The greenhouses at Matthaei Botanical Gardens are filled with activity. Seedlings are growing, trays are filling, and the work is in full swing. By the time the Native Plant Sale arrives on May 30-31, these plants will be ready to head out into gardens across the region. But the process starts months earlier. A group of volunteers has been at it since the fall - first with seed collecting, then stratification, potting, and ongoing care.

Each of the volunteers came to the greenhouse in their own way. Holly thought she was attending a one-time lecture on seed collecting, but she stayed, drawn into the rhythm of volunteering. Linda signed up after visiting a plant sale, realizing she wanted to be part of it. For Patricia, volunteering began in retirement. Denise joined after moving from Colorado - she walked through the Arboretum, saw plants that needed care, and asked how she could help. Along with other volunteers, they form the steady backbone of the work that makes the sale possible.

It matters to them that these plants will end up all over the county. So does seeing people arrive excited, load up trays, and head home ready to plant. Being part of that momentum is one of the things that keeps them coming back.

What most people don’t see is how early it all begins. Seeds are collected in the fall. By December, they’re already being stratified - given the cold period needed to germinate. By late winter, when volunteers return to the greenhouse, much of that groundwork is already in motion. From there, it’s potting, watering, and adjusting.

“It’s a lot of work,” Holly says, and the others nod. But no one seems to mind. They like being there. They like working alongside Calla. They like the community - people who care about gardening, who enjoy getting their hands in the soil. And yes, they like the snacks, too - Cheeze-its are a clear favorite right now. Beyond that, there’s so much to learn. “Everyone around you is so knowledgeable,” Linda adds. “You pick up little tips and tricks just by being here.”

Favorite plants? This question brought instant smiles. Holly loves the Michigan lily, while Linda is a fan of butterfly weed. Patricia and Denise picked the cardinal flower, both mentioning its bright red blooms. These are the plants they’ve nurtured from tiny seeds, watched grow, and come to know up close.

For anyone considering volunteering, their advice is simple: try it! There are different ways to get involved, and you don’t need to arrive knowing everything. You learn as you go, and you’ll be surrounded by people who love plants as much as you do.

By the time the sale opens, the greenhouse will be full. What started as seeds months ago will be ready to head out into gardens, yards, and small patches of space where they’ll keep growing.

Curious to get your hands in the soil and help these plants grow? Learn how you can join our volunteer team at this link.