
Programs and Activities
Cyberspace Connections / Help and Advice / Round Robins / Video and Book Library / Local Chapters / Special Events
For members with e-mail
capability, we have started a new program in late 1997 called HGA
Cyberspace Connections. Taking advantage of today's computer
technology, we have found a way to put fellow HGA members in touch with
each other in nanoseconds - in Cyberspace! Participants are voluntary and
register with the HGA Cyberspace Coordinator by providing name, e-mail address,
City, State, and Topic of greatest interest. The Coordinator
maintains a master Directory (currently around 150 people) and sends the
Directory (by e-mail of course) to the other participants based on three
regional areas of the country so they can pick and choose those people with
similar topics of interest or geographical area in which to communicate by
e-mail to share experiences and knowledge with each other. This program is
also used to facilitate special "Help and Advice" requests from members
where other participants can voluntarily respond to posted questions.
Common e-mail courtesy is of course requested. The Directory is
"refreshed" annually so participants must reregister via their Membership
Renewal Application, another good reason to join HGA.
In order to assist our members with
any greenhouse construction or maintenance problems, or any other
horticulturally related question, HGA maintains a staff of volunteer subject
experts to answer questions either by snail mail, e-mail, or by phone. One
way or another, HGA will help our members get help and advice from reliable and
experienced sources. This assistance is particularly helpful to new
greenhouse owners. Here's another good reason to join HGA.
Round Robins are groups
of about six members who want to share information in one of the established
topics which currently include greenhouse management, vegetable growing, cacti
and succulents, orchids, yard and garden, begonias, general growing, cool/solar
greenhouses, etc. Robins work like
this: A robin participant receives a packet of about six letters,
each written to the group by another participant. The recipient enjoys
each letter and removes his/her letter from the group and adds a fresh letter
telling of experiences in the topic area, answering or commenting on questions
and issues brought up in the other letters. Most letters are about two pages,
typed or handwritten. Photographs and other information, and sometimes
seeds are often included. An e-mail counterpart, HGA Cyberspace
Connections, is a similar program to get members in touch with each other but
Robins serve the membership without e-mail capability. Robins are
more formally organized, personal, and allow more time for quality
responses. We ask that each Robin participant respond with a letter to the
group and mail the packet to the next person within a week or so.
Join in! The topics are many new topics just
waiting for sufficient participants - like you. To join in the fun you
first need to join
HGA.
HGA is a discount source for many excellent books on all phases of greenhouse and indoor plant growing. A few are reviewed in each issue of Hobby Greenhouse Magazine. Many excellent video tapes and books are available to members of HGA on loan for the cost of shipping plus a small amount to help maintain the library. A list of available books in the library to HGA members is now available on-line, and other lists of resources will be provided when you join HGA.
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HGA encourages members to get
together and form Chapters in their areas with the assistance of the HGA Chapter
Coordinator. There are currently three local chapters and one affiliate. Membership in a chapter adds to the enjoyment of
having a hobby greenhouse by providing personal contact with other greenhouse
gardeners in the same area. Meetings provide the opportunity to share
information, experiences, and fellowhip and to draw quality guest
speakers. The Virginia Greenhouse Society is
an Affiliate of HGA. Similar local greenhouse or related organizations are
invited to also become HGA Affiliates. For more information on
chapters and affiliations, contact Tom
Eckert, HGA's Chapter Coordinator. and don't forget to join HGA.
Visit the New England Indoor Gardeners (HGA Chapter) Web Site
The Hobby Greenhouse Association holds special events occasionally to bring together our members in a social and educational environment. In 2000, HGA held a National Convention in St. Louis, MO in October. The agenda included a tour of Missouri Botanical Gardens, Breakaway sessions on topics of special interest to hobby greenhouse growers, social interaction opportunities among Officers and members, etc. Another convention was held at Longwood Gardens in Kennett's Square PA in late 2002. Conventions are planned at irregular intervals. The only caviat is YOU NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO ENJOY THIS GREAT EVENT, another good reason to join HGA.
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