Bring inspiration and education to our visitors!
You will lead insightful tours of the garden and library; introduce visitors to our rich botanical and historic collections, and share your love of the Sherman with the public.
No experience necessary – just an interest in gardening, art, and the history of the Southwest as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills. If you are interested in joining our dynamic, diverse group and providing an indispensable service to hundreds of visitors, we welcome your application.
What you will do:
Tour Guide
Our Docents lead tours of the Garden and Library for community groups including schools, garden clubs, senior citizens clubs, girl scouts and families. Each Docent usually guides a group of no more than 10 people and the standard one hour tour includes an introduction to each part of the garden as well as a visit to the Research Library.
Docent on Duty
Docents on Duty are available in the garden to answer questions and interact informally with our guests. They are usually based at an information table but are also welcome to walk around the gardens. Sometimes the table will have a small exhibit which offers a seasonal talking point, educational topic or demonstration. Usual shifts are between 11am – 3pm weekdays and weekends.
Monthly Meeting
The Docents meet monthly in the Tea Garden. This meeting includes updates from Sherman staff, visiting speakers and an opportunity to socialize as well as a training presentation. Docents pay annual dues of $20 to be part of our Docent Guild which covers the costs of hospitality and other expenses.
Docent Commitment:
Serve as Tour Guide or Docent on Duty twice a month on an annual basis
Attendance at monthly Docent Guild meetings
Participation in continuing education and occasional other programs or events
Payment of annual dues: $20
Two year commitment after training
New Docent Training
A date has not been set for our next New Docent Training.
If you are interested to find out more about volunteering at the garden please contact our Docent-in-Training Liaison, Meg George at [email protected]