Docents and the Training Program
Docent Training Program
The Docent Training Program is designed to train volunteers (docents) to give
tours of the Garden to visitors. Each class session will cover a different topic
with information for your future tours. More information will be covered than
one individual can remember!
Requirements of Docent Trainees
1. An enthusiasm for plants and gardens and the desire to share that enthusiasm with others.
2. A sincere interest in learning about the Garden and its collection of plants.
3. The ability or willingness to learn to speak in front of small groups of people.
4. Attend Docent Training Classes and shadow 3-5 Docent-led Tours.
5. $100 Training fee covers the cost of your manual, training, as well as a one-year individual membership.
Please note: we ask that docents continue their membership in the years following the training.
Shadow Tours
Each docent trainee will be required to observe 3 to 5 tours given by different docents during the training
course. This exercise introduces you to different styles of leading a tour and will help you gain familiarity
with the process. You’ll meet some of our other docents and it will make leading your own tour a lot less
intimidating! The schedule of garden tours varies throughout the year, largely based on the weather. Check
The Garden’s website (www.ruthbancroftgarden.org) for the next drop-in tour and the updated schedule.
Docents
Requirements of Docents
1. The willingness to lead a minimum of one tour per month.
2. Help with leading tours at various special events (as available).
3. Attend docent enrichment sessions and docent meetings. If you can’t attend a meeting, read follow-up
materials and stay involved with changes at the Garden.
4. Maintain a current membership at The Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Benefits for Docents
 Your first year’s membership is included in Training fees and you are eligible for member benefits:
o Free admission to the Garden for one year
o Plant Coupon worth $15 of purchases
o Free or discounted admissions at 235 reciprocal gardens throughout the U.S.
o Entry to Members only events and early admission to plant sales
o 10% discount at local nurseries
o Discounts at RBG educational events
o Two one-time use guest passes for admission to the garden
 As an active Docent, you are eligible for our organization’s volunteer benefits:
o 20% off plant and merchandise purchases through RBG
o Invite for you and a guest to attend our volunteer appreciation event
o Docents have the privilege of leading private tours for friends and family with prior
arrangement. Call The Garden staff (925-944-9352) so that we have you on the calendar.
 On-going enrichment opportunities offered almost every month throughout the year.
Docent Information 1
Tour Information
Tours are offered year-round and are the best ways to learn about the Garden as it is a personal account of
the plants in the Garden, the history of the property and other information that is selected by the docent.
With limited signage ability in the Garden, Docents provide much of the interpretation for our visitors.
Drop-in tours are offered on a weekly basis and last about 1-1 ½ hours. Individuals and small groups can
participate in these tours without a reservation. Docents can limit the tour to 12 guests, if they would
prefer. Tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Group tours are offered on an ongoing basis and are scheduled in advance by groups of 10 or more people.
These are often garden clubs, church groups, senior groups, or other clubs. These can be scheduled
throughout the week and are managed by RBG’s Group Tour Coordinator with the assistance of staff. For
large groups, multiple docents will be scheduled so that there are no more than 10-15 visitors per docent.
Special Events, of a social or educational nature, often require docents to answer questions about the
garden or plants, and/or give abbreviated tours.
Plant Sales always need Docents on-site to answer questions and tell people about the Garden.
Docent Tour Guidelines
Before your tour:
 Arrive a few minutes early to walk through the garden to see what is in bloom or looks interesting that
day. Choose a route that will take you past these plants during your tour. When there is more than one
tour in the garden, choose a route that avoids the other group(s).
 Communicate with the cashier regarding your general path so late visitors may be directed to you.
 Rain Policy: The docent should always show up, even if it is raining or threatening rain since a guest may
show up anyhow. Cashiers do not come if it is raining. The docent may cancel the tour if he/she deems
the weather too inclement and you may offer refunds.
Start of your tour:
 Welcoming guests to the Garden. Tell visitors about the history of the organization and inform them
that we are a non-profit that relies on donations, admissions and membership funds to thrive.
 Remind guests to stay together during guided tours and to stay on paths. Warn guests to watch where
they step and about sharp spines and tips on plants throughout the garden.
 Ask guests if anyone has any particular interests that you may address during the tour.
 Let your guests know that you don’t have all the answers! There are reference books in the cabinet in
the Plant Sale House for your use. If a guest asks a question to which you don’t know the answer, give
staff the question and contact information for the person.
 It is your task to make our guests feel comfortable in the garden. Please avoid controversial topics.
 Your tour should last an hour to an hour and a half.
At the conclusion of your tour:
 Explain about garden membership & benefits. If they join today, they can use the day’s admission
toward the membership price. Refer them to the cashier.
 Mention any upcoming educational or social events.
 Encourage visitors to purchase plants and/or merchandise in one of our plant sale areas.
 Let the staff know about anything important that came up during your tour. Although we will not
always be onsite, we love to know what is going on – especially any concerns.
Docent Information 2