New Announcements:

 

1.    Master Gardener College 2020 – Blacksburg, VA – June 25^th-28^th, 2020

a.     Don’t miss Master Gardener College this June! Master Gardener College 2020 will return to Blacksburg on Virginia Tech’s campus June 25-28, 2020.

b.    Registration opens in April.

c.     Be on the lookout for the Master Gardener College edition of “In Season” this March.

d.    The advanced training at Master Gardener College this year will be Land Care Steward training.

 

2.    Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program – Petersburg, VA – March 7^th 2020 – May 30^th 2020

a.     Registration is now open for the 12-weeks Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program. The program starts on March 7^th and runs through May 30^th, 2020. Instruction consists of morning lectures and afternoon hands-on outdoor and lab activities. The registration fee is $250 payable by the February 28^th deadline.

b.    To learn more about the program, please click the link below:

https://www.ext.vsu.edu/urban-agriculture-certificate-program

 

3.    Giving Day 2020 – March 18^th-19^th 2020

a.     Giving Day is coming! March 18 at noon to March 19 at noon is our chance to solicit small donations to the EMG program via our online Giving Day portal. Get more info on Giving Day here.

b.    As soon as we have the link to our specific Giving Day page, we will send it out over the VMS with instructions on how to give. Please share this info widely!

 

4.    Free Programs from the Halifax VCEMG office – South Boston, VA

a.     March 6 – Best of the Best Vegetables for the Southern Piedmont of Virginia

                                              i.     This is an updated 2020 version of the program that Bill McCaleb has done several times during the past 20 years for home gardeners and producers.  New resistant varieties continue to come out each year. And we’ll explore some of these along with disease resistant varieties vs. non-resistant varieties.  Bill will cover A to Z in the vegetable category (Asparagus – Zucchini) 

b.    March 20 – Gale Washburn, retired from the Virginia Department of Forestry, will present “Native Edible Plants”

                                              i.     Gale has worked with native plants in Virginia for many years and loves to promote ‘what we have.’  Come join us and learn more.

c.     Due to space, we do need folks to call and register for these free programs put on by the Halifax Virginia Cooperative Extension Office. The programs will be presented at the South Boston-Halifax County Museum located at 1540 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston.  Both programs will begin at 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Register by calling the Halifax VCE office on 434-476-2147 ext. 0 or you can email lorip@vt.edu” style=”color:blue”>lorip@vt.edu or wmccaleb@vt.edu” style=”color:blue”>wmccaleb@vt.edu

 

5.    NC State Online Learning opportunities

a.     NC State is preparing to launch a 2020 Online Learning Program! Discounts available for Master Gardeners and Agents – please email Devon at DVJ@vt.edu for information on discount eligibility.

 

6.    Piedmont Master Gardeners’ 2020 Spring Lecture Series – Charlottesville, VA

a.     March 5 – Tim McCoy, extension associate with the Virginia Tech Entomology Department, presents “Pesticides and Pollinators: What Gardeners Should Know.” McCoy will discuss how pesticide misuse threatens solitary bees and will offer practical ways to help these pollinators thrive in our landscapes.

                                              i.     Location: Room A of the Albemarle County Office Building on 5th Street Extended, just off I-64.

                                             ii.     Time: 7 p.m.

                                           iii.     Admission: $8 at the door or in advance at www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/events.

b.    March 12 – Doug Tallamy, professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, presents “Nature’s Best Hope: Creating a Vibrant Ecosystem in the Home Landscape.” Tallamy is author of Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens and the newly published Nature’s Best Hope.

                                              i.     Location: Lane Auditorium in the Albemarle County Office Building at 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville.

                                             ii.     Time: 7 p.m.

                                           iii.     Admission: $8 at the door or in advance at www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/events.

c.     March 19 – Keith Nevison, manager of farm and nursery operations for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, presents “Year-Round Vegetable Gardening.” He will explain the latest approaches to ensuring successive harvests through all four seasons in Central Virginia, such as building healthy soil, utilizing season-extension tools and techniques, and effective crop planning.

                                              i.     Location: Room A of the Albemarle County Office Building on 5th Street Extended, just off I-64.

                                             ii.     Time: 7 p.m.

                                           iii.     Admission: $8 at the door or in advance at www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/events.

d.    March 26 – Robyn Puffenbarger, chair of the Department of Biology and Environmental Science at Bridgewater College, presents “Robins to Raptors: Observing Birds in Our Backyards.” She will help participants build their skills for identifying bird species in Virginia and will provide insights on bird habitats, migration patterns and diets, as well as strategies to attract more birds to our backyards.

