Opportunities From: Powell Gardens Kansas City's Botanical Garden

Help keep one of Powell Gardens' most beautiful display gardens looking its best! Volunteers in this role will work alongside the Horticulture team to maintain and improve garden beds throughout the Perennial Garden.

Tasks may include:

Assisting with the restoration and maintenance of garden bedsRemoving weeds and unwanted plant materialPreparing planting areasPlanting and caring for seasonal and perennial plantingsGeneral garden beautification and upkeep

This opportunity is perfect for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, getting their hands in the soil, and helping create a beautiful experience for Garden guests.

Qualifications

No previous gardening experience is required. Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors and performing light to moderate physical activity.

What to BringClosed-toe shoesComfortable clothing suitable for working in the dirtSunscreenBug sprayWater bottleSchedule

Volunteer shifts are available from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This is a recurring opportunity with flexible scheduling.

Arrival Instructions

Please park in the employee parking lot and meet the Horticulture team in front of the Horticulture Cabin at the start of your shift.

Questions?

For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Daniel Wicks at dwicks@powellgardens.org.

Love working outdoors and getting your hands dirty? Join the Horticulture team in Powell Gardens' beautiful Woodland & Stream Garden! Volunteers in this role help maintain one of the Garden's most natural and serene spaces while supporting the health and beauty of the landscape.

Tasks may include:

Removing weeds and invasive plant speciesClearing debris from streams to maintain proper water flowPlanting containers and naturalized garden areasBlowing and clearing sidewalks, decks, and pathwaysAssisting with branch and tree removal using hand toolsOperating equipment such as string trimmers (training available for interested volunteers)

This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy physical outdoor work, learning about native landscapes, and contributing directly to the care of the Gardens.

Qualifications

Ability to perform general gardening tasks such as weeding, planting, and debris removalExperience using landscape equipment is helpful but not requiredWillingness to learn safe equipment operationAbility to identify and avoid poison ivy is beneficialMust be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoesLong pants and tall socksWater bottleBug spray or tick repellentHat or headband (recommended)

Schedule
Flexible scheduling may be available after initial training. 

Arrival Instructions
Please enter through the employee entrance located to the right of the main gate and park near the former Horticulture Building. From there, you may walk to the Woodland & Stream Garden using the paved path past the Perennial Garden. New volunteers may arrange to be picked up and transported to the work area.

Questions?
Contact Trent Loggins at tdloggins@powellgardens.org or 660-238-5987

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

Join the Horticulture team in helping keep Powell Gardens vibrant and thriving! Volunteers will assist with essential garden care tasks including watering flowers in beds and containers throughout the Perennial Garden, Gatehouse areas, and highway plantings. Additional tasks may include light weeding and general garden maintenance as needed.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and contributing directly to the beauty and health of the gardens.

Schedule: Flexible (between 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

What to Bring Sunscreen Water bottle Snack Bug spray Closed-toe shoes Arrival Instructions

Upon arrival, please report to the Perennial Garden and check in with either Tommy Loggins or Dan Hicks.

Point of Contact

Tommy Loggins
tloggins@powellgardens.org

Join the Horticulture team at Powell Gardens and help care for the beautiful Fountain and Dogwood/Magnolia walk areas throughout the Gardens. Volunteers will assist with a variety of hands-on horticultural tasks including weeding, mulching, fertilizing, watering, pruning, planting, and occasional tree or shrub propagation projects.

This opportunity is perfect for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors, getting their hands dirty, and helping maintain stunning garden spaces for all guests to enjoy.

Volunteer Requirements:

Comfortable bending, standing, and working outdoors for up to 4 hours with breaks Able to work in heat and humidity

What to Bring:

Closed-toe shoes Garden gloves Sunscreen Water bottle Bug spray

Schedule:
Recurring morning shifts are available weekly or biweekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Staff Contact: Matt Hockaday | mhockaday@powellgardens.org

Arrival Instructions:
Volunteers will meet at the Visitor Center. If the main gate is closed, please enter through the business entrance and drive around Dam Road.

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

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