Volunteer Spotlight: Felicia Mckenney – Growing Through Perseverance, Passion, and Community

At the Columbus Botanical Garden, it’s easy to notice volunteers in motion, hands in soil, eyes focused on a task, energy quietly giving life to the space around them. Felicia Mckenney is one of those volunteers, but the story she carries is about more than just tending plants. It’s about reclaiming time for herself, embracing growth, and discovering a deeper connection between life and the garden. 

Felicia’s journey into horticulture began after years of caring for others. Raising two daughters and dedicating herself to family left little space for personal pursuits. But she recognized the need to invest in herself. Returning to school for a degree in horticulture at South Georgia Tech, she sought a place to apply what she was learning, to test her hands and her heart against the soil. The Columbus Botanical Garden became that place, a space for learning, reflection, and discovery. 

“I just like seeing something you create with your hands, nurturing it, loving it, and watching it grow,” Felicia shared. Horticulture, for her, mirrors life itself: patience, attention, and care yield results over time. Every seed planted, every bed tended, is a lesson in perseverance, reminding her that growth is rarely instant but always meaningful.

From her first day helping in the vegetable terrace to assisting in the greenhouse with potting, feeding, and preparing for the plant sale, Felicia embraced each opportunity to learn and contribute. The guidance of the horticulture staff strengthened her confidence and inspired her to explore the many paths her degree could lead her, whether in urban agriculture, greenhouse management, or public gardens. 

Volunteering has also given Felicia a sense of community. “It’s nice to meet other people who share similar interests, and we get to learn from each other,” she said. In giving her time and energy, she has found connection, mentorship, and a shared purpose that goes beyond her own growth. 

Felicia’s story is a reminder that personal growth and self-discovery are journeys without a strict timeline. Columbus Botanical Garden is not just a garden for her, it is a mirror of her resilience, a space where curiosity and dedication intersect, and a place where she continues to nurture not only plants but herself.