At Columbus Botanical Garden, our volunteers are more than helpers; they are stewards, dreamers, and the heartbeat of this space. Few embody that spirit quite like Jazmin Hilliard. You may recognize her from Shine, our annual month-long lights show, where she and her partner have become local celebrities, literally twinkling as living Christmas trees, spreading joy to everyone who visits. But beyond the sparkle of the lights, Jazmin’s devotion to the garden runs deep. Jazmin

Rooted in Care, Growing Young Minds  How Ms. Diane Berson Cultivates Curiosity and Community Engagement at the Columbus Botanical  Diane brings a lifetime of dedication to nurturing young minds and a passion for gardening that beautifully blends in her role at Columbus Botanical Garden. Before volunteering here, Diane spent 35 years as a preschool teacher, shaping children’s early experiences with patience and care. She moved to Columbus in 2019 when her son began college nea

Rooted in History, Growing Through Service How Ms. Becky Basset Cultivates Community Engagement at the Columbus Botanical Garden T ucked quietly between the hum of traffic and the hush of native blooms lies the heartbeat of a garden not just growing plants—but growing people. And at the center of it all is Ms. Becky Basset: a master gardener, retired tourism expert, and steadfast volunteer whose warmth and storytelling have become as much a part of the Columbus Botanical Gard

Cultivating Community Engagement at Columbus Botanical Garden  At Columbus Botanical Garden, our volunteer program thrives because of individuals like Beth France—whose passion, knowledge, and dedication exemplify what it means to cultivate community engagement. Since spring of 2023, Beth and her husband have been integral members of our Terrace Vegetable Garden team, volunteering their time and expertise to support our mission of growing fresh, nutritious produce for the com