Become a Master Gardener
Phipps Master Gardener and volunteer program have been temporarily put on hold. If you wish to have your name placed on a waiting list for future consideration, please contact edu@phipps.conservatory.org. Thank you for your interest.
“What is wrong with my tomatoes?”
“Why are my pine trees losing their needles?”
“When and how do I plant flower bulbs?”
These are just a few of the questions that Master Gardeners answer daily. Master Gardeners assist Phipps with a broad array of horticulture-related projects and activities at the Conservatory and Phipps Garden Center. Upon selection, applicants participate in an intensive two-semester training program, which costs $250, including the cost of the Master Gardener manual. They earn the title of Master Gardener while volunteering in such a capacity for Phipps after completing all classes and required volunteer hours, and successfully passing an exam. Duties and responsibilities may include:
- Answering Ask Dr. Phipps questions on the phone, by email, or in person during special events
- Presenting horticultural information to the public
- Representing Phipps at public events
- Performing garden maintenance at the Conservatory in Schenley Park or at Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
- Writing contributed articles on horticultural or environmental themes
- Teaching classes
Photo © Paul g. Wiegman