We are very proud to welcome back the Valley's top gardening experts! Representatives from some of the most popular Garden Societies AND the local chapter of the Master Gardeners will be located in the Garden Pavilion (south end of the fairgrounds, near the Butler Entrance). Visit with them while at the show and see if they can help you with any plant problems or questions. They specialize in those issues that most concern Valley gardeners, i.e., water conservation, sun-loving plants, and more. AND - you can buy plants from the various societies.

Orchid Society - The Central California Orchid Society (CCOS) is affiliated with the American Orchid Society (AOS) and is active in promoting Orchids in the Central Valley through meetings, outreach and shows.

African Violet Society -  What are African Violets? Remember that fussy plant with purple flowers that your aunt grew on the kitchen windowsill? Those are African Violets.  An African violet is a small house plant that flowers, but not just purple anymore.

The Central California African Violet Society is a local club that has members from all over the valley.  We are a “violety” group of people who like to grow African violets and gesneriads (cousins to the African violet). If you want to know more or take home an African Violets come by our booth at the Fresno Home and Garden Show.  We are selling some wonderful violets in our booth for you to put on your windowsill.  Seminars and demonstrations will be on going the entire weekend of the Fresno Home and Garden Show.   We welcome any questions that you might have. Our meetings are held at 6:30pm on the third Monday of every month (except June, July and December) at the Friends Community Church (First and Bullard) or contact us by email or phone. We are always looking to meet others who share our interests.  Our meetings are always informative, educational and fun. But be careful, you might find this plant hobby a little addictive.

   African Violets, like many other plants, have had the benefits of hybridizing and now can be grown with many different blossom colors; even greens and whites.  African Violets even come in sizes, small (miniature), medium (semi-miniature) and large (standard).  So, any north or east facing windowsill can hold a happy blooming African Violet.  In our valley, a south or west facing window is probably not the best, Violets don’t like direct sunlight. 

Contact info: Email: fresnoviolets@gmail.com Website: www.fresnoviolets.org 

 Phone: (559) 260-9233 (Teri) or (559) 906-7366 (Lola)

Master Gardeners - The UC Master Gardener Program utilizes trained and certified Master Gardener volunteers at the County level to conduct research-based educational programs on home horticulture, pest management, and sustainable landscape practices to the home gardening public.

Fresno Iris Society - The Fresno Iris Society is a member of a nationwide organization that was established in 1927. It is dedicated to the understanding of the Iris, and offers education via meeting and their website, www.fresnoirissociety.org.

Cactus & Succulent Society- The Fresno Cactus & Succulent Society is devoted to the appreciation, cultivation and conservation of cacti and other succulents. Founded in 1965, the Society currently has approximately 120 members, who range from expert growers to novices. Visit the Society’s website at: www.fresnocss.com

The Fresno Bonsai Society -The mission of the Fresno Bonsai Society is to expand the knowledge and skills of Bonsai within its membership while offering opportunities for appreciation of this art form to the broader community. Stop by our exhibit to see some of the finest bonsai in California. We offer  information on the Art of Bonsai. There will be demonstrations all three days, plus bonsai for sale. You may also sign up for membership. Visit our website at www.fresnobonsaisociety.com or like us on our Face Book page.

Clovis Botanical Garden - The Clovis Botanical Garden, a water-wise demonstration garden, provides 3 beautiful acres of plants and landscapes appropriate for the hot summers and cool winters of California's Central Valley.   A Sensory Garden has is in the process of being installed and offers a chance for special needs children and adults to experience the garden. Homeowners will also appreciate the 5 vignettes they are creating depicting landscapes for the front and back yards that are drought resistant and beautiful.     Call 559-298-3091. 

Sequoia Chapter of the California Native Plant Society – The Native Plant Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and their conservation, protection and horticulture. For more information call 559-243-0815