                                              i.     Location: Room A of the Albemarle County Office Building on 5th Street Extended, just off I-64.

                                             ii.     Time: 7 p.m.

                                           iii.     Admission: $8 at the door or in advance at www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/events.

 

7.    Louisa County Free Backyard Gardening Seminars – Louisa, VA – March 7^th-28^th 2020

a.     Please join us at the Louisa County Office Building, 1 Woolfolk Ave., Louisa, VA, from 9 a.m. to noon for a series of lectures featuring:

                                              i.     March 7 – “Annuals and perennials, what makes your garden smile” with Pat Willis

                                             ii.     March 14 – “What You Need to Know Before You Dive into Beekeeping” with John Beers

                                           iii.     March 21 – “Gardening with Essential Oils” with Heather Bilek

                                           iv.     March 28 – “Organic Vegetable Gardening” with Ira Wallace

b.    For more information, call (540) 967-3422

February Announcements:

1.    EMG Webinar: Andrea Davis, School Gardens – February 20^th 2020

a.     Join the EMG state office for an exciting webinar with agent Andrea Davis discussing best practices and practical tips for running school garden programs. Use this link to pre-register for the webinar 2/20 at 10 a.m.: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpMocempqTouSiHjlX6YYjhXSiP2Khtr3Q

March Announcements:

1.    NSVMGA Gardening in the Valley Symposium – Winchester, VA – March 7^th 2020

a.     From 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at:

Shenandoah University Hester Auditorium,

Henkel 1460 University Dr,

Winchester, VA  22601

b.    The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association sponsors a day of VCE educational offerings each spring. 

                                              i.     All proceeds benefit the NSVMGA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The cost is $65 through PayPal at the link below or $70 at the door, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

                                             ii.     Visit http://nsvmga.org/events/symposium/ for more info

 

2.    27th Annual Gardening in the Northern Neck Seminar – White Stone, VA – March 21^st 2020

a.     Join the Northern Neck Master Gardeners for its 27th annual Gardening in the Northern Neck Seminar on March 21 in White Stone VA. This year’s theme is “Spring Fever! Adventures in Gardening” and features guest speakers C. Colston Burrell, Nancy Lawson and Vincent A. Simeone.

b.    The registration form is attached, and more information about the Seminar and its guest speakers is available at www.nnmg.org.

April Announcements:

1.    8^th Annual Living in the Garden Symposium – Falmouth, VA – April 4^th 2020

a.     Join the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area for our annual symposium with featured speakers Bryce Lane, Michael Judd, and Barbara Ellis. Fee includes light breakfast, buffet lunch, and “How to Prune Trees & Shrubs” handbook.  

September Announcements:

1.    Virginia is hosting International Master Gardener Conference 2021 – Norfolk, VA – September 12-17, 2021

a.     Have you heard? Virginia is hosting IMGC 2021! IMGC is an opportunity to come together with other EMGs from across the nation for a week of tours, workshops, and speakers. Check out our keynote speakers and start planning your trip to Norfolk now: https://www.internationalmastergardener.com/

 

2.    IMGC 2021 Call for proposals – Norfolk, VA – September 12-17, 2020

a.     IMGC 2021 is soliciting speakers for concurrent sessions and workshops. If your unit has had a great guest speaker who might be interested in this opportunity, please forward them this info! If you or someone you know is interested, please fill out our application form here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_emTq59MEsXzf3XD

b.    Learn more: https://www.internationalmastergardener.com/2020/01/28/call-for-proposals/

Other Announcements:

1.    Follow the State Office on social media:

                                              i.     Facebook

                                             ii.     Instagram

                                           iii.     YouTube

2.    Home Gardening Mini- Course Lecture Series – Newport News, VA

a.     The Newport News Master Gardener Association announces our new Lecture Series, Home Gardening Mini-Course, a series of eight, free, monthly lectures covering a wide variety of horticultural topics.

b.    The Mini-Course is FREE and will be held at the Virginia Living Museum.

c.     Located at:

Virginia Living Museum,

524 Clyde Morris Blvd,

Newport News, VA 23601

d.    Pre-registration is required:

by calling the NN VCE office at: 757-591-4838.

e.     Lecture Schedule:

                                              i.     2/25/20 Residential Landscape Design

                                             ii.     3/24/20 Environmentally Responsible Lawn Maintenance 

                                           iii.     4/21/20 Growing Edibles – Eat Your Yard!

