Volunteer Spotlight: John and Carol Dowley

The Dowleys have been visiting Clermont since the 1980s. When they aren’t volunteering at Clermont, you can find them volunteering with the elderly at the Office for the Aging.

Can you share a specific moment or experience that stood out to you during your time in the gardens?

Last August, the team was able to locate and unearth a group of magnolia trees that had long been forgotten. After two weeks of tirelessly clearing vines, we were able to bring forth the magnolias, and it filled us with so much pride. To reveal their beauty was a privilege. We spend a lot of our time uncovering forgotten aspects of the landscape, like patios or walking paths. We also spend significant time identifying native and non-native plants. Clearing out invasive species like bittersweet and Virginia creeper brings much satisfaction as it brings out the true beauty of the gardens.

What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering?

There is something special about uncovering history and about being trusted to work in the historic gardens. We both have a deep love and appreciation for history and enjoy working in our own garden, so volunteering at Clermont was a natural fit. Not only are we helping to preserve an important piece of history, but we are also gaining knowledge about native and non-native plants thanks to the State’s horticulturist, Leslie Reed. It is extremely rewarding when a group of visitors pass by the gardens while we are hard at work and compliment on how beautiful the grounds are.

What skills or lessons have you gained from your time as a volunteer?

Since becoming volunteers, we both have come away with a greater appreciation for identifying plants, as well as how to adequately care for them. The greatest lesson we can share is to never stop learning, and to keep an open mind. Gardening requires patience, and sometimes you need to take a step back and be less physically aggressive. Good things take time.

How do you balance your volunteer work with other aspects of your life?

We find it easy to balance volunteering since it is a large component of our life. Volunteering enhances other parts of our life. We are retired, and when you’re retired, things tend to slow down and there are less demands put on you. There is less acknowledgement as well. The satisfaction we get from volunteering keeps us vital and engaged. Volunteering is a priority for us.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering at Clermont?

Embrace the experience. Ideally, for the garden program, you’d need to enjoy history, being outdoors, and digging in the dirt. You need to have a willingness to learn. It is also important to remember that all the volunteers play a small part in preserving the history of Clermont for future generations.

What are your hopes for the future of the gardens, grounds, or our volunteer program?

We hope that the garden volunteer program continues to grow and continues Leslie’s vision of restoring the historic charm to the gardens. But above all, we hope to keep the garden spaces maintained and open. Keeping the gardens true to the history of Clermont and preserving its legacy is important to us. We are very eager to get back out there this season!

What do you think more people should know about volunteering at Clermont?

We have much to be grateful for and there is much satisfaction in giving back. We are going through troubled times, and much can be said for the reflection and escape that volunteering at this beautiful place provides.

Interested in volunteering at Clermont?  Here’s what you need to know.