Volunteer Spotlight: Jazmin Hilliard – A Star Among the Trees

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 has been volunteering since 2021. “I had heard about the garden’s volunteer opportunities through social media,” she recalls, “and I signed up for fall planting. After that, they asked if I’d help with Shine and I just kept coming back.”

For Jazmin, volunteering is both grounding and restorative. After 15 years in retail management, she explains, “This is my peaceful space. It allows me to slow down, focus on something meaningful, and just be. It’s calming, rewarding, and it gives me a chance to step away from the noise of everyday life.”

Her care for the garden goes beyond personal fulfillment. Jazmin sees the garden as a place of connection for nature, for people, and for community. “The garden offers a break from the busyness and consumerism of life,” she reflects. “Families can come together, explore, learn,

and relax. Even before I volunteered, I loved walking the trails, seeing the mushrooms in spring, and just feeling the life all around me.”

Jazmin is also a passionate steward of the natural world. “I’m really focused on native planting,” she says. “I spread seeds, like swamp milkweed for monarch butterflies, to support local biodiversity. Even small efforts, like dedicating a patch of your yard to native plants, can make a real difference for wildlife.” Her care for the environment is intentional, thoughtful, and ongoing, a reflection of someone who doesn’t just appreciate nature but actively nurtures it.

And then there’s her joy, her playful, infectious energy that makes every visitor smile. At Shine, she’s not just volunteering; she’s performing, connecting, and creating memories. “When I put on the Christmas tree outfit, I look in the mirror and think, ‘You’re a star,’” she laughs. “People are really waiting for us every year, and it’s just so fun to bring that little bit of magic.”

Jazmin also shares her passion with others, spreading the word about volunteer opportunities, events, and the garden itself. Her excitement is genuine and contagious, inviting anyone who crosses her path to explore, learn, and connect.

Jazmin Hilliard reminds us that volunteering isn’t just about giving time; it’s about cultivating community, nurturing the environment, and leaving a little sparkle wherever you go. At Columbus Botanical Garden, we are fortunate to have volunteers like her, unique, devoted, and radiant stewards who make our space feel alive in every way.