Photo byEli PlumaonUnsplash

In a whimsical, far-off land, known to the common folk as New Jersey, a motley crew of pint-sized green-thumbed adventurers gather in their sun-spattered gardens. This isn't your everyday, run-of-the-mill state, oh no! Here, tomatoes grow as big as trampolines and sunflowers scrape the candy-floss clouds. From the bustling boardwalks of the Jersey Shore to the rolling hills of the Skylands, these soil-loving sprites can be found up to their elbows in dirt and delight. Meet our chief green thumb, Garden Gertie, a sprightly character with a sunflower bonnet and rain boots that twinkle like dew drops. With a giggle that sounds like springtime and eyes as bright as Jersey sweet corn, she guides these New Jersey kiddos on their garden adventures. The New Jersey children aren't ordinary either. These are kids who can grow carrots longer than a school bus, cabbages as big as a house, and roses so fragrant they could make a skunk swoon! They talk to worms like they are old friends, and dance when the first sprouts peek out of the earth, giggle at the tickle of a ladybug's feet, and blush the color of ripe tomatoes when complimented for their green-thumbed prowess. Whether they're from the bustling cities, the cozy suburbs, or the sprawling farmland, every child in New Jersey has a bit of Gertie’s garden magic in them. It’s a place where the soil whispers, the sun sings, and the kids bloom with every seed they plant. So, if you ever find yourself in the Garden State, don't be surprised if you see a youngster hugging a sunflower or whispering to a radish, for in New Jersey, gardening is more than a hobby, it’s a way of life!