What i notice most native gardeners miss?...water.They all ignore any water feature that takes the same research they put into plantings. Would be great to see a native stream/creek reproduction with native water plants.Native dace instead of goldfish. And a good excuse to include lush moss and ferns. Outside of the Japanese garden not much use of the lower plants. imo.

[Santa Clara Valley and Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area] VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The 2008 Going Native Garden Tour is seeking volunteers who are willing to spend a few hours greeting tour participants and answering questions. The tour showcases bird- and butterfly-friendly, pesticide-free, water conserving gardens that contain California native plants. The tour will take place on Sunday April 20, 2008 from 10AM to 4PM. Last year the tour featured 45 gardens in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Benefits to volunteers include invitations to private showings of select tour gardens throughout the year, and a guaranteed tour reservation for the half-day you are free. Plus, you will help to educate garden visitors about the pleasures and benefits of gardening with California native plants! Volunteer Participation Tour Volunteers must: - Enjoy public education and interaction - Be able to commit to either the 9:45AM-1:15PM shift, or the 12:45PM-4:15PM shift. (Volunteers may use the balance of the time to tour gardens.) You can be a Greeter or a Docent: - Greeters welcome guests and make sure that they sign in. They direct the flow of traffic into the garden. They encourage guests to add comments to the sign-in sheet. - Docents (after orientation) help answer questions about the homeowner's garden. To volunteer for the 2008 Tour, please complete the Volunteer Sign-up Form at http://www.goingnativegardentour.org/volunteerForm.php Sign up now! There is a volunteer orientation this Friday, April 4. More information after you have registered.

Washington Native Plant Society will be hosting garden tours to gardens featuring native plants in the Seattle/Tacoma area May 21-22 weekend. The tours are open to the public and are free. Follow the link below for garden hours and more information. Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Tour Information

drop Thanks Violet