Biweekly Update – September 19

New Announcements  
  
  1. Registration is now open for Fall Leadership Development Training: In-person Leadership Development Training returns this October. We will have meetings in each district; however, Agents, Coordinators and EMG volunteers may go to any meeting location. Currently, we have the following locations and dates set-up: 10/2 – Pulaski; 10/9 – Bedford; 10/16 – Henrico; 10/23 – Culpepper; 10/30 – Airfield 4H Center.  Each session is scheduled from 10-3.  View the agenda here 
    • Our tentative topics include a recorded State Office update, Communications Topics for units/associations, Unit Support offered by the VMGA, the Accessibility and Connection Report (2021) and Project Management including project proposal, evaluation and approval.  
    • Each session will include a working lunch with Lightning Sessions by units on local projects. We are working on finalizing details and getting the DestinyOne registration site set-up, so be on the lookout for complete details in early September.  
  2. Webinar Series 
In your basic training you learned how to prune trees and shrubs. Although some of the ways we prune different types of plants seem contradictory, these methods are all based on manipulating the plants’ biology. This class will cover how the evolution and biology of woody plants drives the ways we prune woody plants. Knowing the why may make it easier to remember the how. The focus of the class will be on dicot trees. 
About presenter: Jim McGlone is retired from the Virginia Department of Forestry, where he served 17 years as an Urban Forest Conservationist in Northern Virginia. He is an ISA certified arborist and has the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Since retirement he has focused on the environmental education portion of his old job, which he loves and has been told he is pretty good at. He is the primary author of the forthcoming 5th edition of the Trees Virginia Tree Steward Training Manual. He teaches classes to Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and Tree Stewards and speaks to the public on arboriculture, forestry, forest ecology, climate change, and conservation landscaping. He and his wife have been practicing conservation landscaping around their suburban home since 2004. 
  1. 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 September Announcements 
  1. Louisa Extension Master Gardeners’ Backyard Gardening Seminars
  • Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon –Tomatoes – Saving, storing and starting from seeds 
  • 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 
  1. Louisa Extension Master Gardeners’ Bracketts Farm Charitable Garden: Fall/Winter Gardening & Garlic Planting: Mini Course on Cool Weather Vegetable Gardening & Volunteer Social (This is a hands-on event.) 
Old October Announcements 
  1. Heart of Virginia Lunch & Learn Series Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA 
  • 10/3/24 – 12-1 pm Bring your lunch and join us for a session on Mushrooms 
  • 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. 
  1. 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 
  1. 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 
  1. VMGA November Educational Event: SAVE THE DATE!  November 9th 
  • 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: 
    • 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. 
    • 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. 
    • 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! 

Posted in biweekly update.

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