Category: Staff Spotlight

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Connolly

Karen Connolly serves Cheekwood in a variety of essential ways, always putting education at the forefront of her efforts. As a Cheekwood Docent she attends monthly trainings on history, art exhibitions, and seasonal garden displays to enhance the visitor and student experience through her weekly tours.

As a volunteer, she participates in conservation events like Weed Wrangle Day and 250K Tree Day, as well as with gardening and art activities like our pre-kindergarten Tots! program. Karen has served as volunteer event captain for some of our biggest events and seasonal festivals such as Cheekwood in Bloom, Spring Art Hop, Cheekwood Harvest, Japanese Moon Viewing, and El Día de Muertos.

Karen is also Chair of our Volunteers Committee, serving as the liaison for staff and volunteers. Her friendliness, passion, and patience exemplify the spirit of hospitality — which is the cornerstone of Cheekwood. Every interaction with Karen is memorable, and every area of Cheekwood benefits from Karen’s contributions.

Karen’s contributions directly serve our mission, which includes “….stimulating the mind and nurturing the spirit.”  She educates the public about the significance of Cheekwood and its place in Nashville history, creates opportunities for discovery and creativity with our students, adds to the beauty of the gardens by doing gardening work with our staff, leads tours sharing the wonders of our natural world, is consistently updated and informed about our art exhibitions, and serves as an ambassador to people who come for a unique and engaging visit.

Karen volunteers from the heart. Her voice encourages many to learn and explore, and her ready smile is welcoming and warm. In her 4 years at Cheekwood, she has served 1,800 hours as a volunteer. She’s been recognized as recipient of our prestigious Catherine van Eys Friend of Cheekwood award, and was our 2018 Mary Catherine Strobel Award nominee in Direct Service. Her reward is elevating the experience for our many guests, staff, and other volunteers.

As a token of gratitude for her service, we’ve chosen Karen as this month’s Volunteer Spotlight, and asked her to share about her experience.

Tell us a little about yourself.

A Rhode Island native, I moved to the Nashville area about 15 years ago, when I was first introduced to Cheekwood. Now happily retired, I very much enjoy being a Cheekwood volunteer.

What are your favorite hobbies, activities, or interests?

I’m attracted to so much that Cheekwood has to offer. I’m an enthusiastic gardener, and interested in the arts and history. I’ve enjoyed expanding my knowledge of these at Cheekwood.

This year I’ve a new interest – raising a Golden Retriever puppy and so have joined the ranks of those who always have kibble in their pockets.

What is your favorite garden or area at Cheekwood and Why?

I have to say that I have two favorites. Early spring in the Carell Dogwood Garden and the Howe Garden are wonderful places for finding hidden treasures at Cheekwood as the spring perennials make their all too brief appearances. If you look for them, you will find lily of the valley, bluebells, celandine poppies, mayapples, trillium and so many more early bloomers. They’re worth the search.

What is your favorite room or area in the Historic Mansion & Museum, Frist Learning Center, or Botanic Hall? Why?

The Morning Room in the Historic Mansion & Museum is my favorite room. With its tranquility and lovely proportions, more than in any other room in the mansion I can imagine the Cheeks enjoying the room while looking out over the Swan Lawn before setting out on the day’s activities.

Do you have a favorite art piece at Cheekwood, or, if not, a favorite exhibition that Cheekwood has hosted? Is there a reason you like it?

This is a hard one. Once again, I can’t select just one. I have two favorites. Derived from the Decorative appealed to my enjoyment and interest in the decorative arts, with its playful blurring of the lines between the decorative and fine arts. I especially liked giving tours of this exhibit as visitors seemed to have a lot of fun in looking at the works from the perspectives of both decorative and fine arts.

The Childhood Classics is another favorite. As a docent, I most enjoyed leading children’s tours, where the children were excited to recognize old favorites in a new way. I do believe that just about all the children, and their parents, have read Charlotte’s Web.

My favorite tour was my youngest tour – a group of pre-schoolers. Working quickly with the tour’s leader when they arrived, we decided on a brief experiential tour, focusing on the reading room with an interactive story time. Whether in a library, at school, or in a museum, the little ones enjoy a beanbag chair and a good story.

In what ways have you been involved as a volunteer with Cheekwood so far?

