Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Garden Volunteers are a valuable part of KBGA, bringing an appreciation for the gardens and their community impact. Working alongside staff and Garden Stewards, volunteers assist with tasks such as weeding, watering, pruning, planting, and raking, while gaining hands-on knowledge of garden design, plant selection, and tool use. With time and experience, volunteers may choose to adopt a garden spot or advance to a Garden Steward role.

Grounds Volunteers help KBGA monitor and maintain its expansive property on a flexible schedule. Following a predetermined route with a provided checklist, volunteers scout for issues such as trash, downed limbs, path washouts, and the condition of kiosks and water fountains. Volunteers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with KBGA's history and current operations so they can assist visitors with basic questions.

Story Thyme is a free weekly preschool program running Tuesdays, 10–11am, April through October. Featuring stories, hands-on gardening, crafts, and nature exploration, it welcomes curious garden explorers of all ages alongside their grownups. If that sounds like fun, join us!

Story Thyme volunteers arrive at 9:30am to organize supplies, set up signage, and prep the garden. During the program, volunteers support families by laying out tools, refilling water buckets, and demonstrating weeding or planting. As the session wraps up, volunteers assist with tidying, prepare produce for donation, and close up the building.

Tuesdays, 9:30am–11am | April – October

We welcome groups of volunteers from area schools, businesses, and other organizations that wish to come as a team to help with one-time projects. These can include garden weeding and clean up, special event support, beautification efforts (painting and planting are examples) and more. 

Whether it’s the elegance of Hats in Bloom or the celebration of the Summer Solstice Party, KBGA’s most vibrant events wouldn't blossom without our volunteers. From the Spring Plant Sale to the Green Thumb Gala, we need volunteers in the mix for everything from event setup and guest parking to running festival activities. Join us behind the scenes at the Fall Festival or the Knoxville Symphony at the Garden and help us bring the gardens to life!