Biweekly Update – October 4

 New Announcements  

1. Webinar Series 

·      October 24 – Fall Planted Perennials with Paul Westervelt, Head Color Grower at Saunders Brothers Register here. 

                                i.Join Paul Westervelt for an informative talk on past winners of “Perennial Plant of the Year” and his favorite garden additions you can make this fall. 

·         As with all the webinars in the EMG CE Webinar Series, this webinar will be recorded and posted at: https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/webinar-archive/  

2. Tell us about your specialized expertise! The State EMG Office is working with Dave Close, former VCE Volunteer Engagement Specialist, and Pat Lust, an active VCE MG volunteer, on a follow-up survey to the 2022 project titled “Happy EMG Volunteers & Thriving EMG Unit.”  Dave currently serves as the Volunteer Specialist with the University of Tennessee Extension and continues to collaborate with VCE on special multi-state projects.  

·      This new survey, titled “EMGs with Specialized Expertise,” aims to gather insights from EMG volunteers about specialized horticultural skills. 

·     The survey should take approximately 12-15 minutes to complete.  The survey will close at the end of the day on Sunday, October 20.  (As a footnote, the survey will be conducted through the University of Tennessee and not Virginia Tech so the Qualtrics URL will reflect a UT-Knoxville and UT Extension origin.) 

·     Take the survey: https://utk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bQacDM4S86ExXjE 

3. Updated Lawn and Garden pages on Extension website! We’ve added information and updated the horticulture-relevant pages on the Extension website (ext.vt.edu/lawn-garden.html). If you’re interested (or if you’ve previously visited these pages and thought “wow they should really update this”) please take a look and let us know your suggestions or corrections! 

4. The Virginia Master Gardener Association (VMGA) is excited to announce its Fall Continuing Education Day, scheduled for Saturday, November 9th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Washington VA Volunteer Fire Meeting Hall, located at 10 Firehouse Lane, Washington, VA 22747.  

This event will feature a lineup of expert speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields: 

·     Janet Davis owner of Hill House Farm & Nursery will delve into the Propagation of Native Woody Plants, including trees, shrubs and vines. During her lecture, Janet shares her experience in nurturing and multiplying these essential plants and provides valuable insights for anyone interested in expanding their garden or landscape. 

·      Maddie Bright from Earth Sangha will speak on the importance of Keystone Native Plants and Plant Communities. Keystone native plants play a critical role in supporting local ecosystems, and Maddie will guide us in understanding which species grow well together and are vital for the health and biodiversity of our natural surroundings. 

·       Pat Lust, Professor Emerita from Longwood University, will share her extensive knowledge on Seed Propagation. Pat’s session will cover the fundamentals of starting native plants from seed, offering both practical tips and a deeper understanding of the science behind successful propagation. 

·     Following the morning lectures and lunch, participants will have the opportunity to visit Hill House Nursery, located just 15-20 minutes from the Fire House. This field trip will allow attendees to see many of the propagation techniques discussed during the lectures in action and explore the nursery’s diverse collection of plants. (Carpooling will be required and numbers will be limited for the afternoon Field Trip – more details to follow.) Following the tour, attendees may also purchase plants.  

                                            i.     Morning coffee, tea and refreshments are being furnished thanks to the local Master Gardeners of Fauquier/Rappahannock. Bring your refillable coffee mug. In order to be able to offer a timely afternoon field trip, we ask that attendees bring their own bag lunch and a refillable water bottle. Water and cookies will be provided. 

                                           ii.      This event promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey in horticulture. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about propagation and native plants from some of the best in the field and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. 

·      Mark your calendars for November 9th, and join us for a day of education, inspiration, and community! Register and pay here. https://vmga.net/education-event-saturday-may-182024/ 

·      Cost to attend:  $10.00 for VMGA Member, $20.00 for Non-Members. If you’d like to join VMGA, and take advantage of the member registration rate, please submit a VMGA Membership Application. Dues are just $15 paid annually or $135 for continuing membership. 