Because of the many facets of Cheekwood, the volunteer program offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and I try to take advantage of as many as I can. I started as a garden docent. Then one thing just led to another. I became a House & History and exhibition docent, work as a garden volunteer, assist the Education department in program prep and working with the children’s programs, greet visitors and work as a volunteer captain during events, help with volunteer outreach and Cheekwood outreach programs, and help with community conservation events.

Why did you become a volunteer?

It started on my first visit to Cheekwood shortly after I moved to the Nashville area, where the peace and beauty of Cheekwood made an indelible impression on me. I knew immediately that I wanted to know more about and become a part of Cheekwood. I was lucky enough to have taken a docent led garden tour, where I learned about the volunteer programs. Fast forward several years until I was able to take the training and I have been a docent and volunteer ever since.

What have you enjoyed the most about your volunteer experience?

I think that I most enjoy the interactions with people, whether the visitors from all over with whom I share my love of Cheekwood, the other volunteers that I work with and learn from or the staff who are always so generous and welcoming. I appreciate the training I’ve received that allows me to tell the Cheekwood story, inform visitors about the gardens and mansion, or share information about the exhibits.

Is there a funny or inspirational story you can briefly tell about your volunteer experience?

Cheekwood is a wonderful place for the spirit, whether you are tired out from your workday world or if you are a toddler who is needs some time for herself. I came upon a toddler who was stretched out on a pathway and immediately went over to see if I could help. The mom, unfazed, simply replied that her toddler was just having a moment. Within seconds, the toddler bounced up to explore further.

Do you have any advice for individuals considering volunteering with Cheekwood?

Just do it. You won’t know if you’ll like it until you try.

Also, try different volunteer opportunities. There are opportunities to match so many interests. Volunteers can focus on particular areas of great interest to them such as a docent or garden volunteer or they can volunteer for a wide variety of opportunities. Except for docents, there’s no volunteer hour requirements so a volunteer can volunteer as much or as little as they want to. You will feel welcomed if you volunteer for just a few hours or if you volunteer for many hours.

Are you interested in volunteering at Cheekwood? Click here to learn more!

The Cheekwood Docent Program

The docent program at Cheekwood offers behind-the-scenes information and training on Cheekwood’s 55 acres of gardens, historical mansion, and art exhibitions. We offer the opportunity for our volunteers to train as a Garden Docent, House and History Docent, and Exhibition Docent. As important members of our team, docents act as volunteer teachers and tour guides while sharing their passion for Cheekwood’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, gardens, and historical residence with visitors of all ages.

We recently sat down with Carol Dashiff to ask questions about her experience as a Cheekwood Docent.

A Chat with Cheekwood Docent Carol Dashiff

What made you decide you wanted to volunteer?

I was a docent previously at two botanical gardens in Birmingham, AL (Birmingham Botanical Garden and Aldridge Garden) and enjoyed the opportunities to interact with people of all ages, cultures, and ethnicities in a natural setting and assisting with events centered on the arts.

How did you hear about Cheekwood’s Docent program?

When I moved to Nashville I was familiar with Cheekwood as my daughter-in-law, Melissa, had her bridesmaids’ luncheon in the Pineapple Room. I was interested in volunteering with a botanical garden here, and looked up the opportunities on the Cheekwood website.

What experience, background, circumstance, etc. led you to become a Cheekwood docent?

I love gardening, the arts (painting, drawing, photography), teaching, and interacting with all age and cultural groups, especially children and elders. I was a master gardener, have a doctorate in human development, taught young and middle aged adults, and worked with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of clinical settings. Being a docent gives me an opportunity to combine and use what I have learned and also to continue learning through the educational programs that Cheekwood has for docents. Most enriching, however, is learning from the many visitors I get to interact with as a docent.

What sort of training is required to become a Cheekwood Docent?

I think a basic love of interacting with others and learning is key. As far as training, the training program provides the docent with specific knowledge about Cheekwood. There are many training opportunities to learn more about the garden, the Historic Mansion & Museum, and the various art exhibits. A docent can chose to concentrate where his or her interest and talents are strongest. My personal favorites are tours of the gardens and the art exhibits, but there are docents who prefer giving tours of the mansion.

When did you begin volunteering at Cheekwood?

2017

Describe a typical tour:

One of my favorite tours is the school group tour. A school will bring a group of students to Cheekwood to tour the gardens, the mansion, an exhibit, or some combination of these. The tour can last 30 minutes to an hour for a small group (from 8 to 16 students). I usually start by asking about the interests of the group or what they might be expecting and then I concentrate on that. I pay close attention to the comments and questions as these usually are the springboard for what will engage the students and make the tour a memorable experience they can draw upon repeatedly.

