Gardening Assistant

Gardening Assistants at Holden Arboretum may be among the healthiest people. That’s because gardening is physically and psychologically therapeutic. Volunteering is emotionally rewarding.

Volunteers help maintain and preserve the accessioned plants and horticultural displays throughout the Holden Arboretum’s gardens. It is this intensive on-going care that keeps our gardens looking great. Volunteers will also assist the horticulturist with new plant installations that enhance the beauty of our gardens for years to come.

Gardening Assistant responsibilities include weeding, deadheading, seasonal bed clean up, planting and dividing perennials, applying mulch or compost, raking, pruning, planting grass and other tasks. Volunteers give 2-3 hours on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning from April through early November. Weekly shifts are preferred, but volunteers can come less than that if needed. Students that are only available a few weeks over the summer are welcome. Horticulturists provide instructions and tools for each shift.

New volunteers to Holden Forests & Gardens complete our online orientation, which starts with a video followed by online orientation slides.

Watch our video to learn more: Gardening Assistant