Roots of the Garden

There are a few moments in the exhibition planning process when the reality of it all finally sinks in. The first is when we begin placing ads like this one. Definitely a "no turning back now" moment.

Another is when we begin training our amazing volunteers about the exhibition and featured artist(s). The Garden has about 250 active volunteers. (This is long-time volunteer Nancy, deadheading pansies.) They are all talented, generous individuals who fill numerous roles here at the Garden: maintaining the gardens, educating visitors of all ages through formal and informal programs, working alongside our scientists in the lab, helping out in the business office, staffing events...the list goes on and on. We simply could not function without our volunteers. We are extraordinarily grateful to all of you!

The first training was for the docents. I LOVE docent training. Yes, the people are fun and interesting. But OMG...they BAKE. Every meeting! I intentionally came down the elevator this time to avoid the overflowing plates of temptation over the by the stairs on the opposite side of the room. Ha! That lasted...what?...maybe five minutes. The siren call of lemon bars broke my will.

Here are the docents/bakers doing yoga exercises to break things up a bit during the meeting. They have a funky belly dancer move too. Who knew?! But, on to business... These volunteers give tours to adults and kids. Lots of them also volunteer in other areas as well, such as the BRIDGE volunteer group.

Here's BRIDGE volunteer Susan in the Orchid Center with a Hug-A-Planet from Peace Toys. It's one of several props or "conversation starters" on the Vanilla Discovery Cart. Did you know vanilla comes from an orchid? Susan and other volunteers can tell you all about it and show you several in our Orchid Center. This summer, we'll periodically have Discovery Carts on Henry Moore, Organic Rose Gardening, and many other highlights from our plant collections. Be on the lookout, especially on weekend afternoons!

It really will be a new era at the Garden this spring as the new visitor center, parking facility, and renovated woodland garden open to the public on May 2. It's a great time to get involved! Volunteering is fun, and a great way to expand your horizons and meet some new folks. And maybe learn that belly dancing move too...