Opportunities From: Garvan Woodland Gardens

The second Tuesday of each month the GWG Bonsai Club meets to discuss and practice Bonsai techniques. The Bonsai Club members will demonstrate Bonsai techniques on several of the garden’s collection before they go on display for the season.

If you are interested in the Art of Bonsai, please join us. The Bonsai club is interested in recruiting new members! This is a favorable occasion for volunteers to determine if Bonsai is right for you.

 
NOTE:  the Bonsai Club meets in the Greenhouse. If weather permits, we will work in the outdoor nursery. If you need directions to the greenhouse or instructions on where to park, please contact Karen Malone. (km129@uark.edu)

Lead tour groups of approximately 20 visitors on a walk in the Garden, sharing history, plant knowledge and interesting facts, either with or without a Docent Escort.

help docent give walking tours with groups of approximately 20 visitors

Drive a six-seat golf cart on set route through the Gardens, showing visitors various features while giving a descriptive narrative.  There is a script that doesn't need to be memorized!  Tours last about an hour covering most of the beautiful grounds.  Two-hour training consists of riding along on a tour with helpful driving tips and then driving the route yourself.  You may take a cart and practice on other days until you feel confident to add passengers!

Cut flowers in the Gardens and arrange them in vases for the display in the Lobby

Camellias are prized plant specimens throughout the world. Ms. Garvan appreciated the beauty of these magnificent shrubs and ensured a variety were planted throughout GWG, most notably on the Camelia Trail section of Woodland Walk. Although Camelias are relatively easy to grow there are year-round maintenance chores needed to ensure their health and vibrancy for beautiful blooms each season. This group of gardeners maintains the month-to-month tasks essential to maintaining our camellias, as well as protecting them from pests and fungus to keep them thriving.

PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers for Camelia Companions must complete a mandatory training session before taking care of Camelias. The training is offered twice a year. Check Get Connected and mark your calendar for the next available training session.

General Guidelines for Horticulture Volunteers:

·        Please be prompt for the session to avoid missing the training for the task.

o   Sessions are 8-11 am or 12-3 pm, but subject to change according to conditions and needs

·        Meet in the Welcome Center Lobby, unless directed otherwise.

·        Dress for the weather.

o   If it is cold, dress in layers.

o   If it’s hot/sunny wear sunscreen and/or sun blocking hat.

·        Bring your own water bottle and work gloves.

·        Tools for the task(s) will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

·        The group will walk to or ride a shuttle depending on the work location in the garden.

No doubt you’ve heard of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Well, Guardians of the Garden operate on the same philosophy! Guardians of the Garden is the volunteer force willing to take on any task needed to keep the garden looking its best! Tasks include, but aren’t limited to raking leaves, mulching, weeding, watering potted plants, greenhouse, and nursery chores. If you like variety and have a flexible schedule this team may be the perfect fit for you.

General Guidelines for Horticulture Volunteers:

·        Please be prompt for the session to avoid missing the training for the task.

o   Sessions are 8-11 am or 12-3 pm, but subject to change according to conditions and needs

·        Meet in the Welcome Center Lobby, unless directed otherwise.

·        Dress for the weather.

o   If it is cold, dress in layers.

o   If it’s hot/sunny wear sunscreen and/or sun blocking hat.

·        Bring your own water bottle and work gloves.

·        Tools for the task(s) will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

·        The group will walk to or ride a shuttle depending on the work location in the garden.

Camellias are prized plant specimens throughout the world. Ms. Garvan appreciated the beauty of these magnificent shrubs and ensured a variety were planted throughout GWG, most notably on the Camelia Trail section of Woodland Walk. Although Camelias are relatively easy to grow there are year-round maintenance chores needed to ensure their health and vibrancy for beautiful blooms each season. This group of gardeners maintains the month-to-month tasks essential to maintaining our camellias, as well as protecting them from pests and fungus to keep them thriving.

PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers for Camelia Companions must complete a mandatory training session before taking care of Camelias. The training is offered twice a year. Check Get Connected and mark your calendar for the next available training session.

