I know that Allison belongs and attends, but does anyone else? I'm considering joining a local group and would like to know what you think the good points and the bad points are
Thanks for your help
AVSA Groups
I joined the AVS about a month ago. I still have not received any info or 'welcome' packet like I did with the ABS (begonias of course -wink wink)
One of the best things about the ABS is access to the seed fund! I have yet to take advantage but now that I see that I can start streps from seed I know I'll do the same with the ABS seeds!!! (they sent a complimentary packet of seeds with the welcom package.
The next 'local' meeting for me is in 3 weeks, so it will be my first AVS meeting. Cant wait to see what and who I find.
good points - people who love AVs and/or gessies, more plants, more knowledge
bad point - possibly some politics
I "don't do groups well" (says she, sheepishly) and also my work schedule is rather insane (for example, in the office both days this weekend) so I find it difficult to attend the meetings (they can be rather loooooong).
note that I said "possibly" and "can be" - it's always worth checking out a meeting to see what you think.
I use to belong but I am not able to go anymore beacause of my health. It had lot of long time growers. The group had started around 1955.
Each month was a special pseaker, lessons, show and tell, bring a plant in with a problem for help, planning for show and learning about growing to show.. Each month they sold raffles I always bought the most..lol and won beautiful blooming plants, and suplies :)) I also was given lot's of plants, leaves, taught the secrets of growing babies fast and setting leaves in solo cups and the shoe boxes.
I was taught how to special soil and more.
Keyring was so correct bad point - possibly some politics Lot's of comption for the best and most ribbons -and some of those long time growers will not share their secrets or real secrets. lol
I say they may all be different. I am 48 and I was just about the youngest person. I'm sure each group is different.
when i belongs in the 60's (he he..71yo teenager here)...think group wasn't as professional...traded a lot...did learn some things (which i need to relearn)...but i am aware from other organizations...that it can have some down points..but i always thought the positive outweighed everything else.
You guys are great! Thanks for the info.
I hope you join one Nanna It will be fun ! I have a friend in OK that started one not long ago. It's a small group I think they meet on Sundays but she says it's going well. I wish I could still go but you can all go and share about the meetings :)) Allison
This is a small group outside Baltimore MD in Bel Air. They do something almost every month. They do not meet in January because of weather no in either July or August for vacation. They have a show in May along with a sale and another sale in September. I chatted with on of the reps on line and she was very helpful. I plant to attend the meeting in February and see what happens from there.