Volunteers, How About Some Soup?

RBG will be hosting three events for volunteers this winter, the first of which will be held on Tuesday, January 18th from 5 pm until 7 pm. Soup and some other refreshments will be provided. The intent of these events is to keep in touch with our volunteers (over a bowl of hot soup), bring them together and to talk about gardening and some of the upcoming collections and opportunities at the gardens. All RBG volunteers are invited and they are welcome to bring their "significant other" and/or a "potential volunteer." We find that many of our volunteers will mention they have a friend or family member that has always talked about coming down to RBG to volunteer. Well, here's the opportunity to get their "feet wet" prior to the busy spring. All interested individuals should RSVP with Lori at (608) 752-3885 (ext. 20). Lori can also answer questions regarding this event and the others that will be coming up. Lori sent out a card mailing last week that all current volunteers should have received. This card, perfect for the fridge, lists the dates for all three events. If you didn't receive the card, continue this your invite and call Lori to make sure your address is in our system. It would be an understatement to say that our address databases have been extremely challenging and frustrating. We truly hope to have a nice turnout and while we've not done these in the past, we anticipate value in keeping our "family" intact over the non-gardening months.

The pictures shown here are from some of the gardens I saw in Philadelphia in 2008 and 2009. Part of our "Soup Night" will include me talking about our 2011 collections, development plans, challenges, events, volunteer opportunities, etc. but I'll also be doing travelogues on some of my recent garden visits. These colorful images may help with the winter doldrums for sure. In February, I'll talk about gardens in the Los Angeles area and gardens of New York City will be presented in March. Don't let the threat of my blabbering affect your decision to come to these events. At least come for the soup. Don't forget to RSVP!!!