Knowing the garden etiquette rules is sort of like knowing which fork to use at a grand dinner



party. It helps you relax and enjoy the evening. So here are some tips for good garden etiquette:

Don't walk in the gardens. Paths are made for walking on. Sometimes grass is okay to walk on. It's never okay to walk in the gardens unless your host or hostess tells you it is.

Don't smoke. It's not good for you, your host or the plants.

Do not litter.

Do not sample. Do not take flowers, leaves, tiny cuttings that no one would notice or any thing else.

No samples of any kind unless your host generously gives it as a gift.

Do not go inside the house or ask to use the bathroom. Garden tours do not include the house.

Do not bring your dog. Dogs and gardens don't mix well.

Do not bring your children, unless they are well-behaved and can enjoy the garden.

Do admire. Loudly, frequently and with many oohs and aahs.

Do ask questions. Gardeners love to share information. You can learn a lot from people who

grow beautiful gardens. They will share with you how to grow that hosta, or where to get that

particular rose, or how to make compost.

On the other side of the fence, if you are hosting a garden tour, good manners will make your guests feel

more comfortable and less intimidated.

Allow a little imperfection. One or two brown leaves on the hostas, or a droopy flower or something out of place will make your guests feel more comfortable.

Make it clear where people can walk. Put up signs and/or rope off forbidden areas.

Have a trash container available, just in case somebody needs to throw something away.

Be nice. Overlook small offenses, noisy children (as long as they aren't destroying anything) or other things that could get your knickers in a twist.

Provide refreshments. Refreshments can be as elaborate as appetizers and champagne, or as simple as iced water. Refreshments aren't required, but they are a gracious touch.

If it is okay for people to use your bathroom, offer it. Don't make them ask.

Whether you are the host or an attendee, a few simple rules of garden etiquette make any garden show less intimidating and more enjoyable for all concerned.