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Ambassadors, volunteers sought for OSU Botanical GardenOklahoma Oklahomans who have a love of gardening and volunteering are encouraged to apply for the Ambassador Program or the Garden Volunteer Program at the Oklahoma State University Botanical Garden. Laura Payne, volunteer coordinator at the OSUBG, said there are two types of opportunities to volunteer. "We offer our volunteers a couple of options that are designed to meet their needs and time availability, as well as meet the programming and expansion needs of the botanical garden," Payne said. "The purpose of the volunteers is to assist with all aspects of the OSUBG. I would like to point out that our volunteers don't have to be gardening experts. The training and orientation they go through will provide them with everything they need to know." Ambassadors help staff the horticulture resource center, as well as help with the maintenance of the garden, including planting, designing and weeding. This group also helps out at the studio garden for the television program Oklahoma Gardening. The Ambassador training process consists of 40 hours of instruction. Training begins Jan. 15, 2010, and will take place each Friday through March 26, 2010. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., and include a lunch break. The training will cover topics such as basic horticulture, soils, entomology, plant pathology, herbaceous and woody ornamentals and fruit and nuts. After the training is complete, Ambassadors will meet the last Friday of each month for a general business meeting as well as advanced training. These sessions will take place 8:30 a.m. to noon. Ambassadors also commit to 45 or more hours of volunteer service over the next year. In addition, a one-time materials fee and interview are required for the program. "Not only do the Ambassadors work at the OSUBG, they also have the opportunity to go out in the public and share their knowledge with the community," Payne said. The Garden Volunteer Program is designed for gardening enthusiasts who are unable to commit to the requirements of the Ambassador program, but would still like to lend a hand in supporting the OSUBG. The volunteer program requires an orientation session before volunteer service can begin. "We're getting ready to put in a new sensory garden that will appeal to all five senses," she said. "We'll have hardscapes, different plant materials for texture, whimsical things for sound, fragrant plants for scent and a variety of colors for visual effect. This is one of the projects both our Ambassadors and volunteers will assist with." Also new to the OSUBG is a larger vegetable garden and a small fruits garden. "The Horticulture Resource Center can provide the public with some very valuable information regarding the production of fruits and vegetables," Payne said. Those who are interested in applying for either of these programs need to fill out an application. Contact Stephanie Larimer, OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, at 405-744-5404 for an application form. Applications are due Dec. 15. "Anyone who has a passion for gardening, or who is interested in learning more about gardening and sharing that knowledge with others, is encouraged to apply," Payne said. "We have a great time together and it's exciting to share new ideas." Contact Payne at 405-744-4531 for more information about either of these programs.
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