute kids' spaces

- Hilton Carter

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then surely a child's room must be the imagination. And there is so much that can be done to capture the imagination of a child when styling their room. A child's own space should be cosy, colourful, and, of course, cute. Let's be honest if it's going to be anything, it should definitely be cute. But more than this, a young person's mind should be encouraged to explore and run wild within their room. The books, the toys, the wallpaper and artworks that grace the walls - creating a little world for your little ones is so important, and it also brings a great deal of joy to a parent.

As with every other room in the home, the addition of plants to a nursery or child's room will change the mood and bring benefits to those that dwell alongside them. But of course you want to keep your little angels safe. So when plant styling a child's room, it's essential to avoid any plants that might be dangerous for kids to touch or ingest. Instead, look for fun ways to introduce plants that are child-friendly. On the following pages, you'll find some of my favourite techniques and tips when styling a child's room with plants.

A couple of years ago, if you'd asked me about styling a nursery, I would have immediately pictured somewhere you go to purchase young plants and trees. But nowadays, when I'm asked the same question, my mind goes directly to my daughter's room. Her nursery. Recently I became a father to a beautiful baby girl and since the day she arrived I've been an emotional mess. I've cried without warning, smiled until my face ached, and slept... oh yeah, I haven't slept. By the time this book is published, I will be the father of a 20-month-old baby girl named Holland. Actually, if this book ever comes out, it'll be a miracle because...I'm the father of a new little human. I mean I've propagated plants before but a whole human?