On a visit last summer, the group of children said they were interested in insects and flowers so when we went to the perennial garden I asked the group to look for insects. The children spotted many bees and shared what they knew about bees, and I added a bit to that concentrating on the interdependence of the bees and the flowers. I was able to see over the tops of plants…which they could not…and spotted a gigantic grasshopper resting in the sun on the large leaf of a castor bean plant, pointed it out and took them quietly to it. They had not seen a grasshopper before and did not know about castor bean plants, so there was an opportunity to teach about the plant, what it was used for, why the grasshopper might have picked that plant, and, in general, provoke further curiosity about grasshoppers.

What is your favorite thing about the Docent Program at Cheekwood?

I like being given the tools/knowledge and then being allowed to be creative and adjust based on the needs of the groups who are visiting. I also love meeting and interacting with people, ie other docents, visitors from across the United States and other countries, and youth from all over Nashville.

What are you most excited for at Cheekwood in the coming year?  

The reopening of the Carell Trail. It is a wonderful and unusual treasure integrating sculpture with the natural setting of woods. The artists, women and men, represent different cultures/ethnicities and circumstances, and came to their medium of sculpture in diverse ways. I look forward to doing tours on the Carell Trail, finding out what visitors see in the sculptures and telling some stories about the artists that highlights their diversity that might encourage a burgeoning artist.

Become a Docent!

Are you an avid gardener, an admirer of the arts, or intrigued by Nashville’s rich history? Do you enjoy sharing your interests and knowledge with your community? If so, you may be interested in Cheekwood’s Docent Program! Join us for our spring docent recruitment beginning Monday, February 17. Simply register for the training by contacting Abby Carlson at 615.353.6980 or acarlson@cheekwood.org.

Are you an avid gardener, an admirer of the arts, or intrigued by Nashville’s rich history? Do you enjoy sharing your interests and knowledge with your community? If so, you may be interested in the program! Join us for our fall docent recruitment beginning Tuesday August 14. Simply register for the training by August 7 by contacting Haley Combs at 615.353.6980 or hcombs@cheekwood.local.

 

Learn more about the docent and volunteer program at Cheekwood: https://cheekwood.local/support/volunteer/A Chat with Shelia Mullican (pictured, right) 
When did you begin volunteering at Cheekwood?
I began volunteering at Cheekwood in the autumn of 2016.

What is your favorite memory as a Cheekwood Docent?
I love bringing children who live in the inner city with mostly concrete landscapes into the gardens. Their unbridled joy at seeing chipmunks, butterflies, frogs–their delight when they see the sugar maple’s helicopter seeds, and when they learn this tree also gives them syrup–the wonder in their eyes when they gently brush their fingers over the lavender, then breath in the scent–are marvelous.

Why did you become a Cheekwood docent?
Cheekwood has always been a special place for my children and me. We spent a great deal of time here as they were growing up, watching the seasons change, picnicking in the Japanese tea house, sketching blossoms, taking art classes. In gratitude for the joy given us, I wanted to give something back.

What experience, background, circumstance, etc. led you to being a Cheekwood docent?
I am at a threshold season in my life where the children and grandchild who have been my principle focus over the last several years require less of my time, and I am free to explore other opportunities. Volunteering as a docent at Cheekwood allows me to delve deeply into pursuits that nourish my soul–beauty, nature, story–and to interact with the most fascinating people.

A Chat with Karen Connoly (pictured, left) 
When did you begin volunteering at Cheekwood?
I began volunteering at Cheekwood in 2016. I have been a Cheekwood member since shortly after I came to the Nashville area and discovered Cheekwood. I was able to fit in the docent training only recently. I’m glad to see that you are now offering some docent classes at night so people who have difficulty in attending daytime classes can still become docents.

What is your favorite memory as a Cheekwood Docent? 
Actually, my favorite tour to date just occurred. The tour was a private tour with a group visiting Nashville for a family event weekend. What I enjoyed most about the tour was its interactive nature. The people in the group were high energy and lots of fun and were interested in the garden, the family history, and the mansion. They had a lot of questions and comments so the tour became a conversation rather than a one-way presentation of information. I’ve found that as a docent, I most enjoy tours where there’s a lot of give and take between those taking the tour and me. I hope that our visitors feel the same way.

