| Have you ever gone to one of those garden shows | | | | Do ask questions. Gardeners love to share |
| and been so completely intimidatedthat you were | | | | information. You can learn a lot from people |
| afraid to move? You know, where every hosta leaf | | | | whogrow beautiful gardens. They will share with you |
| looks like it has been polished, and every flower is | | | | how to grow that hosta, or where to get |
| perfect, and the ground has been raked like a | | | | thatparticular rose, or how to make compost. |
| Japanese sand garden. | | | | On the other side of the fence, if you are hosting a |
| Knowing the garden etiquette rules is sort of like | | | | garden tour, good manners will make your guests |
| knowing which fork to use at a grand dinnerparty. It | | | | feelmore comfortable and less intimidated. |
| helps you relax and enjoy the evening. So here are | | | | Allow a little imperfection. One or two brown leaves |
| some tips for good garden etiquette: | | | | on the hostas, or a droopy flower or something out |
| Don't walk in the gardens. Paths are made for | | | | of place will make your guests feel more |
| walking on. Sometimes grass is okay to walk on. It's | | | | comfortable. |
| never okay to walk in the gardens unless your host | | | | Make it clear where people can walk. Put up signs |
| or hostess tells you it is. | | | | and/or rope off forbidden areas. |
| Don't smoke. It's not good for you, your host or the | | | | Have a trash container available, just in case |
| plants. | | | | somebody needs to throw something away. |
| Do not litter. | | | | Be nice. Overlook small offenses, noisy children (as |
| Do not sample. Do not take flowers, leaves, tiny | | | | long as they aren't destroying anything) or other |
| cuttings that no one would notice or any thing else. | | | | things that could get your knickers in a twist. |
| No samples of any kind unless your host generously | | | | Provide refreshments. Refreshments can be as |
| gives it as a gift. | | | | elaborate as appetizers and champagne, or as simple |
| Do not go inside the house or ask to use the | | | | as iced water. Refreshments aren't required, but they |
| bathroom. Garden tours do not include the house. | | | | are a gracious touch. |
| Do not bring your dog. Dogs and gardens don't mix | | | | If it is okay for people to use your bathroom, offer |
| well. | | | | it. Don't make them ask. |
| Do not bring your children, unless they are | | | | Whether you are the host or an attendee, a few |
| well-behaved and can enjoy the garden. | | | | simple rules of garden etiquette make any garden |
| Do admire. Loudly, frequently and with many oohs | | | | show less intimidating and more enjoyable for all |
| and aahs. | | | | concerned. |