Adopt-a-Garden

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Experienced gardeners are invited to adopt a garden site in the Blank Park Zoo and care for it the entire growing season, May - October. Specific garden sites in the Zoo may be adopted by individuals, families, or groups. Sizes of the gardens plots vary and are located throughout the zoo.

After volunteers are assigned a garden plot, they will need to submit their plan to the Manager of Grounds for approval. Cost of the plants is at the volunteer’s expense or, with prior permission; they can bring plants from their own yards. The cost of the plants may be tax deductible. Copies of receipts can be turned in for a letter from the Zoo for tax records.

All persons interested in adopting a garden will be required to become a Blank Park Zoo Volunteer and attend an orientation session where the specifics details of the Adopt-a-Garden program will be discussed. Gardeners will be able to enter the as early as 8:00 am and garden until 5:00 pm. All garden plots will be provided, by the zoo, signs with the volunteer’s name or group name displayed on it.

The purpose of this program is to allow a space for experienced gardeners to showcase their talents while helping beautify the zoo.

Volunteers are responsible for:

Planting the garden, weeding, watering, and maintaining it throughout the growing season, including putting it to bed in the fall

Buy their own flowers and bring their own equipment to work on the garden

Gardens will need to be kept clean, neat, and pleasing. The volunteer should plan on working on the garden at a minimum 3 hours a month.

If the garden becomes unruly aesthetically unpleasing, volunteers will be called and asked to fix the garden within one week. If this happens more than three times or if the volunteer fails to respond, the zoo will take over maintenance of the plot or it will be given to another interested party.

Knowledge Skills needed: Gardening experience and skills