Volunteer Spotlight: Phyllis Cain

By Greta Engel

Phipps is well-known for our beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, pioneering sustainability initiatives, informative educational programs and community outreach. None of our work, however, would be possible without the knowledge and dedication of our volunteers. In this series of profiles, we meet some of the people who give their time to make Phipps possible.

Volunteer Phyllis Cain has been drawn to the beauty of flowers since childhood. Growing up in Mt. Washington, Phyllis’ mother kept the front yard full of color with portulaca, gladiola and spring blooms like lilies and tulips. In her backyard, Phyllis recalls a small vegetable garden and a beautiful pink peony bush. As a child she enjoyed digging in the dirt, using a soup spoon as her first gardening tool. Phyllis credits her mother with inspiring her interest in botany. Her parents also exposed her to Phipps during their annual family trip on Easter Sunday. Phyllis remembers the Spring Flower show as “a colorful impressive showstopper, just as it is now.”

After retiring from her job as a primary school teacher, Phyllis was intrigued by the idea of volunteering at Phipps. She describes volunteering as “like being in the classroom again but in a green and relaxing environment!” Phyllis spent her time as a teacher seeking opportunities for students to experience the wonder of a tiny seed growing into a plant. As an avid gardener, she recruited her husband and three daughters to plant a vegetable garden at their home. 

Phyllis feels most drawn to volunteering with the Discovery Program because of the opportunity it provides to “give children an experience with the wonder of growth and creativity as they pot a plant or create a craft.” In her almost 10 years of volunteering, Phyllis has also enjoyed meeting people from all around the United States and beyond! As a lifelong Pittsburgh resident, she has taken pride in being an ambassador for both Phipps and the city. Phyllis enjoys making recommendations to people and helping them get the most out of their experience in Pittsburgh.

Although she spends most of her time volunteering with Discovery Education, Phyllis also enjoys helping out with events like Halloween Happenings, Tropical Forest festivals and the Garden Railroad Farewell party. Phyllis says, “No matter what the experience, being with the other volunteers and Phipps employees has always been the highlight.” She is especially appreciative of new friendships she has developed with college students, young adults and fellow retirees. Through her passionate work as a volunteer, Phyllis continues to inspire children with the beauty of plants!