Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Dunleavy

By Greta Engel

Phipps is well-known for our beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, pioneering sustainability initiatives, informative educational programs and community outreach. None of our work, however, would be possible without the knowledge and dedication of our volunteers. In this series of profiles, we meet some of the people who give their time to make Phipps possible.

Volunteer Diane Dunleavy attributes her interest in gardening to her father who maintained a large vegetable garden while she was growing up. When he passed away unexpectedly, she took over his tomato plants, determined to see them grow. Although she always loved plants and nature, she began taking gardening seriously that year. Often visiting Phipps with family and friends, Diane always thought the Conservatory would be a great place to volunteer. When she retired as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in 2019, Diane was thrilled to see that Phipps offered the Master Gardener program. She graduated from the program in 2022 and has been a volunteer ever since!

A firm believer in trying new things outside of your comfort zone, Diane is currently taking a Slovak language class and participates in many of the different classes offered at Phipps. She has taken gardening, culinary arts, and botanical art and illustration classes at the Conservatory. Diane graduated from WVU and enjoys traveling and reading! She has been married for 43 years and has three children and five grandchildren. She is always seeking something new to learn!

Diane enjoys spending time as Dr. Phipps and answering gardening questions. She finds herself sharing knowledge that she has learned through gardening experience as well as learning many new things from visitors! In 2023, Diane completed the Docent training program and began giving tours. She finds it gratifying to know that guests enjoyed themselves and learned so many new things about Phipps! She can also be found volunteering at events like May Market, the Seed Swap and the Gifts and Greens sale.

Recently, Diane completed the instructor’s aid course so that she can assist instructors with whatever they may need during classes. This can include setting up presentations, checking in guests for class and passing out supplies. Her favorite part of volunteering is, “being part of the Phipps Conservatory family.” She is always impressed by the dedication, passion and hard work of staff and volunteers. Diane says that “no matter what position I volunteer for, my goal is to inspire others while sharing my love for plants, gardening and nature.” Volunteers like Diane are what make Phipps such a special place!