Danville ‘Wonder Garden’ cultivates love of gardening in kids

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – A year-round program in Danville is growing kids’ love of reading along with growing flowers.

Through the University of Illinois’ Extension Office, the Volunteer Master Gardeners volunteer at what’s called the “Wonder Garden” to teach kids all about growing plants.

Every Monday at the Danville Public Library, they start indoors reading about a specific topic. The kids can then head outdoors to walk around the garden, collecting herbs like mint and lavender to then take home.

Volunteer Master Gardener, Nancy Huff, said it’s a great way to give kids a better understanding of how to grow their own food.

“As you can see, anybody that comes in is welcome to join. There is no pre-registration. There is no cost. During the summer, we’ll go out in the garden and we’ll like pick some flowers or maybe some lavender or something, and they get to take those home too,” she said.

The Wonder Garden will continue in the school year hosting their meeting every third Monday of each month.

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