                                           iv.     5/28/20 Flowers We Love – MG Favorites

                                             v.     6/18/20 Backyard Actions for a Cleaner Bay

                                           vi.     7/23/20 Tree and Shrub Pruning, A Hands-on Workshop in Riverview Farm Park

                                         vii.     8/27/20 Native Selections – Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

 

3.     Resources for fertilization of lawns and for those involved with Healthy Virginia Lawns programming  

4.    Do you have questions coming in to your Extension Master Gardener program and need to find some answers? Extension Search Resources for EMG Questions

5.    Registration now open for online Plant Identification Classes by Longwood Gardens and NC State – Click Here

6.    An update from National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture: 2018 accomplishments letter

7.    Visit the VCE Lawn and Garden Calendar!

8.    Every Kid in a Park Program

9.    Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest insect– found in Winchester, VA- January 2018

a.     For information regarding the quarantine please see attached link

10. eXtension Good and Bad bugs webinar series – Feb 1 – Dec 6, 2019

11. Biennial 2018 EMG Summary – from the Extension Master Gardener National Committee

a.     Data collected indicates there are 86,076 EMG volunteers throughout the United States and Washington, D.C, contributing 5.6 million hours educating the public, providing youth programming, and facilitating produce donated to local food banks.

b.    While this is only the beginning of the value EMGs provide in their communities each year, 2018 efforts are estimated to have contributed 140 million dollars in value to the general public. Our volunteers reported over 8.6 million contacts and continue to be the front line of Extension’s consumer horticulture efforts. Forty-six states participated in this report.

 

12. Basil Downy Mildew: Occurrence Monitoring and Info Website for Gardeners

a.     A new website, created by Margaret McGrath and the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, on monitoring occurrence of downy mildew on basil in the US and Canada:

                                              i.     It maps occurrences and replaces them into a GoogleDocs spreadsheet since 2009. There is information about BDM at the website that is geared for gardeners. Gardeners have been the primary and most important reporters in helping with monitoring this disease.

b.    A handout for gardeners about reporting occurrences of BDM and 2 other important diseases: late blight and cucurbit downy mildew.

13. New VCE Master Gardener Photo Submission!

a.     Here at the Extension Master Gardener State Office, we want to showcase YOU

 New Announcements:

 

1.    EMG Webinar: Andrea Davis, School Gardens – February 20^th 2020

a.     Join the EMG state office for an exciting webinar with agent Andrea Davis discussing best practices and practical tips for running school garden programs. Use this link to pre-register for the webinar 2/20 at 10 a.m.: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/vpMocempqTouSiHjlX6YYjhXSiP2Khtr3Q

 

2.    Virginia is hosting International Master Gardener Conference 2021 – Norfolk, VA – September 12-17, 2021

a.     Have you heard? Virginia is hosting IMGC 2021! IMGC is an opportunity to come together with other EMGs from across the nation for a week of tours, workshops, and speakers. Check out our keynote speakers and start planning your trip to Norfolk now: https://www.internationalmastergardener.com/

3.    Master Gardener College 2020 – Save the date: June 24-28 in Blacksburg, VA 

4.    IMGC 2021 Call for proposals – Norfolk, VA – September 12-17, 2020

a.     IMGC 2021 is soliciting speakers for concurrent sessions and workshops. If your unit has had a great guest speaker who might be interested in this opportunity, please forward them this info! If you or someone you know is interested, please fill out our application form here: https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_emTq59MEsXzf3XD

b.    Learn more: https://www.internationalmastergardener.com/2020/01/28/call-for-proposals/

 

5.    Home Gardening Mini- Course Lecture Series– Newport News, VA

a.     The Newport News Master Gardener Association announces our new Lecture Series, Home Gardening Mini-Course, a series of eight, free, monthly lectures covering a wide variety of horticultural topics.

b.    The Mini-Course is FREE and will be held at the Virginia Living Museum.

                                              i.     Located at:

Virginia Living Museum,

524 J Clyde Morris Blvd,

Newport News, VA 23601

c.     Pre-registration is required:

                                                   i.     by calling the NN VCE office at: 757-591-4838.

¨    Lecture Schedule:

§  1/21/20 Winter Interest in the Garden

§  2/25/20 Residential Landscape Design

§  3/24/20 Environmentally Responsible Lawn Maintenance 

§  4/21/20 Growing Edibles – Eat Your Yard!

