The City of Lincoln’s Parks and Recreation Department is calling on volunteers to help “Put the Beds to Bed” at Sunken Gardens on Saturday, November 1, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Each fall, staff and community members join together to prepare the city’s signature flower beds for winter. After seasonal plants are cleared, volunteers will hand-spade soil and mix in compost to enrich the ground for next year’s blooms.
Public Gardens Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Poehling said the annual effort helps set the stage for the 2026 growing season.
“The soil and compost sit over the winter to work their magic and get ready for next year,” Poehling said. “It’s a fun way for people who love Sunken Gardens to help it stay beautiful.”
Poehling said there’s no volunteer cap, and residents are encouraged to sign up by October 31. Participants should arrive a few minutes early to check in, enjoy a light breakfast, and complete a waiver.
Attendees are asked to bring gloves, a shovel or spade, and wear clothing suitable for outdoor work. The activity is not recommended for children under 13.
Poehling said the department is also preparing a full calendar of garden volunteer opportunities for 2026, including “Wake Up the Beds” in May, Garden Gab sessions throughout summer, and the Rose Garden Cleanup in April.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Cindy Poehling at cpoehling@lincoln.ne.gov. The rain date for the event is Saturday, November 8. More details are available at parks.lincoln.ne.gov.