Children’s Garden Project of Elwood

Mission & Purpose

The Children’s Garden Project, founded in 1997 in cooperation with the Village of Elwood, Elwood School District, and Jackson Township, provides an enlightening and educational experience for the young and the young at heart who enjoy nature and gardening. The garden is dedicated to enriching the minds, hands, and hearts of all who share a common bond with nature. Our Garden offers daily exploration that invites play and interaction with the natural environment.

Group Tour Guidelines

Garden Guidelines

Please respect our community garden when visiting and observe the following guidelines:

Parents/Grown-ups, please stay with children at all times.
The Garden picnic area is available for groups smaller than 10. All others call the village to reserve Lloyd Erickson Park Pavilion at 815-423-5011.
Stay on paths to protect plant life.
Pets, bicycles, skateboards, smoking, and alcohol are not permitted in the garden.
Flowers and vegetables are for display purposes only.
Clean-up areas after use.
Bathrooms at Llyod Erickson Park will only be open from 7 am to 3 pm. THE BATHROOMS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.

As a reminder, children and young visitors should not be left alone in the garden at any time. Thank you for your cooperation in caring for the Children’s Garden.

THE CHILDREN'S GARDEN WILL BE CLOSED EVERY TUESDAY UNTIL NOON FOR WEEKLY MAINTENANCE.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!

Garden Safety

Please be advised that the busiest times in the garden are between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. A "FULL TO CAPACITY" sign may be posted to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect our outdoor environment. Thank you for your cooperation! To speak to a Garden Keeper, call 815-693-0214.

Community Plant Swap

Wednesday, May 10th, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Additional information is available here.

2023 Planting Day

Saturday, May 20th, 10 am - Noon Rain Date: Sunday, May 21st, 10 am - Noon Click here for more information

Ukulele Lessons for Beginners

If you can tie your shoes, you can learn to play the ukulele. All ages are welcome.4-week program for $25.00, and all proceeds benefit the Children's Garden. Click here for additional information.

Free Music in the Garden

Bill Robinson & Friends 6/13/23 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Ukulele Moonshiners 6/27/23 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Silverstrings 7/11/23 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Landon James - Tribute to the King 7/18/23 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Ray Koncar & the Boys 8/1/23 - 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Dixie Bandits 9/5/23 - 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Story Time with Mrs. Dorie

Thursday, June 8th & 22nd - 9:30-10:00 am, Check out our flyer for additional information.

Yoga In The Garden

Yoga class is being offered at the Childre's Garden on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 1st thru September 28th, weather permitting. Check here for additional information.

Gentle Yoga in the Park

You are invited to experience the benefits of gentle yoga, meditation, and stress-releasing breathing techniques with Yoga-Fit certified instructor Jennifer Christiansen. All yoga abilities are welcome, especially beginners. Tuesdays - 8:30 a.m., July 11th thru the end of September, under the pavilion at the Children's Garden. The cost of the class is a free-will donation. Bring a water bottle and mat. Extra mats will be available. Contact Jennifer at 815-478-4068 or via email at jenchrist5@aol.com.

Buy-a-brick

The special moments in life can be commemorated by a walk through the Elwood Children’s Garden Project. That first Mother’s Day, Dad’s 50th Birthday, your wedding day, and so many more events can be engraved into a brick to remember forever. Your brick will be a personal contribution to the garden that your family can reminisce over as they enjoy their visit to the Elwood Children’s Garden. Bricks cost $100 each.

Please complete the Buy-a-Brick Form, and send a check and order form to:

Village of Elwood

RE: Brick Order

401 E Mississippi Avenue

Elwood, IL 60421