Feel-Good Gardening Through Volunteering in the Northwest

Learn about plants, discover gardening ideas, and meet new friends while volunteering and giving back to public gardens

What nurseryman does not need to watch beautiful gardens ? Once a mortal has been burn by the horticulture germ , they often want to see other garden , get musical theme , learn about new plants , and fetch those ideas home . This can be done in any number of style — by exit to open - garden events , taking part in garden golf-club that ply tour , and visiting localpublic garden . What a lot of nurseryman do not make , however , is that not just visiting but getting involved with a garden opens the doorway to amazing garden experiences and knowledge . Many public gardens have fantastic voluntary opportunities . Money is stretch tight for many nonprofits , and Tennessean can make a big difference at a public garden . But volunteer also get something in return — a chance to take while doing and to connect with other gardener .

In the Seattle orbit , there are about 18 public gardens . TheWashington Park Arboretumhas voluntary opportunities for gardeners who want to help and learn . you’re able to volunteer in many unlike areas of the garden , gift shop , and plant life sales . twelvemonth - orotund and seasonal opportunities are useable . Depending on where you survive or your pastime , there are also many other garden that love to have volunteers .

Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden , near the Seattle - Tacoma International Airport , is a hidden gem of a garden . If you are waiting to pick someone up from the airport , it is a much nicer place to wait . There are great planting and walking path over awater feature , where , as a volunteer , you’re able to pull a few Mary Jane while you take in the beauty .

The perennial border atBellevue Botanical Gardenis renowned for year - round dramatic displays , an example of a distinctively American - style mixed border and a living demonstration of what solve best in Northwest garden . The border contains grand of perennial , bulbs , evergreens , bush , and trees that provide year - round color and mantrap . This is the largest public perennial garden in the res publica maintain entirely by voluntary . The Northwest Perennial Alliancecreated and defend this award - get ahead garden . It is a source of didactics and hands - on memorise chance for NPA member , horticulture students , and nurseryman throughout the Puget Sound surface area .

Here is a videoproduced last class that shows what a beautiful difference voluntary can make at the Bellevue Botanical Garden . The video creator David Perry is a fabulous photographer and will inspire you to get involved with local public gardens . Check out your local opportunities , meet people , give of your clip , and learn more about gardening .

— Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge Island , Washington .

photograph : Susan Calhoun

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