Why did you become a Cheekwood docent?
Any discussion about Cheekwood has to begin with the beauty that draws so many of us to Cheekwood. As a new visitor, member and gardener wannabe, I was attracted to the beauty and peace of Cheekwood. I took a docent-led garden tour and then and there decided that I wanted both to learn more about Cheekwood and to be able to share that knowledge as a docent. Fast forward several years to when I was able to take the training and I have been a docent ever since.

What is the funniest thing a visitor has said to you on a tour?
An adult on a garden tour who had the funniest comment. I was waxing eloquent on the beautiful exfoliating bark of the crape myrtles, when a visitor said, “Thank goodness, I thought that the trees were diseased and were losing their bark.”

 

Pictured: Karen, left, and Shelia, right The docent program at Cheekwood offers behind-the-scenes information and training on Cheekwood’s 55 acres of gardens, historical mansion, and art exhibitions. We offer the opportunity for our volunteers to train as a Garden Docent, House and History Docent, and Exhibition Docent. As important members of our team, docents act as volunteer teachers and tour guides while sharing their passion for Cheekwood’s permanent and temporary exhibitions, gardens, and historical residence with visitors of all ages.

We recently sat down with two of our docents, Karen and Shelia, to ask them some questions about their experience as a docent, and what they love most.

Once your bulbs are ordered, recommended plant time is from the second or third week in November through mid-December. Remember to store your bulbs in a cool, dry place until you are ready to plant.

By Sarah Lowe, Botanical Garden and Horticulture Manager at CheekwoodNew the world of bulb planning? Here are some of our garden staff’s absolute favorite tulips, which you might want for your garden.

· Tulipa ‘Akebono’
· Tulipa ‘Angelique’
· Tulipa ‘Avignon’
· Tulipa ‘Big Eartha’
· Tulipa ‘Brown Sugar’
· Tulipa ‘Cherry Delight’
· Tulipa ‘Friendship’
· Tulipa ‘Hocus Pocus’
· Tulipa ‘Jan van Nes’
· Tulipa ‘Juliette’
· Tulipa ‘Kingsblood’
· Tulipa ‘La Courtine’
· Tulipa ‘Lady Van Eyk’
· Tulipa ‘Lighting Sun’
· Tulipa ‘Maureen’
· Tulipa ‘Mount Tacoma’
· Tulipa ‘Mystic van Eyk’
· Tulipa ‘Negrita’
· Tulipa ‘Orleans’
· Tulipa ‘Parade’
· Tulipa ‘Pink Diamond’
· Tulipa ‘Pink Impression’
· Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’
· Tulipa ‘Renown’
· Tulipa ‘Roi du midi’
· Tulipa ‘Rosy Delight’
· Tulipa ‘Sauternes’
· Tulipa ‘Shirley’
· Tulipa ‘Sky High Scarlet’
· Tulipa ‘Strong Gold’
· Tulipa ‘Temple of Beauty’
· Tulipa ‘Van Eijk’
· Tulipa ‘White Elegance’
· Tulipa ‘World Peace’
· Tulipa ‘World’s Favorite’
· Tulipa ‘Yellow Present’It may be the dog days of summer, but it’s already time to start thinking about your spring garden! Many gardeners look forward to this time of year, when bulb catalogs start hitting mailboxes and you can begin to explore different options for tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, fritillaries, alliums and other spring blooms to brighten up your garden. Grab a spot in the shade and start exploring bulb catalogs!

Be sure to get your order in early as some bulbs sell out quickly. Once your order is set, the bulbs will be shipped and delivered at the proper planting time for Middle Tennessee, which is usually late October to early November. Here at Cheekwood, our garden staff is already busy planning for the 2018 Cheekwood in Bloom display, which will be on view from March 17 – April 22, 2018. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Rustic Elements 
Utilizing wood and natural décor elements is a flawless transition for an outdoor reception with a rustic look. Farm tables are now readily available in gorgeous white washes and matte finishes, offering a hint of femininity. Pair these with eucalyptus or magnolia runners for an un-manicured centerpiece. Beautiful jewel tones and earth colors also couple well with this trend. I love copper with this look – chargers, votive holders and salt and pepper shakers add a brilliant pop to the table.

Vintage Accents
Timeless and elegant, this is something we are seeing more and more of and incorporating heirlooms throughout your wedding adds a romantic and personalized touch to this overall look. Mismatched plates and glassware, combined with soft and simple floral centerpieces make the perfect accent to this vintage look. Velvet is one linen that is having a major style moment. Incorporating velvet runners or linens adds texture to the overall “tablescape”.

