Horticulture
A unique horticulture program designed to promote the understanding of plant life, gardening, and vocational skills.
About this Program
The Dorothy Rose Horticulture Center provides individuals with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills in gardening and landscaping through four main teaching aspects: general horticulture, understanding the life cycle of plants, indoor plant care, and outdoor gardening. The program offers workshops and classes focused on planting, maintenance, and safety, while also providing employment opportunities through its annual Plant Sale and Harvest Stand.
Who We Serve
Little City’s Horticulture program serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who reside at Little City or participate in our Community Day Services programs.
What To Expect
Participants work in a team environment to maintain a garden and engage in social interaction with volunteers. Through instructional classes, participants have full involvement in the planning, planting, and care of two fields in which they grow vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
Led by Little City’s Horticulture Manager, classes are held in two greenhouses and across Little City’s campus. Seasonal classes, both indoor and outdoor, cover a variety of topics including:
- Introduction to horticulture
- Outdoor gardening of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers
- Succulents and cacti
- Horticulture therapy
- Herbs
- Growing vegetables indoors
- Raised bed and container gardening
Events
Little City’s Horticulture Center hosts several events throughout the year, inviting residents, families, and the broader community to enjoy the results of our hard work. These events include:
- Spring Plant Sale – May
- Fall Harvest Stand – August to October
- Poinsettia Sale – November to December
Proceeds from these events directly support the Horticulture program, helping to plant the seeds for growth here at Little City. Check back regularly for more details on these events!
Little City Plant Sale
May 1 – June 7
Little City Horticulture Center
Little City’s annual Plant Sale grows more than just flowers. When you shop the sale, you support a fully-operational horticulture center that also serves as a vocational skills program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Everything has been planted, nurtured, and maintained by participants at Little City—helping each individual grow valuable job skills.
The Plant Sale Features:
• Custom hanging baskets
• Designer patio pots
• A large variety of vegetables, herbs, and succulents
• Specialty 4-inch annuals
Hours:
Thursday & Friday – 10–5
Saturday – 9–3
Location:
Little City Horticulture Center (large A-frame building)
1740 W. Algonquin Rd.
Palatine, IL
Contact Us
Reach out for more information