·      For registration, you will need to register and pay on the VMGA website with PayPal/Credit card.  The other option is mailing a check to our treasurer, Betsy Brown.  Please, do not wait to last minute to register this way. Email treasurer@vmga.net ; to enquire about your registration. 

5. Hanover Home Gardening Series: Join us for engaging presentations that will broaden your gardening know-how, introduce you to new concepts, and help you connect with the Hanover Master Gardeners. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience.  Our Home Gardening Series is tailored for Hanover County’s home gardeners. Atlee Library | 9212 Rutlandshire Dr, Mechanicsville, VA 23116  Learn more and register 

·         October 19 | Tree Stewards and Gardening Help Desk 

·         November 16 | GROWING MUSHROOMS & BOKASHI COMPOSTING 

·         January 18 | Gardening Tools and Invasives 

·         February 15 | Seed Starting and Garden Planning 

·         March 15 | Soil Testing and Bats, Dragonflies and Mosquitos

Old October Announcements 

6. Louisa Extension Master Gardeners’ Backyard Gardening Seminars: 

·         Saturday, October 5, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Cold Planting and Winter Sowing 

·         Saturday, October 19, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Greenhouse Basics – How to set up and utilize a greenhouse for beginners 

·         Location for all BYG: Louisa County Public Library, 881 Davis Highway, Mineral, Virginia.  Contact: LouisaMG@gmail.com 

7. New River Valley Master Gardeners For the Love of Foraging | 10/5/2024 | Blacksburg Community Center, Community Room, 725 Patrick Henry Dr, Blacksburg, VA 

·         For the Love of Foraging with Em. Learn about foraging wild foods throughout the entire year. Saturday, October 5th 11:00am – 12:30pm Register here: tinyurl.com/foragingwithEm 

8. 2024 PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY PUMPKIN CONTEST Prince George Farmers Market Join the Prince George Master Gardeners for our 2024 Pumpkin Contest on October 26, 2024. 

 

Old November Announcements 

 

9. VMGA November Educational Event: SAVE THE DATE!  November 9^th 

·         The Virginia Master Gardener Association (VMGA) is excited to announce its Fall Continuing Education Day, scheduled for Saturday, November 9th, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at the Washington VA Volunteer Fire Meeting Hall, located at 10 Firehouse Lane, Washington, VA 22747. WATCH FOR INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION SOON.  https://vmga.net/vmga-education-events/ 

·         This event will feature a lineup of expert speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields: 

o    Janet Davis of Hill House Nursery will delve into the Propagation of Woody Plants, with a special focus on native species. Janet’s expertise in nurturing and multiplying these essential plants will provide valuable insights for anyone interested in expanding their garden or landscape. 

o    Matt Bright from Earth Sangha will speak on the importance of Keystone Plants and Plant Communities. Keystone plants play a critical role in supporting local ecosystems, and Matt will guide us in understanding which species are vital for the health and biodiversity of our natural surroundings as well as how you create Plant Communities with them. 

o    Pat Lust, Professor Emerita from Longwood University, will share her extensive knowledge on Seed Propagation. Pat’s session will cover the fundamentals of starting plants from seed, offering both practical tips and a deeper understanding of the science behind successful propagation. 

·         Following the morning lectures, participants will have the opportunity to visit Hill House Nursery, located just 15-20 minutes from the Fire House. This field trip will allow attendees to see many of the propagation techniques discussed during the lectures in action and explore the nursery’s diverse collection of plants. (We will carpool to and from the nursery). This event promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your journey in horticulture. Don’t miss this chance to learn from some of the best in the field and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Mark your calendars for November 9th, and join us for a day of education, inspiration, and community! 

10. Heart of Virginia Lunch & Learn Series Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 

·         11/21/24 12-1 pm Bring your lunch and join us for a session of fun holiday decoration make and take with Prince Edward Extension Agent, Erin Small.  The class is limited in size and registration is required. Call to register 434-392-4246.