Mixed Metals
For a contemporary look, add a touch of metal to your big day. Metallic colors in golden and silvery tones combined with bright white hues or accents make for a striking color palette. You can add pops of metal with vases, cake stands, sequined linens, painted table numbers or even your dress. Gold was the big front runner for 2016, and we are seeing the addition of coppers and rose gold mixed in for this year.

Neutrals
Beautiful hues of charcoal grey, light blue, black and white will continue to rule this wedding season. Neutral wedding colors add sophistication with a timeless, classic feel. Your wedding photos won’t easily date themselves when looking back years later.

Statement Greenery
Lush greenery adds a minimalist vibe that will effortlessly pair with any theme or wedding style. Add rich, green foliage runners down guest tables, or trees and hanging floral installations to give your day a natural garden feel. Greenery added to your ceremony chairs, or intertwined into your arch or trellis give a softness for venues that are a little more modern. Outdoor garden ceremonies can provide this trend, without bringing in extra décor.

Lauren Ratcliff
Special Events ManagerInterested in booking a wedding or event at Cheekwood? Contact the Cheekwood Special Events Team at specialevents@cheekwood.local or call 615-354-6377.

Rentals provided by Music City Tents and Events.Idyllically located just eight miles west of downtown Nashville, Cheekwood is the area’s premier wedding destination. Voted Best Place for a Wedding Reception by Nashville Scene in 2016, Cheekwood offers unique indoor and outdoor spaces suited for any couple, from intimate garden ceremonies to lavish receptions.

The talented special events team at Cheekwood provides services to an average of 60 brides per year. And with a busy wedding season just ahead, we asked Special Events Manager Lauren Ratcliff to share with us this year’s most defining style trends.

 

Spanning across 55 acres, Cheekwood’s pristine gardens and manicured lawns are viewed by thousands each year, from leisurely Nashville locals to traveling tourists. With four unique festivals, the gardens’ vibrant displays are thoughtfully designed to complement Nashville’s four distinct seasons, offering guests an experience that stimulates the mind and ignites the imagination.

Senior Vice President of Gardens, Patrick Larkin, oversees the meticulous planning that goes into maintaining the Cheekwood gardens year round. With his knowledge in horticulture and attention to detail, you can count on him to offer helpful advice on how to maintain your own garden – even in the winter.

While many think winter is a time to hang up the gardening gloves, Patrick says it’s often the best time to roll up your sleeves and get to work to ensure a fruitful spring harvest. He’s shared 6 tips on how to manage your home garden during the colder months ahead.

Patrick’s Winter Gardening Tips

One of the great things about living in the Nashville area is that, depending on the winter, you can work in your garden nearly year round. This means that all those gardening tasks that you didn’t get done in the fall you can get done now. Here are a few things you can do now to make sure you’re able to enjoy your spring garden:

Plant your bulbs!
If you bought too much from the catalogs, or you just ran out of time, it’s still not too late to plant your spring flowering bulbs. If you don’t want to get on your hands and knees at this time of year, plant the bulbs up in containers and leave them outside. You’ll have spring color that you can move around the yard as you please.

Trim back perennials.
By now all your perennials have gone dormant, so go ahead and prune the spent seed heads and brown leaves to the ground. Some plants (like black-eyed Susan) produce seed heads that are attractive to overwintering birds. These can be left standing until early spring, at which time they can be pruned back.

Get rid of any diseased foliage.
Leaves from infected plants needs to be removed from around the yard. If left alone or composted they can harbor the elements for a new outbreak next year.

Water.
Water needle-leaved conifers (like pines, firs, spruces and cedars) and broad-leaved evergreens (such as Southern magnolias) if we are having a dry winter. This ensures that they will be well hydrated when the dry, so the dry desiccating winds of winter don’t cause additional damage.

Fill your bird feeder.
You never know what feathered visitor may stop by! And be sure to provide water as well.

Dream!
Make notes on what worked and what didn’t work in your yard, to help you plan for a successful garden next year. You are more likely to remember key points now rather than in the frenzy of spring popping next March or April! Additionally, be sure to look through all those gardening catalogs which fill your mailbox at this time of year. They are a great source of inspiration of plant combinations you might want to try in your own garden, as well as letting you know what some of the latest and greatest plants being introduced into the trade.

Patrick Larkin

Senior Vice President of Gardens