The new garden at the Levy Senior Activity Center, open for less than two months, has already garnered state recognition.

Earlier this month the Association of Illinois Senior Centers gave its 2003 Visionary Program Award to the Levy Center, 300 Dodge Ave.

The Levy Center earned the award based on its programming connected with the Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Garden, which opened in September.

“It’s always good to be rewarded for things that we’re doing,” said Jessica Bullock, management analyst for Evanston’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department, which oversees the Levy Center.

The award was given at a ceremony in Peoria, Ill., and is “recognition of a job well done,” Bullock said.

Year-round programming at the garden includes a garden club that meets every Monday and Wednesday, led by representatives from the Chicago Botanic Garden.

There also will be a variety of educational programming, including lectures and demonstrations about plant care, nutrition and stress management.