§  5/28/20 Flowers We Love – MG Favorites

§  6/18/20 Backyard Actions for a Cleaner Bay

§  7/23/20 Tree and Shrub Pruning, A Hands-on Workshop in Riverview Farm Park

§  8/27/20 Native Selections – Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials

 

6.    NSVMGA Gardening in the Valley Symposium – Winchester, VA – March 7^th 2020

a.     From 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at:

Shenandoah University Hester Auditorium,

Henkel 1460 University Dr,

Winchester, VA  22601

b.    The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association sponsors a day of VCE educational offerings each spring. 

                                              i.     All proceeds benefit the NSVMGA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The cost is $65 through PayPal at the link below or $70 at the door, and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

                                             ii.     Visit http://nsvmga.org/events/symposium/ for more info

 

7.    27th Annual Gardening in the Northern Neck Seminar – White Stone, VA – March 21^st 2020

a.     Join the Northern Neck Master Gardeners for its 27th annual Gardening in the Northern Neck Seminar on March 21 in White Stone VA. This year’s theme is “Spring Fever! Adventures in Gardening” and features guest speakers C. Colston Burrell, Nancy Lawson and Vincent A. Simeone.

b.    The registration form is attached, and more information about the Seminar and its guest speakers is available at www.nnmg.org.

 

8.    8^th Annual Living in the Garden Symposium – Falmouth, VA – April 4^th 2020

a.     Join the Master Gardener Association of the Central Rappahannock Area for our annual symposium with featured speakers Bryce Lane, Michael Judd, and Barbara Ellis. Fee includes light breakfast, buffet lunch, and “How to Prune Trees & Shrubs” handbook.  

 

9.    New VCE Master Gardener Photo Submission!

a.     Here at the Extension Master Gardener State Office, we want to showcase YOU— our hardworking Master Gardeners!

b.    We know our Master Gardeners and volunteers are working hard to empower the communities around them, and we want to display and share that hard work on our social media!

c.     Submit your photos using the above link of volunteer events, training, community garden projects, meetings, and more— Anytime!

                                              i.     Photos that are submitted may be used in potential official VCE Master Gardener social media posts, blog material, or In Season stories— depending on the photos and stories submitted.

10.    Biweekly Update Submission form – Please use this form for submitting future biweekly update items.

Other Announcements:

1.    Follow the State Office on social media:

                                              i.     Facebook

                                             ii.     Instagram

                                           iii.     YouTube

2.     Resources for fertilization of lawns and for those involved with Healthy Virginia Lawns programming  

3.    Do you have questions coming in to your Extension Master Gardener program and need to find some answers? Extension Search Resources for EMG Questions

4.    Registration now open for online Plant Identification Classes by Longwood Gardens and NC State – Click Here

5.    An update from National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture: 2018 accomplishments letter

6.    Visit the VCE Lawn and Garden Calendar!

7.    Every Kid in a Park Program

8.    Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest insect– found in Winchester, VA- January 2018

a.     For information regarding the quarantine please see attached link

9.    eXtension Good and Bad bugs webinar series – Feb 1 – Dec 6, 2019

10. Biennial 2018 EMG Summary – from the Extension Master Gardener National Committee

a.     Data collected indicates there are 86,076 EMG volunteers throughout the United States and Washington, D.C, contributing 5.6 million hours educating the public, providing youth programming, and facilitating produce donated to local food banks.

b.    While this is only the beginning of the value EMGs provide in their communities each year, 2018 efforts are estimated to have contributed 140 million dollars in value to the general public. Our volunteers reported over 8.6 million contacts and continue to be the front line of Extension’s consumer horticulture efforts. Forty-six states participated in this report.

 

11. Basil Downy Mildew: Occurrence Monitoring and Info Website for Gardeners

a.     A new website, created by Margaret McGrath and the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, on monitoring occurrence of downy mildew on basil in the US and Canada:

                                              i.     It maps occurrences and replaces them into a GoogleDocs spreadsheet since 2009. There is information about BDM at the website that is geared for gardeners. Gardeners have been the primary and most important reporters in helping with monitoring this disease.

b.    A handout for gardeners about reporting occurrences of BDM and 2 other important diseases: late blight and cucurbit downy mildew.

 

Biweekly Update – August 9, 2019

New Announcements:

1.    Master Gardener College Updates: September 19-22, 2019, Norfolk, Virginia

a.     Registration is open and more than 275 Extension Master Gardeners have already registered! View our registration information page.  Registration closes on August 30^th! For more information on booking your accommodations (scroll down to “Accommodation Costs”).

b.    Book your room at The Main before August 15th! (some nights have limited availability, so please check availability with The Main). Please note that we are sold out of rooms at the conference rate for Saturday night only. You can still get the conference rate for all other nights but will pay a higher rate for Saturday night only. Please call the hotel directly to book your room. Booking online will result in inaccurate rates being assessed for your reservation. The direct number for The Main is 757-763-6200.

