In the heart of the U.S. is a state, called Illinois, often known as the "Prairie State". Here, it is as if Mother Nature has her own special paintbrush, changing the scenery with every season. From the twinkling snow of Chicago winters to the golden hues of the Harvest season, Illinois is a beauty to behold. Now, imagine a group of children from this very state who have embarked on a curious adventure, not into a magic forest or a fairy land, but into the humble, messy, utterly magnificent world of gardening. These are the Green Thumb Squad of Illinois, a team of young soil samurais, tackling any weed that dares to pop its head up and whispering sweet compliments to the tomato plants to get them to blush a rosy red. Their leader is none other than the legendary Sir Shovel-a-Lot, a garden gnome with a bright blue hat and a twinkle in his eye that outshines the morning dew. Sir Shovel-a-Lot, with his magical shovel, guides the Green Thumb Squad, teaching them the secrets of the earth and the stories of every seed. He makes the tough work of gardening giggle-worthy, making funny faces when he digs up earthworms and narrating hilarious tales of battling 'evil' garden pests. So, if you ever find yourself in Illinois, keep an eye out for the Green Thumb Squad and their magical garden, where laughter grows like a sunflower in the sunshine and where every child learns that with a seed of hope and a dash of fun, miracles can bloom beneath their very hands.

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best gardening programs in Glencoe, IL

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For parents looking to engage their children in fun and educational activities during the school year, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers day camps during winter, spring, and summer school breaks, as well as school days off. These camps are staffed by highly qualified professionals and are accredited through the American Camping Association. Children can explore the Garden and all nature has to offer through a variety of activities including plant and nature investigations, science and art projects, and outdoor explorations. Register your children today to experience the Garden's exciting and educational adventures! Make the most of school breaks and days off with the Chicago Botanic Garden's day camps! Led by a team of highly qualified staff and accredited by the American Camping Association, the Garden offers a range of activities that will keep your children engaged and entertained. From plant investigations and outdoor discoveries to science and art projects, your children can explore the Garden and all it has to offer. Give your children the opportunity to participate in these action packed adventures and register them today! Take advantage of the Chicago Botanic Garden's day camps and keep your children engaged in fun and educational activities throughout the school year. Highly qualified professionals lead the camps, which are accredited by the American Camping Association, and feature a variety of activities including nature and plant investigations, science and art activities, and outdoor explorations. Let your children experience the Garden's exciting and educational adventures and register them today!

Glencoe, IL 60022
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For 50 years, the Chicago Botanic Garden has been a beautiful place to visit. Now, it is one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. Spanning 385 acres and including 28 gardens and four natural areas, the Garden offers something for everyone. Its Bonsai Collection is renowned, and its Lenhardt Library contains 150,000 volumes, including an impressive collection of rare botanical books. Each year, more than one million people visit the Garden to take part in programs and classes, stroll the grounds, and explore the nine laboratories of the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. With over 50,000 members, it is one of the largest memberships of any U.S. botanic garden. The Garden is also accredited by the American Association of Museums, showing its commitment to excellence in all areas.

Glencoe, IL 60022
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