I make no secret about my passion for the people who give of their precious time to support our community and volunteer. Without these people the Green Fair could not have any hope of success.  The Resource and Recovery Program that allows us to manage and divert the waste we create at our events works because  of the people who spend the day directing attendees on where to place their trash, recyclables and compostable bioware.   So with this in mind I was greatly anticipating meeting with the Volunteer Coordinator, Joan McDonald, from the City Parks Horticultural Department, who manages over 100     volunteers who work on over 90 of the City’s beautiful gardens.  We were fortunate to be able to donate last year's shredded compostables to the City of Charleston's Horticultural Department, who were more than happy to take it for the numerous beds they maintain throughout Charleston.  So it was also nice to be able to thank them in person for helping us out in 2008.

What I didn’t expect, was the delightful tour I received from Joan and JoAnn Breeland, the Director of the Horticultural Department.  I had no idea that they managed to cultivate, grow, plant and maintain all of these gardens with a mere staff of eight!  It was astonishing to see the number of varieties of flowers and greenery that was created from mere seeds and then planted throughout the City.  It was hard for me to wrap my mind around the amount of work and planning that goes into designing the beds, nurturing and growing the needed plants and then  putting a system in place that efficiently utilizes thirty volunteers each week.  

Even more, this amazing group offers a variety of affordable classes throughout the year to the public at a ridiculously low price.  It is clear how passionate both JoAnn and Joan are about what they do.  They shared stories about the history of Hampton Park, the numerous varieties of citrus trees and all of the exotic plants that JoAnn endlessly collects.  I went into the meeting after a stressful morning and as I walked out of the green house, I felt as if I had had a visit to the spa.  “Wow”, I said, “I cannot believe how centered I feel.”  What an opportunity for volunteers - to be able to spend time in such a setting learning from the best on how to create a more beautiful sustainable Charleston.  

Charleston Green Fair is fortunate to be able to work with the City Horticultural Department at this year’s Green Fair in Marion Square.  Joan will be managing our Volunteer/Hospitality tent and if we are lucky JoAnn will be on hand to share her botanical wisdom.  Find out more about how you can be a part of their volunteer team by emailing Joan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our volunteer tent at the Charleston Green Fair at Marion Square on September 27th.  We will be looking for our own volunteers for Saturday night and Sunday.  Volunteers will receive a South Carolina Green Fair Team made in the USA organic t-shirt and a refund on their ticket for Saturday night’s Environmental Film Showcase.  Click on our volunteer page or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info!