Programs and Activities 

Cyberspace Connections 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.

Help and Advice 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 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 Bookshop and Video/Book Library HGA is a source for many excellent books on all phases of greenhouse and indoor plant growing.  A few new titles are reviewed in each issue of Hobby Greenhouse Magazine.  Many of these books are available to members at discount from the HGA Bookshop.  In addition, many excellent video tapes and books are available to members of HGA on loan  from the HGA Library for the cost of mailing plus a small amount to help maintain the Library.  HGA's goal is to put together some CD presentations for loan to members.

Local Chapters 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 Hobby Greenhouse & Indoor Gardeners of Massachusetts  (HGA Chapter) Web Site

Special Events The Hobby Greenhouse Association holds special events occasionally to bring together our members in a social and educational environment.     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.