Volunteering & Donations

Casey Musselman

Smith-Gilbert Gardens depends upon the gracious support of the community. Dedicated volunteers from the area help maintain this sanctuary for future generations.

Casey Musselman, a Smith-Gilbert Gardens volunteer who recently moved out of state said the following, “Volunteering at SGG is a chance to learn, work, contribute, exercise, socialize, and improve one’s attitude. Being an SGG volunteer means surrounding one’s self with the natural beauty of the gardens, as well as working with people who display the best facets of human nature. Every SGG volunteer contributes their knowledge to help others, their work to help the garden, and their love of gardening to bring joy to the visitors. From the most knowledgeable gardener who has decades of experience, to the novice who struggles with identifying weeds, everyone does their best and contributes what they can. When I look back, I see myself at my best when I was at the garden. An SGG volunteer will find themself part of an organization that values its volunteers as much as it values its gardens. It is a classic example of giving a little time and effort to receive a bountiful amount of peace, joy, and satisfaction.”

Gardening Volunteers are needed on Mondays when the Gardens are closed to the public to maintain the Gather ‘n’ Grow, Rose, and General Gardens. All experience levels are welcome! Come share your expertise or learn with the best. Tour Docents and House Docents to help in the office and Gift Shop are needed every other day of the week to assist us. Our Bonsai Study Group meets on the second Saturday of each month to moniter the bonsai collection.

All Volunteers must submit an application and participate in a Volunteer Training.

Become a tour guide at Smith-Gilbert Gardens!

Our next session will begin January 30, 2013.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens conducts classes for anyone interested in learning to lead tours of the Garden or give tours of the historic Hiram Butler House (ca 1881).  Classes include plant identification, history of the Hiram Butler house and information about our 30 pieces of Garden Sculpture. Trained volunteers also assist with greeting guests and helping in the gift shop.  The only requirement for being an SGG docent is enthusiasm! At the conclusion of the sessions, you will be fully prepared to take groups on guided tours through the Gardens. Come and join a great group of volunteers and participate in the many activities we have at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. If interested please contact Jim Parks, Volunteer Coordinator at 770 919 0248 or via email jparks@smithgilbertgardens.com. We look forward to having you join us.

Make a safe and convenient online donation through PayPal:

If you are interested in volunteering or making an offline donation, please contact us at 770.919.0248, or jparks@smithgilbertgardens.com or sschroeder@smithgilbertgardens.com.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens Wish List

Thank you for your new or gently used items!

• Ajax or Dawn dishwashing liquid
• Light Karo Corn syrup
• Fertilizers (Miracle grow all types, Time release like Osmacote, Naturals and organics – examples EB Stone Vegetable and Tomato, Super Bloom)
• Amendments- Pearl light, Peat moss, Iron, Blood meal, Bone Meal, Manures, Mushroom compost, Soil conditioner
• Cyprus Mulch
• Potting Soil- Good Quality (Examples- Fafard, Miracle Grow, Pikes Brand in Blue bag)
• Chemicals and natural insect controls- Neem, BT, Captain Jacks or any Spinosid product, pyrethrum products, Seven, Eight, Bayer Tree and Shrub
• Chemical weed killers, Round Up, Kleen up, Brush killer
• Fungicides- Liquid copper, Sulfur, Infuse systemic
• Plain unglazed clay pots- Med-to-Large
• Glazed pots Med-to-Extra Large
• Half Whiskey Barrels
• Plants for Seasonal Color rotations and Perennials
• Animal Repellents- Milorganite
• Plants- Seasonal color, Perennials
• Watering wands, Brass shut off valves
• Chain Saw, bar oil, 2 cycle oil
• Tools- Sledge hammers of different sizes, Tamp, Sling blade or weed whip, pitch fork, Spading fork, Broad fork, pipe bender, Shop vacuum, Small pond water pumps, drill, bolt cutters, Misc. Hand tools like hammers, drill bits.
• Concrete Re-mesh, hardware cloth, Frost fabric, Shade fabric, Rebar, Top rail, Chain link fencing supplies.
• Bird Supplies- Black oil sunflower seed, suet, other seed, Flaming Squirrel
• Rabbit Supplies- Bedding materials, Pellets
• Kitchen- Disposable coffee cups, Disposable drink cups, Table clothes, napkins, Disposable knives, forks and spoons, Cascade dish washer soap, Coffee