Garden Volunteer Orientation and March Schedule

February 9, 2024

After another winter, busy with planting plans, seed orders, new programs and speakers, we are finally preparing to welcome our visitors and volunteers back into the gardens! Join us on Sunday, March 3 for a Volunteer Orientation day and help us plan for this spring. Meet us at the veranda of the Jay Mansion at the Jay Estate. This first day will serve as a way to share what’s ahead, make introductions and familiarize new volunteers with our grounds. It will also be a perfect opportunity to welcome both new and seasoned volunteers, go for a short stroll, and take a peek into the gardens. We are looking forward to seeing you all! – Lucia Maestro, JHC Director of Horticulture

The gardens are looking fantastic even at this time of the year. We have had a milder winter compared to last year, so if you are wondering what daffodils are up to in Room 1, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll with us on March 3rd.

While we patiently wait for the gardens to wake up from the cold weather months, we have kept busy in the greenhouse. Happy-looking leafy green seedlings were started a month ago, onions and scallions were sown last week by undergrad students at Manhattanville College.

Upcoming Events/ Workshops

Thursday 3/7 First Volunteer Workday, 9:30 a.m.

Beauty, subjective to the viewer, can be found in every corner of the Jay Estate year around. Natives species, such as the ones found in room 3 (Joe-Pye-weed), can bring so much interest into your gardens even in the winter. Do not miss the opportunity to check them out when you come to volunteer!

March 2024 Volunteer Schedule

The complete list of garden volunteer days for March are:

Thursdays, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21 and 3/28

from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Sundays, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 and 3/24

from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Sunday 3/31 Easter Holiday CLOSED

We meet directly in the gardens. Please bring your own gloves and personal gardening tools (pruners, etc.). And do not forget your water bottle, hat or sunscreen for those warmer days!

Feel free to invite a gardening buddy too – the more the merrier. And feel free to share this information with others! No previous experience is needed. This volunteer opportunity is also open to high school students 14 and older interested in earning community service hours. Children 13 or younger must be accompanied and supervised by an adult to participate.

There is no need to commit to every date – come when your schedule permits.

Please note : Volunteer sessions may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

If you have additional questions or ideas, always feel free to email

Lucia Maestro at hortdirector.jhc@gmail.com

Suzanne Clary at jayheritagecenter@gmail.com

Meredith Slater at mslater.jhc@gmail.com

Stay Connected with Jay Heritage Center on Social Media!

Follow our garden progress or post your own photos with

hashtags #jayestategardens