Current Volunteer Opportunities

Gardening 101 Workshop

March 12, 2010
Topic: Daffodils and a Garden Walk - Magnolia Room and Garden - 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon.
Topic: Lovely Lavender - Millsap Bride’s Hall - 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Gardens’ Resident Landscape Architect Bob Byers will discuss in the morning session the many varieties of daffodils that prosper in the Central and Southwestern part of Arkansas and share images of the vibrant, early spring blooms. After the discussion, Byers will escort participants to Daffodil Hill and other locations to view this year’s daffodil displays. The day-long workshop is free of charge to GWG members or those previously registered as volunteers at the Gardens. The public will be subject to Garden Admission fees, which are $8.75 for adults, $7.75 for seniors. The session is free of charge to GWG members or those previously registered as volunteers at the Gardens. The public will be subject to Garden Admission fees, which are $8.75 for adults, $7.75 for seniors.

Garland County Master Gardener and herb guru, Carol Scholp, will discuss the many uses of lavender and demonstrate cooking with lavender, as well as using luscious lavender plants in homemade spa products. The cost of the lavender session is $15 per person that will cover price of materials and purchase of a lavender plant that each participant will take home. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required for the lavender workshop that is limited to 15 people. Reservations are recommended for the daffodil workshop. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300 / 800-366-4664 to reserve space.
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Gardening 101 & 102 Workshop

March 16, 2010
Magnolia Room

Topic: Plant Propagation (201) -- 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon
Topic: New Annuals (201) -- 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Topic: Gardening for your Health (101) -- 2: 00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Gardens’ senior horticulturist, Paul Wallace, will discuss during the morning session when and how to propagate plants -- a project that you can undertake in your own home garden. In the first hour of the afternoon session, Sabrina Childs, a Ball Seed Company representative, will discuss the newest annual plants you will be able to purchase this spring at local nurseries. The second afternoon session will feature Dr. Ryan Johnston, Hot springs’ newest chiropractor and natural health specialist. He will demonstrate how the body’s biomechanics break down and what can be done to increase your longevity when working in the garden. All sessions are free to GWG members and regular Garden admission applies to non-members. Reservations for the sessions are highly recommended. Call 501-262-9300 / 800-366-4664 to reserve space.
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Tulip Extravaganza

March 24 - April 4, 2010
Approximately 100,000 vibrantly hued tulips will grace the Flowering Border and Camelia Trail. This lavish floral display is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Call for estimated peak bloom date(s) and don't forget the camera!
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Vegetable Gardening Workshop

March 25, 2010
Magnolia Room; 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Learn tips for planting and maintaining a garden during this day-long workshop featuring U of A Cooperative Extension Service Horticulturist Janet Carson. Carson will provide the basics for vegetable gardening, while guest presenters Bob Byers, Betsy Spetich, Bob Warner, and Briana Moore lecture on an array of topics such as composting, worm farming, landscaping with herbs, and organic vegetable gardening. Registration is limited and pre-payment will be required. Cost is $45 for GWG members and $55 for non-members. Lunch is included. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664.

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Garvan Woodland Gardens
550 Arkridge Road - P.O. Box 22240
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913
800-366-4664 or 501-262-9300
gardeninfo@garvangardens.org

Volunteer Opportunites > Volunteer Spotlight | Volunteer Calendar | Current Opportunities | Sign-Up | Volunteer Handbook

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Welcome Center Retail Garden

Welcome Center

Admissions/Front Door Cash Register - Work in the Welcome Center greeting visitors and taking admission fees.
Selling Memberships - Help visitors and the Gardens by explaining the benefits of becoming a Garvan Woodland Garden member.
Gift Shop Assistant - Assist the staff in the Gift Shop by straightening merchandise, dusting shelves, and helping customers.
Customer Service/Outdoor Retail Garden - Volunteers in the retail garden make sure that the plants stay watered and well cared for and assist customers in find the perfect plant or flower pot.
Greeter (Tour and Map Assistant at Door from Welcome Center to Gardens) - Greet visitors who come to visit the Gardens. Interpret the Gardens' map for self-guided tours.

This dedicated group of volunteers started meeting in August to prepare for the 2005 Holiday Lights season. These are just a few of the faithful and talented volunteers who donate their time to the Gardens. Photo Credit: Tem Carrithers

Gardens

Planting - Volunteers help plant new flowers, trees, and shrubs as they are acquired by the gardens. There are day-to-day plantings, as well as occasional large projects, such as planting tulips.
Weeding - Like every garden Garvan Woodland Gardens has weeding that has to be done. Volunteers are always welcome.
General Garden Labor - Volunteers also can help with such things as watering plants during the dry season, deadheading flowers, and picking sticks up off of the trails after storms.
Golf Cart Tour Guide - Volunteers who choose to be golf cart guides are trained to drive visitors around the Gardens and to share interesting information with them about the Gardens, both its history and the plants it contains. Requirements: All golf cart tour guides must have a driver's license and attend the proper training.
Special Events - The Gardens hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to help staff with set up, hosting, serving, and break down.
Bird Feeding - The Gardens are fortunate enough to have 71 acres devoted to nature preservation and bird habitats. Volunteers are needed to assist with cleaning and filling the many feeders on the property.
Anthony Chapel Docent - Home to Arkansas's newest architectural feature, the Anthony Chapel, we are in need of volunteers to greet guests and provide information about the Chapel.
Petal Pushers - We rely on our talented "Petal Pusher" volunteers to help us gather and arrange flowers for the many special events and functions at the Gardens.
Model Train Garden Volunteers - One of the most fun and unique features of the Gardens is our model train garden. Volunteers are needed to provide supervision of the model train garden and its trains as well as interact with our guests.
Docent Guide for Group Tours - Docents lead group tours. They are expected to be friendly and have above average knowledge of the Gardens and of plants in general. Click here for schedule of classes.
Holiday Lights Display One of the biggest events of the year is our annual holiday lights season. In order to make it a memorable experience year after year, requires preparation that begins in August with sorting lights and culminates with serving hot chocolate, roasting marshmallows and giving golf cart tours.

Community

Occasionally there is a need for a volunteer to help by public speaking or by staffing a booth at a convention or home & garden show. If a volunteer has a particular area in which he or she is especially knowledgeable then he or she might be asked to teach a workshop.

Administrative

In the administration offices volunteers are needed to prepare large mailings, contact members, schedule volunteers, perform data entry and do general clerical work.