Editor’s note: This article was reported and written before Tropical Storm Helene. Asheville Botanical Garden remains closed to visitors, as debris and fallen trees are still being cleared from the paths. For up-to-date information, visit avl.mx/e9h.
In 2013, when Cherie Morris and her husband, Randy Omark, decided they’d had enough of the chilly Pocono Mountain winters, they sold their home and headed south to Asheville to enjoy their retirement.
“We did plenty of research before settling on Asheville, which turned out to be the ideal place for us,” Morris said.
As a garden lover, Morris’ idea of a perfect day is volunteering at the Asheville Botanical Garden Visitor Center, located next to the UNC Asheville campus.
“This has to be the most relaxing place to work,” Morris said. “I get to be at a desk surrounded by 10 acres of native trees, flowers, a flowing creek and winding paths, chatting with visitors. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Morris started volunteering in 2018, shortly after joining the Asheville Garden Club, which then held its meetings at the garden.
“As a Pennsylvania-trained Master Gardener, I was thrilled to dive back into gardening after moving to Asheville,” she says. “The Garden Club allowed me to connect with other gardening enthusiasts, get my hands in the soil and learn about the need for volunteers.”
With her top-notch people skills developed over 30 years as a flight attendant, along with a background in retail, Morris was a natural fit for the front desk position, which she did for five years. Last year she stepped into the role of art buyer.
“I still help out at the front desk as needed, but my responsibilities have shifted to purchasing art, greeting cards and jewelry,” she says. “With so many artists living in the area, I try to buy local whenever possible.”
When Morris is not volunteering, socializing with neighbors or working on home projects, she’s immersed in her passion for jewelry making — a craft she’s been perfecting for over 50 years. She generously donates her handcrafted jewelry to the Botanical Garden visitor center.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdog,” she says. “That’s why I donate my jewelry to this organization that operates on a mere shoestring budget. I want to help out however I can.”
Despite popular belief, Morris emphasizes that Asheville Botanical Garden is not part of UNCA. “With only four paid staff members, it’s an independent nonprofit entirely supported by donations, memberships, sales and volunteers, along with classes offered in its newly renovated classroom.”
Morris admits that there’s no place in Asheville she would rather be volunteering her time.
“This place is surely one of Asheville’s hidden treasures,” she remarks. “Visitors can wander the peaceful grounds every day of the week, from dawn to dusk, free of charge. The only thing is, they have to leave their pooches at home since dogs aren’t allowed on the premises. We want to keep our happy plants happy.”
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