General Guidelines for Horticulture Volunteers:

·        Please be prompt for the session to avoid missing the training for the task.

o   Sessions are 8-11 am or 12-3 pm, but subject to change according to conditions and needs

·        Meet in the Welcome Center Lobby, unless directed otherwise.

·        Dress for the weather.

o   If it is cold, dress in layers.

o   If it’s hot/sunny wear sunscreen and/or sun blocking hat.

·        Bring your own water bottle and work gloves.

·        Tools for the task(s) will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

·        The group will walk to or ride a shuttle depending on the work location in the garden.

Serve tea and crumpets at the Gardens fabulous tea parties.  On-the-job training.  Please wear white top and black bottoms and we will furnish a Battenburg Lace apron for you!

Garden Essential Maintenance Service:  Work with a group of fellow Master Gardeners, usually on set days, to do various garden activities, such as planting, potting, weeding, watering--you know, everything a plant needs!   

Help with construction projects under the supervision of Garden crew.

Help crew in fabrication various set pieces for our amazing Holiday Lights show.  on-the-job training.

Jobs consist of rolling strands of lights after cutting off tags, zip tying light strands to frames, painting, welding frames, and other fun jobs!

Assist in removing light displays from Gardens.

Drive the Bloomin' Buggy from Bride's Hall to Pavilion or other reception area.  Parking lot for big weddings or Holiday Lights.

Hours depend on length of reception!

Special events call for special people!  It's always a fun event at the Gardens!  Watch email for opportunities.

Drive a six-seat golf cart on set route through the Gardens, showing visitors various features while giving a descriptive narrative.  There is a script that doesn't need to be memorized!  Tours last about an hour covering most of the beautiful grounds.  Two-hour training consists of riding along on a tour with helpful driving tips and then driving the route yourself.  You may take a cart and practice on other days until you feel confident to add passengers!

Enjoy showing our model G-scale railroad to kids of all ages! Operate 4 lines, including Thomas the Train.  You will need to clean the tracks before running trains.  Hand our Junior Engineer stickers to children.  There are lots of children who are delighted by our trains!  

Welcome visitors to the Gardens.  Hand out maps and Nature Bingo games in the Welcome Center Lobby.  Give directions how to get started on the tour, where restrooms are located, and answer questions!   Meet visitors from all over the world and introduce them to one of the best gardens!  

Assist gift shop visitors find items, sizes, etc.  Organize, dust, restock.  Answer questions and assist with membership sales.  No money handling. In general, play store and have fun visiting with people from all over the world!

Welcome visitors to the Gardens.  Hand out maps and Nature Bingo games in the Welcome Center Lobby.  Give directions how to get started on the tour, where restrooms are located, and answer questions!   Meet visitors from all over the world and introduce them to one of the best gardens!  

Assist gift shop visitors find items, sizes, etc.  Organize, dust, restock.  Answer questions and assist with membership sales.  No money handling. In general, play store and have fun visiting with people from all over the world!

repair trains and maintain railroad

Enjoy showing our model G-scale railroad to kids of all ages! Operate 4 lines, including Thomas the Train.  You will need to clean the tracks before running trains.  Hand our Junior Engineer stickers to children.  There are lots of children who are delighted by our trains!

Welcome visitors to the Gardens.  Hand out maps and Nature Bingo games in the Entry Plaza near the ticket booth.  Give directions how to get started on the tour, where restrooms are located, and answer questions!   Meet visitors from all over the world and introduce them to one of the best gardens!  

On-the-job training! 

Welcome visitors to the Gardens.  Hand out maps and Nature Bingo games in the Entry Plaza near the ticket booth.  Give directions how to get started on the tour, where restrooms are located, and answer questions!   Meet visitors from all over the world and introduce them to one of the best gardens!  

On-the-job training! 

Help decorate the train garden for holidays

Help with general office work, such as filing, coping, or answer phones.  Stuffing parties get mailers ready by stuffing envelops or stuffing event bags with various goodies.  Magnolia Room or Green Cottage