Docents give tours, staff the gift shop and nursery and work on various garden events.
And, the 11-week course has its rewards beyond the obvious. Each graduate will receive a diploma signifying a botanical education, free access to the gardens and other benefits. Being a docent requires a commitment of 80 hours each year. In past columns, I've told you about Carlsbad's resident purveyor of positive points, Jack McClendon, founder of the EncourageMint Club. His book 'The Ways We Choose,' is dynamic.