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Local Bay Area Class and Event Listings

Oh -- I did want to mention one other thing to the group members who are
local to Northern California.  It was suggested that the ba.gardens
newsgroup could list local events.

That's one thing that I can say that the Bay Area Gardener Web site does
very well. I've spent about 18 months on this Web site now, and bit by bit
have contacted the many different organizations that sponsor gardening
activities of all types (from local clubs that offer a speaker during their
regular meeting, to classes for serious hobbyists or professionals on the
other -- to sales, shows, and other special events).

One of the resons I've spent a lot of time developing this aspect of the
site is that I know from personal experience (I'm a long term volunteer at
Strybing's Education Department) is that many great events and classes go
wanting from lack of attendees. But then later we'd find that people would
have attended if they'd only known. I'm especially concerned about the
classes and events that do appeal to more mid-level to professional
hobbyists. I worry that programs such as those offered by the Bot Garden,
Strybing, Tilden, UCSC, UC Davis, and others will be cut back or eliminated
if they don't get enough people to attend.

I also promote the talks by the local societies (many of whom tell me that
they are getting few younger members or new members at all) as great places
to learn more about a specific plant type and how visitors are always
welcome. Last February, one of the fuchsia societies said they have 7
guests show up a meeting, an unheard of number for them.

And I also include -- at no cost to them -- announcements about short
classes hosted by commercial retail nurseries and these I enourage
beginners or "busy gardeners" to attend.

This by way of saying where my heart is, not to just be self-serving about
the Web site. I hope that beginning gardeners will find their way to
organizations and events that help them learn more about gardening and that
they make as few mistakes as possible along the way through getting
education and training. From there they will progress up through the
"ranks" and find their way to those offered by Strybing and like
organizations.

Anyway, I think our Web site does a good job at the events and right now it
is the most comprehensive of anything available in the entire Bay Area.

Carol


                         The Bay Area Gardener <http://www.gardens.com>
                 **serving gardeners in the greater San Francisco Bay Area**
                       * email: moholt@gardens.com * phone: 650-968-4480 *
                           301 Windmill Park Lane, Mtn. View CA 94043
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