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SF Begonia Society
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WHO WE ARE


The Carol Notaras - San Francisco Branch of the American Begonia Society

Organized in 1939, we are the local organization of Begonia enthusiasts

serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area. 


We have dedicated our branch to our long time benefactor, Carol Notaras, for her commitment to 

ABS and our local branch over the many years of her participation.

Carol continues to give us guidance on the cultivation 

and identification of the genus Begoniacea.

 

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VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP AT OUR SALE TABLE

CLICK ON EVENT TO SIGN UP


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SOS, Save Our Species Call-to-Action

Help ABS raise money for conservation & research and adopt a ICUN Red List Begonia

Details can be found on the calendar.


The natural places that begonias call home are disappearing faster than scientists can study them. Climate change, deforestation, mining, and rapid development are pushing many species toward extinction — some before they are even formally described.


-The Begonian, January/ February 2026

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Want to learn how to grow Begonias from seed? Join us for our seed clinic. We will host a clinic on pollination, harvesting, cleaning and sowing seeds. This evening will also be a Begonia & gear swap. This is a great opportunity re-home any Begonias you may have too many of, or extra props and a great opportunity to take home new Begonias. See event for details.

OUR MISSION

We are a community-based organization focused on helping each other develop our knowledge of begonias of all types.
Our membership includes beginners, intermediate and professionals in the local San Francisco Bay Area.

 

GET INVOLVED

Are you passionate about begonias? Let us know!
We are always looking for new members to help us make us better and share in our love for this genus.
We're excited to share our knowledge with anyone that loves
begonias or any type of plants. We're excited to have you join our group!

BECOME A MEMBER


To be a member you must be a member of the
American Begonia Society, our national association.
Membership in ABS includes a printed or digital copy of the bi-monthly magazine "The Begonian", educational webinars,
 and many other benefits enjoyed by members worldwide.
We've included a link to the ABS website membership page below for your convenience, as dues are collected separately.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

JOIN OUR BRANCH

JOIN ABS

WHAT WE DO

If you live in the SF Bay Area and want to learn about all
kinds of begonias, get access to lots of great begonias at
incredible discounted member prices
and how to grow them, this is the group to check out!

 

  • All levels are welcome!

  • In Person and Online Meetings

  • Speakers
  • Education & Mentoring
  • Cultivation Techniques
  • Workshops and Demonstrations
  • Begonia Sale Discounts
  • Many Plant Sharing, Swaping & Member Sales
  • Trouble Shooting
  • ABS National Conventions and Begonia Shows
  • Member Only Field Trips
  • Other garden field trips, annual plant sales & shows, community projects
    • Join our community of Begonia enthusiasts 

     
    We support Conservation of Species and Preservation of Hybrids

     

     

    Upcoming Events
    Upcoming Events