Over a century ago, William and Martha Young employed a staff of six gardeners to maintain the grounds at Locust Grove. Today, many dedicated volunteers assist in maintaining the estate for the enjoyment of more than 60,000 annual visitors. Under the guidance of the horticulture staff, more than 50 volunteers work in the greenhouse, kitchen gardens, and flower gardens. Our expert staff provides direction and hands-on training for each session that you can apply to your garden at home.

Kitchen Garden volunteers meet weekly on Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm, March through November. No experience is necessary.

Ornamental Garden volunteers meet weekly on Thursdays from 9 am to 12 pm, March through November. No experience is necessary.

April - December

On the second Thursday of the month from April through November, as well as two Thursdays in December, guests come to Locust Grove to enjoy a magnificent Hudson River sunset while sipping fine wines paired with culinary creations. Visitors are treated to cooking demonstrations by the featured chef of the month, wine pairing presentations, and a tour of the vegetable garden, our inspiration for the series.

On December Thursdays, guests tour the mansion decorated for the holidays.

Volunteers are needed from 4:30 to 8 pm to assist with registration and food service. Must be 21 years of age.

Second Sunday in July

Locust Grove hosts an annual show featuring over 300 antique cars on the lawns of the historic estate. The grounds are open to visitors from 8 am to 4 pm. Awards are given to the top cars from each of the decades represented in the show.

Volunteers are needed to assist with ticket sales and parking.

1st shift - 7:30 am to 12:00 pm 2nd shift – 11:30 am to 4:00 pm

Weekends in May & June

Families are welcomed to Locust Grove on weekends to explore the gardens and find the fairy houses scattered throughout them.

Volunteers are needed before the first day of the Fairy House Hunt to make Fairy Houses to be placed in the gardens. Some crafting skills/experience preferred.

Weekends in September & October

Families are welcomed to Locust Grove on weekends to enjoy a literary walk throughout the grounds illustrated with characters and scenes made from fall harvest vegetables.

Volunteers are needed before the first day of Harvest Hunt to make characters or scenes to be displayed throughout the grounds. Some crafting skills/experience preferred.

December Sundays

Families are welcomed to Locust Grove on Sunday afternoons in December for a scavenger hunt through our historic mansion decorated for the holidays.

Volunteers are needed from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm to monitor a room in the mansion, share basic facts, and assist with the holiday hunt. All information will be supplied. No previous knowledge is required.