TEACHING GARDEN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

FALL TRAINING 2024—APPLICATIONS Have closed

Applications have closed for our Fall Training. Class lectures are still available to attend with registration.

The Volunteer Program

Teaching Garden Volunteers participate in a multi-week training program that includes classroom lectures, hands-on training, and TGC affiliated plant society meetings.

Training includes a deep dive into topics every gardener should know: Basic Botany, Herbaceous and Woody Plant Care, Plant Propagation, Soil Science, Pest Management, and Garden Design as well as a deep dive into the history and culture of Woodward Park.

After basic training, volunteers spend 40 hours giving back to the Garden as Intern Volunteers. Upon completion of these hours, they are formally certified as Teaching Garden Volunteers.

Acceptance Criteria

  • Have a strong volunteer ethic, a passion for gardening, and are highly motivated to share their knowledge with the general public;

  • Want to learn more about the culture and maintenance of many types of plants as well as public garden management;

  • Are eager to participate in a practical and intense training program and willing to complete all assignments and exams;

  • Have enough time to attend the Basic Training and "give back" the required 40 volunteer hours in the following calendar year;

  • Look forward to sharing their knowledge with people in the community.

  • Complete Volunteer Agreement Form

Class Schedule

Every Saturday 9am-3pm (1 hour lunch)​

September 21st-November 16th

  • Week 1 (9/21) Introduction to Horticulture and Botany

  • Week 2 (10/5) Docent Training

  • Week 3 (10/12) Soil and Compost

  • Week 4 (10/19) Plant Propagation

  • Week 5 (10/26) Herbaceous Plants & Pest Management

  • Week 6 (11/2) Woody Plants

  • Week 7 (11/9) Garden Design

  • Week 8 (11/16) Final Presentations

All class materials and fees are covered under the program cost of $350

due after acceptance into the program.

Scholarship Program

A limited number of full and/or partial scholarships (max $350) will be awarded to individuals to cover fees associated with the Teaching Garden Volunteer Training Program.

 

Applications must be accompanied by all of the following:

  1. A completed Volunteer Training Application

  2. 300-word Narrative from the applicant stating rationale for seeking a scholarship, demonstrating the applicant's interest in furthering their horticulture and community engagement skills through participation in the Teaching Garden Volunteer Program. Please adhere to the word count.

  3. A Letter of Support signed by an individual “champion” who is familiar with the applicant's leadership, financial need, and potential success in the field of public garden volunteerism.

Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Strength of personal narrative 
- Strength of support letter for applicant
- Degree of individual financial need
- Issues of equity - diversity/inclusion/economic

Tulsa Garden Center is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, accessible, and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community members are valued, respected and appreciated.  Please let us know if you believe you belong to any group that is under-represented in our volunteer community.

Note: Disbursement of scholarships are given at the discretion of Tulsa Garden Center’s CEO and Director of Horticulture, and will be based on funds available.