Volunteer Spotlight: Sibylle Ingold

By Sarah Martin

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.

The seamless combination of science, nature and art is why volunteer docent Sibylle Ingold loves spending time at Phipps. “People who love plants or nature are generally good people,” she said. When Sibylle gives tours of the Conservatory, she enjoys seeing visitors' interest grow and finds it hopeful that younger people have peaked interests in sustainability. “It is a pleasure talking with visitors. You have things in common and shared interests,” she said. “I also love seeing young children’s eyes widen when they see certain plants.”

Sibylle became a docent and master gardener in 2010 and also volunteers with the Dr. Phipps Green Line phone support system as well as many of Phipps’ events. She recently took a break from giving tours at Phipps while training as a docent for the Carnegie Museum of Art, but hopes to get back to giving Conservatory tours soon. She started volunteering at Phipps while still working as a chemist for PPG Industries and increased her volunteer time once she retired. 

Since she was a little girl, Sibylle has had an interest in wild flowers and gardening. She is originally from Germany and came to Pittsburgh in 2003. Being outside in her garden makes her truly happy, even if it is just for ten minutes in the day. Her favorite time to garden is during the beginning of May, when she finds herself outside for hours. Sibylle lives with her husband in Allison Park. She grows many of her own vegetables as well as flowers, including roses, lilies, hostas and daisies.