if the soil is fertile and they are naturally adept plants, they may get along with minimal nutrients and the rain....

i believe its primarily deer and cats that like to eat the buds, but not sure. cougar or wolf urine would probably scare most animals to safe distance. or put a small circle of chickenwire around.

for kids, your best bet it finding something it will blend in with and be hidden. (which is good, cuz that kind of area would most likely have good soil conditions if theres other plants)