Never arrive unannounced - this is the one inflexible rule.

No matter how gracious the garden host, never overstay your welcome; garden visits take time away from gardening.

Offer favorable comments when merited, and advice when asked. If you do indeed possess the secret to growing a difficult species, share it, but "It's a weed for me" is neither complimentary to your host nor very enlightening.

In the matter of gifts for the garden host, if you wish to avoid bringing coals to Newcastle, or the very plant that was just edited out of the garden, consider home-made edibles.

Never remove anything without asking. What may seem a weed to you, may be your host's intentional choice, or insects may be a part of your host's overall garden management plan. However, seeds or cuttings may be shared by the host at your request.

A thank-you note after the visit is always appreciated.

- adapted from the Handbook of the Delaware Valley Chapter