Opportunities From: Powell Gardens Kansas City's Botanical Garden

Join our Horticulture team at Powell Gardens’ Colonial Farms and help care for plants in our greenhouse spaces. Volunteers will play an important role in moving plants and protecting them from the elements, helping ensure they stay healthy and ready for guests to enjoy.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with moving plants throughout the greenhouse and surrounding areas Help protect plants from weather and environmental conditions Support general greenhouse operations as needed

Qualifications:

Ability to lift and push carts up to 40 pounds Comfortable working in an active, outdoor/greenhouse environment

Staff Lead: 

Dakota Lepker | dlepker@powellgardens.org

Brenda Wilson | bwilson@powellgardens.org

Details:

Dates: Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 10 (multi-date opportunity) Shift Options: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Spots Available: 4 volunteers per shift Department: Horticulture

What to Bring:

Sunscreen Water Hat Gloves

Upon Arrival:
Please report to the Plant Bar when you arrive for your scheduled shift.

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Christian Van Matre | cvanmatre@powellgardens.org | 913.645.9889

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org | 816.807.5166

Get hands-on with some of Powell Gardens’ most unique and fascinating plants! Volunteers will assist with replanting, staking, and dropping orchids, as well as moving and organizing heavy containers in our greenhouse. Additionally, volunteers will help maintain the enchanting Stumpery Garden. Tasks may include light weeding, planting, and general upkeep to enhance this whimsical space.

Schedules for this opportunity are the following weekly or bi-weekly mornings:

Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon (Special Collections)Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon (Stumpery Gardens)Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon (Special Collections)

 Productions Greenhouse staff:

Brent Tucker, lead horticulturist (btucker@powellgardens.org, 816-683-4839) 

Items to bring:

Water Favorite gardening tool if you own one (not required; tools will be provided)Close-toed shoesSunscreen

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org | 816.807.5166

Join our Horticulture team for hands-on work in the greenhouse! This active, behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunity plays an important role in supporting plant production and daily operations.

What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks, including unloading trucks, setting up tables, cleaning work areas, and helping move plant materials. Tasks may vary slightly each shift depending on greenhouse needs.

Schedule:
This is a recurring opportunity with limited spots available (2–3 volunteers per shift):

Tuesdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Thursdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (morning shift only)

Qualifications:

Ability to move flats of plants between racks and tables Comfortable lifting and carrying lightweight items Willingness to assist with cleaning and general greenhouse tasks

Important Details:

This opportunity is outdoors Not family-friendly (best suited for individual adult volunteers)

What to Bring:

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.) Water Gloves

Upon Arrival:
Please check in at the front desk and ask for a greenhouse lead team member.

Interested in volunteering with a group?
Team registration is available for this opportunity.

Point of Contact: Dakota Lepker | dlepker@powellgardens.org

Join our Horticulture team for a hands-on morning helping beautify the front beds at our Colonial Farms location. Volunteers will assist with planting and arranging seasonal plant material to enhance this welcoming space. It’s a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, get your hands in the soil, and make a visible impact!

Details:

Date & Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Colonial Farms (27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014) Meeting Instructions: Please meet at 9:00 AM at the front entrance near the greenhouses (by the pottery area).

What to Expect:

Outdoor, hands-on planting work A collaborative and welcoming environment Family-friendly participationQualifications: No prior experience needed—just a willingness to help!

What to Bring

Sunscreen Water Bug spray

Point of Contact: Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org

We’d love to have you join us!