Volunteer Voices

Naturally curious and one who looks for the beauty in things, Martha Rogers has many reasons for volunteering at Bloedel Reserve. Since 2010, she has worked as a docent in the visitor center and transferred post-covid to the gardens. Switching to the landscapes outside and helping with the physical labor and care in the gardens allow Martha to participate in a broad spectrum of diverse experiences that help her understand what is needed f

or Bloedel to thrive. While volunteering she has seen more “behind the scenes” activities that has given her a greater appreciation of the amount and variety of tasks it takes to maintain the Reserve. As a person who loves plants and gardening, she finds the people working at the Reserve extremely knowledgeable and always willing to answer her questions.

After retiring from a 30-year career in architecture, Martha attended art school and is now painting with watercolors. Her latest portfolio includes stunning portraits of the horticultural staff in different settings at the Reserve.

“I am an artist, a watercolor artist that finds Bloedel so very inspiring. There is always a surprise or discovery awaiting me, whether it is a person to meet or something new in the garden.”