This article appeared in the San Jose Mercury News on April 2, 2004. (c) 2004 San Jose Mercury News. All Rights Reserved.
Members of the Going Native Garden Tour committee came up with a flier listing ``garden etiquette'' for those who sign up for their event. These common-sense tips are worth sharing, including my favorite: ``Be generous with your praise, gentle in your criticism'':
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and comfortable walking shoes. It's likely that the weather will be sunny and warm.
• You will be visiting residential neighborhoods and parking will be limited. If parking looks impossible, move on to the next garden and try later in the day. Carpool if possible.
• Plan a lunch break and pit stops. Restrooms will not be available in homes.
• Bring a camera and a notepad to record plants and landscape treatments you especially like. Ask permission from the owner or docent on duty before taking any photos.
• Stay on the marked paths.
• Do not clip or injure the plants in any way.
• No smoking. No pets. No strollers. No food. No litter.
• Turn off your cell phone or at least put it on ``vibrate'' mode so everyone can enjoy the gardens.
• Take only one copy of any available handout.
• Sign the guest book.
-- Holly Hayes, Mercury News