Frelinghuysen Arboretum (Morris Township)
Kids are invited to get down and dirty at Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum’s gardening programs for toddlers through middle schoolers. Branching Out is a seasonal weekly gardening program for 5 to 13 year olds where young gardeners will maintain their own gardens while harvesting vegetables, flowers and herbs. See website for schedules. Preschool gardeners can discover plant life through stories and activities at the Seedlings workshop offered in May. Ages 6 and up can create their own fairy tale at the Fairy Furnishings workshop, then take part in a fairy celebration at Fairy Day on June 26. And for some family weekend fun, head over to the Arboretum on Saturdays and Sundays for a photo scavenger hunt with a new theme each month (April through June). 973-326-7601

Let's Bloom Together (Morristown)
Go and grow green at this traveling hands-on gardening enrichment program for 3-10 year olds. Owner Marigold Mike brings his horticulture workshops to schools, scout troops and even birthday parties where participants can learn gardening basics and green lifestyle choices. Eight to twelve week workshops include topics such as how plants and flowers grow, proper use of gardening tools and nature appreciation. One-time gardening events may be incorporated into Earth Day celebrations, picnics and town beautifications. Marigold Mike can even bring his gardening fun to birthday parties where guests may plant their own flowers to bring home in decorated pots. 973-270-0102

Rutgers Gardens (New Brunswick)
The university’s own botanical gardens is home to a brilliant array of flowers and plants, and the perfect setting for all ages to learn about horticulture. Preschoolers can learn about plants and nature in the Little Sprouts hands-on program. Groups of school age children, such as scouts or school classes, are welcome to explore all aspects of gardening through activities such as veggie garden tending, scavenger hunts and forest hikes. Spend warm summer days in the gardens at Summer Exploration Camp, where pre-teen campers will plant vegetable and flower gardens, plus explore the hiking trails, rolling lawns and ponds on location. 732-932-8451

Van Vleck House & Gardens (Montclair)
Nestled in the heart of Montclair, this beautiful historical estate boasts lush gardens that are free for the public to enjoy. Throughout the spring, children in kindergarten through second grade have the opportunity to learn about gardening and nature at Garden Tales workshop, where they will acquire gardening skills and take home their own planting projects. Third through fifth graders can become Junior Gardeners, in a class that includes growing vegetables and flowers. Even the younger set can get in on the gardening action in the twice-monthly Gardening Discoveries workshops. 973-744-4752

Maplewood Gardening Club (Maplewood)
Gardeners-in-the-making play an important role in giving back to the Maplewood community. The youth gardening division of the Maplewood Gardening Club assists in growing plants in the greenhouse, tending to the plants all season and donating much of their harvest to local food pantries. Plus, crafts and exploration are part of the fun. See website for contact information.