Manager's Message
by Judy Zatsick, Manager, Green Spring Gardens
Judy Zatsick. Photo credit: Ben Cohen.
We just celebrated National Volunteer Week and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who volunteer your time, energy, and financial resources at Green Spring Gardens. Volunteers have always been an important part of Green Spring, working alongside staff to accomplish all the great things that go on in this special place. Whether you are a casual volunteer who assists with a unique project, one who lends a hand in many activities, or one who donates much needed funds, I extend my heartfelt thanks. And I know that I can speak for our dedicated staff in saying that we deeply appreciate your support.
Over time, as funding has been reduced in the Park Authority, volunteers have played an increasingly critical role in the success of our public garden and park. We simply could not function in the capacity that we do without your help. The pandemic has resulted in a changed world at Green Spring. What was once a quiet, perhaps sleepy spot is now bursting with activity. We were discovered during the shutdown and there is no going back. Park visitation is up 60% from pre-pandemic levels. Some days we struggle to keep up!
Regulars will surely notice that the parking lot is entirely full on many days. Folks line up outside our gate after hours to continue to enjoy the site. This is new. In addition to our vigorous and exciting programming that includes school visits, teas, lectures, and tours, visitors come to enjoy the lovely plantings and take inspiration in the combinations and beauty, visit the historic house, view the changing art shows, purchase plants or a choice gift in the shop, exercise, get fresh air, picnic, and play. Photographers line up outside our gazebo to capture important moments for their clients. Families celebrate milestones, including weddings, birthdays, and memorial services.
New volunteers getting the townhouse gardens in shape.
It takes a tremendous amount of work to keep our site beautiful and offer the level of services that we are proud of. Each one of you who volunteers helps make this happen. Whether you lend a hand to pot up plants, work in the gardens, water the glasshouse, assist with a program or at the front desk, help hang art, curate our library, contribute to our bake sale, lend a hand on Garden Days or other special events, or take the time to advocate for our parks, it’s your goodwill and spirit that creates the inspired energy that we all enjoy at Green Spring. It is this act of working together through successes and tough times that creates the wonderful community at Green Spring Gardens.
I’m so honored to be part of this great place and grateful for your efforts. Thank you for all you do!
