Matchstick Garden £1.75 for a book of ten from the Design Museum Shop Each stick has a seed in the tip to grow herbs or wild flowers.

As Earth Day 2013 comes around on April 22, our thoughts turn to how we can all protect our precious environment.Turning your garden into a happy haven for wildlife helps the environment, provides hours of fun for children, educates them about

In Their HandsOur children have a vested interest in the wellbeing of our planet, so how can we spur them into eco-action?Garden PartyYou are cordially invited to months of joy in your own backyard. Children will have a ball this summer with garden party games

Whether you see the rusty hues of autumn leaves or the vibrant yellow of a spring daffodil, a wealth of beautiful colours are all around us in nature. Take your child for a walk through your garden or local park and see how many colours you can spot

encourage so many things in your child – an appreciation for the wonders of nature, a delight in colours and shapes; even a child’s bent for becoming a botanist.While most children quickly take up the challenge of searching for a Weasel Snout or Bats

giggled at the toddlers wearing squeaky shoes (a design feature to encourage reluctant walkers). We also liked the straightforward no-nonsense approach to hygiene in the dog garden, which read: “Pick up your dog’s shit”.Then it was time for another spot

and Axel Scheffler Macmillan, £5.99 (first published 2003)Donaldson and Scheffler unite for a beautiful story that encourages children to see how important we all are, big or small. A small snail longs to sail the seas and by hitching a ride with his