Volunteer Gardening

Experience gardening at SILK Homes properties while contributing to native plant conservation and sustainable community gardens.

🌱 Garden With Purpose

Our volunteer gardening program invites passionate gardeners to experience our beautiful properties while contributing to meaningful conservation and education efforts. You'll work alongside our professional landscaping crew and learn from some of the most productive gardens in West Virginia and Ohio.

This isn't just volunteering—it's a chance to garden in historic settings, learn sustainable techniques, and be part of our mission to demonstrate that beautiful, productive landscapes can coexist with modern hospitality.

What Makes Our Garden Program Special
🌿 Native Plant Focus

Help establish and maintain native plant gardens that support local ecosystems and demonstrate the beauty of indigenous species.

🐝 Pollinator Gardens

Create and maintain specialized gardens designed to support bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

♻️ Sustainable Practices

Learn and implement organic growing methods, companion planting, and natural pest management techniques.

🏛️ Historic Settings

Garden in the beautiful grounds of 1890s cottages and mid-century homes with rich histories and unique challenges.

Volunteer Activities
Hands-On Gardening
  • Plant installation and garden design
  • Seed collection and propagation
  • Seasonal maintenance and care
  • Soil improvement and composting
  • Natural pest and disease management
Conservation & Education
  • Native plant identification and preservation
  • Creating educational garden signage
  • Participating in guest garden tours
  • Documenting garden progress and success
  • Research into heritage plant varieties
Volunteer Opportunities by Location
🏞️ Ravenswood, WV

Focus: Riverfront native gardens and heritage plant preservation

  • Ohio River valley native species
  • Heritage vegetable varieties
  • Medicinal and culinary herb gardens
  • Victorian-era appropriate plantings
🏙️ Parkersburg, WV

Focus: Urban native gardens and pollinator support

  • Urban-adapted native species
  • Container and small-space gardening
  • Pollinator-friendly plantings
  • Community demonstration gardens
🎓 Marietta, OH

Focus: Educational gardens and historic varieties

  • Historic district-appropriate plants
  • Educational demonstration areas
  • Ohio native plant conservation
  • College partnership programs
What We Provide
Support & Resources
  • Plant Materials: We fund native plants, seeds, and soil amendments
  • Tools & Equipment: All necessary gardening tools provided
  • Expert Guidance: Learn from our professional landscaping crew
  • Educational Resources: Access to gardening books and research materials
Volunteer Benefits
  • Garden Produce: Take home vegetables and herbs you help grow
  • Plant Starts: Receive native plant starts for your own garden
  • Learning Opportunities: Hands-on education in sustainable gardening
  • Community Connection: Meet like-minded gardeners and guests
Natural Pest Management Focus

We emphasize natural, sustainable approaches to garden health:

🐞 Beneficial Insects

Attract and support ladybugs, lacewings, and other helpful insects through diverse plantings.

🌼 Companion Planting

Use strategic plant combinations that naturally deter pests and support plant health.

🌿 Natural Barriers

Employ physical barriers, beneficial mulches, and plant-based deterrents.

🔄 Ecosystem Balance

Create healthy garden ecosystems that naturally resist pest and disease problems.

How to Get Involved

Our volunteer gardening program is flexible and designed to accommodate different schedules and commitment levels:

  • Seasonal Volunteers: Join us for specific projects during planting or harvest seasons
  • Regular Contributors: Commit to ongoing weekly or monthly garden maintenance
  • Project-Based: Participate in specific initiatives like native plant installation or garden design
  • Educational Focus: Help develop garden educational materials and guest programming
Ready to Garden With Us?

Whether you're an experienced gardener looking to learn new techniques or someone passionate about native plants and sustainability, we'd love to have you join our gardening community.

Join Our Garden Volunteers Learn About Our Mission

All skill levels welcome • Flexible scheduling • Educational opportunities