Smith-Gilbert Gardens, owned by the city of Kennesaw, seek volunteers to join their Docent Training class, beginning in late January.
Training will begin at 9:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 27 at Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw and continue on each following Monday through March 2, according to a city statement.
Trainees will learn the history of the Hiram Butler House and surrounding property, the plant and sculpture collections at the gardens and everything else they need to know to lead a fun, informative tour at the gardens.
Upon completion of the training, new docents can start leading tours right away.
Docents are the outgoing volunteers who lead interactive tours of the gardens for all types of groups and casual garden visitors.
Beyond leading tours, docents also help with environmental education programs like Garden Stories, Butterfly Ambassadors, Scout programs and guided bird walks.
Docents are the key link between Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ mission to be a resource for education, the physical collections at the gardens and garden visitors.
With no prior gardening experience required, trainees will learn all they need to know, the statement added.
Due to the garden’s hours and popular tour booking times, some availability is required on weekday mornings.
Anyone interested in joining the Docent Training class should submit their New Volunteer Application online at SmithGilbertGardens.com/support-us/volunteer and will be required to submit to a background check and drug screen.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens houses more than 4,000 species of plants on 17 acres in Kennesaw.
Joined by woodland paths, the gardens consist of the Bonsai Exhibit, Paladino Camellia Garden, Crevice Garden, Rose Garden and American Conifer Society Reference Garden.
The gardens are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Information: Kathy Post at 770-919-0248 or email kpost@kennesaw-ga.gov, SmithGilbertGardens.com
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