Needs From: Volunteer East Tennessee

Looking for a lower-key way to make a real difference in the Garden? Every Wednesday morning, our greenhouse plants need some gentle care, and this is a great option if you want meaningful impact without heavy lifting or strenuous work. A horticulture team member will get you started, then leave you to it: just you, the plants, and the quiet rhythm of watering. Many volunteers find it a peaceful, almost meditative hour - a nice pocket of calm and quiet reflection in the week.

Depending on the week, we may ask for help with small tasks around the greenhouse, as time and ability allows.

Every Wednesday, 9:00–11:00am (some flexibility on timing - just let us know)

Registration Note: To learn more about these specific shifts, please click "Respond" on this page AND complete the supplemental registration via our official volunteer portal. Registration on our portal is required to receive final arrival instructions and parking maps.

Imagine a summer evening spent wandering between three charming garden spaces, each filled with the sound of live acoustic music.

We’re hosting a unique outdoor music event by Knoxville Symphony Orchestra on our grounds, and we need friendly volunteers to help guests find their way between our hidden garden stages as the sun begins to set.

As a Music Guide, you’ll set the tone for the evening, helping music lovers stroll between garden stages before gathering for a stunning finale outside the Dogwood Center

What You’ll Do:

Guide the Flow: Direct guests along simple paths between our 3 performance gardens so they never miss a set.

Share the Schedule: Keep visitors in the loop on set times and gently help with foot traffic (and the occasional car near performance areas).

Set the Vibe: Help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere full of discovery and good music.

You love live music, fresh air, and an evening stroll.

You enjoy chatting with people and helping them have a great time.

You want a front-row seat to a beautiful summer event!

Bonus: Stick around after your shift to relax on the lawn and enjoy the finale outside the Dogwood Center!

Never been here before? No worries! We’ll do a quick orientation at the start of your shift so you know the simple layout, schedule, and everything you need to feel confident.

Registration Note: To complete your registration to be a Music Steward, please click "Respond" on this page AND complete the supplemental registration via our official volunteer portal. Registration on our portal is required to receive final arrival instructions and parking maps.

Help us plant a garden of native plants historically used for healing, many rooted in Cherokee and other Indigenous traditions. We've cleared and expanded the space - now we need volunteers to help get new plants in the ground.

No experience needed. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to get a little dirty. You'll work alongside our horticulture team and learn the story behind what you're planting.

Date/Time: August 27, 2026 / 9am-12pm
Location: KBGA Carriage House, 2649 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914 - Medicinal Garden next door to this building
What to Wear: Participants should wear comfortable, close-toed shoes for safety and clothing that they don't mind getting dirty.
Tools & Gloves: KBGA will provide all necessary tools and work gloves (but feel free to bring your favorite/preferred accoutrements!). 
Additional Items to Bring: We recommend volunteers bring water for hydration, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a poncho or raincoat in case of light rain.
Good for: Individuals, families, groups

Registration Note: To complete your registration for the Medicinal Garden Planting Day, please click "Respond" on this page AND complete the supplemental registration via our official volunteer portal. Registration on our portal is required to receive final arrival instructions and parking maps.

WEEKLY SHIFTS IN THE GARDEN: TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS. Get your hands dirty with the KBGA horticultural team. Whether you're prepping the ECO Garden for weekly kids programming, weeding formal gardens before special events, or dividing and potting new growth in the greenhouse - the work is always varied, and it's always worth it.

Registration Note: To learn more about these specific shifts, please click "Respond" on this page AND complete the supplemental registration via our official volunteer portal. Registration on our portal is required to receive final arrival instructions and parking maps.

First impressions make the whole night! As an Arrival Guide, you’ll be the very first smile guests see as they arrive for an evening of live music in the gardens. You’ll keep traffic moving smoothly, point drivers toward open spots, and set a warm, welcoming tone for the entire event.

Welcome & Direct: Safely guide arriving cars into our main and overflow parking areas.

Keep Things Moving: Keep tabs on lot space so you can easily steer drivers toward open spots.

Answer Quick Questions: Offer a quick "hello," point guests toward the entrance, and kick off their night on a high note.

You love being outdoors, staying active, and greeting happy people.

You enjoy keeping things organized and running smoothly.

You want an easy, rewarding way to support a fantastic community event!

Bonus: Shift wrapped up? Grab a spot on the lawn and enjoy the rest of the symphony performance on us!

First time volunteering with us? No problem! We’ll host a quick orientation right when you arrive to walk through the parking plan, answer any questions, and get you feeling completely confident.

Registration Note: To complete your registration for the KBGA Litter Pickup Day, please click "Respond" on this page AND complete the supplemental registration via our official volunteer portal. Registration on our portal is required to receive final arrival instructions and parking maps.

Want to spend a Saturday morning doing something that actually matters, and still be home by lunch? This is your opportunity!

Join other volunteers for a community litter cleanup on the streets surrounding the Garden. In just three hours, we'll make a real, visible difference around one of Knoxville's most beloved green spaces, and enjoy some great company while doing it.

All the gear you need will be provided: litter pickers, gloves, safety vests, and trash bags. Just show up in closed-toe shoes and long pants, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a water bottle.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome. This is a fantastic outing for families, friend groups, or solo do-gooders alike. No experience necessary, just a little time and a big heart.

And here's the best part: when the work is done, you've earned yourself a peaceful, free stroll through the Botanical Garden at peak late-summer bloom. Not a bad reward for a morning well spent.

Minimum Age: All ages welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Skills/Requirements: None - just show up ready to help!

Registration Note: To complete your registration for the KBGA Litter Pickup Day, please click "Respond" on this page AND complete the supplemental registration via our official volunteer portal. Registration on our portal is required to receive final arrival instructions and parking maps.