Volunteer
BBG Auxiliary
History
One of the major founders of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden was Alfred T. White, who gave the initial sum of $50,000 to help with the establishment of the Garden in 1910. He also contributed funds for the Japanese Garden, the Oak Circle, and the water-lily pools. Few people realize, however, that his wife also shared his visions and dreams for helping the Garden in another significant way.
Mrs. White was the founder of the first group of BBG volunteers in her home in Brooklyn Heights in 1917. Then it was called the Women's Auxiliary. That small group of 13 dedicated woman has today grown into a active group of over 200 men and women "working to promote the interests of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden."
In those early days, there was a need for receptions and teas following lectures and programs. The Auxiliary members acted as hostesses for most of these occasions. Soon they determined that some kind of material gift should be given to the Garden each year, and of course, for these gifts, special projects had to be initiated.
Auxiliary Projects
As a result of plant sales, galas, lectures, book sales, auctions, raffles, children's events, wine tastings, etc., many gifts have been made to the Garden each year. From teaspoons to station wagons and trucks to fellowships for staff members, as well as magnolia trees in Magnolia Plaza, cherry trees in Cherry Esplanade, and plantings in the Osborne Garden, the Fragrance Garden, the Herb Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, and the Steinhardt Conservatory, all for the good of the Garden. Perhaps best of all, this has meant an achievement in human relationships that all of the members of the Auxiliary treasure and enjoy.
One of the most important contributions of the Auxiliary was the establishment of the Garden Guide program in 1974. At that time city budget cuts were so significant that the Education Department had to curtail some of its Children's Education programs. The Auxiliary organized a group of volunteers and trained them in botany, BBG history, and the details of the many "Gardens within the Garden." This continues today, with weekday and weekend Garden Guides educating the children and the public.
Another outstanding program sponsored by the Auxiliary is the Signature Plants Program. This program was started at BBG in 1991 and involves propagation of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials, and houseplants that are not readily available from retail nursery sources. These plants are then wrapped, labeled, sorted, and shipped by volunteers to higher level members who request them. These faithful volunteers personify volunteerism at BBG. Their creed is "what else can I do?"