2.    Submit a Digital Brag Board for EMG College!

a.     Visit https://www.mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/brag-board-submission/ for guidelines and online submission form. Any unit may submit a digital brag board for display!

 

3.    PMG 30th Anniversary Event : “The Future of Landscapes in a Changing Environment”– Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA- September 8, 2019

a.     A celebration of the association’s 30 years of helping the people of Charlottesville and Albemarle County solve horticultural questions and adopt sustainable, science-based practices, the pre-event begins at 3:00 pm with opportunities to visit a children’s poster display and vendor booths and to enjoy concessions.

b.    The formal program begins at 4:00 pm and runs until 6:30 pm. and includes a panel discussion led Frank Reilly of the J. Reilly of The Reilly Group; a presentation by Dennis Dimick, former picture and environmental editor for the National Geographic; and, a presentation by Jeremy S. Hoffman, climate and earth scientist at the Science Museum of Virginia.

c.     The Piedmont Master Gardeners Association and Virginia Cooperative Extension are sponsoring a poster contest as part of The Future of Our Landscapes in a Changing Environment event

                                              i.     Open to any Charlottesville and Albemarle County public, private or home school students in grades 5-12. For further information about poster and submission guidelines, please visit www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/art-poster-contest-on-climate-awareness.

                                             ii.     Entry forms due August 30th

4.    Waynesboro Tree Workshop “Reveling in the Magnificence of Trees”- Waynesboro, VA – September 13, 2019

a.     Registration now open!

b.    For questions or inquiries contact:

                                              i.     Becky Woodson at (434)-220-9024 or treesvirginia@ntelos.net

5.    2019 Master Composter Course– ONLINE – September 13^th – November 1^st

 

a.     Registration Deadline– September 11^th

b.    100% Live Online-Topics Include: Soil and Decomposition Ecology, Biology of Composting, , Recipe Design, Disease Control, Site and Container Selection, VT Act 148, Managing the Compost Process, Troubleshooting, Educational Outreach, Worm Composting

c.     This course is also available to out-of-state residents

 

6.    Central Shenandoah Valley Garden Symposium– Weyers Cave, Virginia- October 19

a.     “Going Native: Let me tell you about the bees and the flowers and the trees” from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Blue Ridge Community College, Plecker Center

b.    Registration required before October 1^st

c.     For more information visit: csvmga.org

7.    Biweekly Update Submission form – Please use this form for submitting future biweekly update items. Due to staffing limitations through the summer of 2019, submissions sent through email could be missed.

August Announcements:

 

8.    Children’s Activities at the Grin & Grow Learning Garden at Riverview Farm Park– Newport News, VA- 1st and 3rd Mondays, 10 AM, through August 19^th

 

a.     Newport News Master Gardener Association will host various children’s activities in the Grin & Grow Learning Garden at Riverview Farm Park, through the summer. Activities will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10 am. The Garden is always open when the Park is open.

 

September Announcements:

 

9.    Piedmont Master Gardeners Through the Garden Gate – Charlottesville-Albemarle County – May 11-September 1

10. Hampton Roads 11th Annual Go Green Expo – Brittingham Midtown Community Center, Newport News – September 7^th, 2019

a.     Family activities, lectures, green tech, plant sales and vendors as well as vermiculture, rain barrel and biochar workshops!

b.    10am to 3pm. Free admission. Food available for purchase.

 

October Announcements:

11. 2019 ESVMG MG Training Registration Open – October 2- November 13, January 15- February 26 – VA Tech Research Center, Painter, VA

 

a.     The Eastern Shore Master Gardener (ESVMG) Program is accepting applications for the 2019 Master Gardener training class.

b.    The classes will be held in Painter beginning October 2nd and continue every Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. until November 13th, break for the holidays and then resume January 15-February 26.

c.     For more information and the application contact the Eastern Shore of Virginia Gardeners hotline at (757)-678-7946 ext.29, the web site www.esvmg.com, or e-mail esmgva@gmail.com. 

d.    Fee is $100 for materials and lectures by local experts.

12. Save the Date: Protecting Pollinators in Urban Landscapes – Cincinnati, Ohio – October 7-9, 2019

13. ESVMG Garden Symposium– October 19^th, 2019- Cheriton, VA

a.     The Eastern Shore of Virginia Master Gardeners (ESVMG) announces their second Garden Symposium which will offer lectures on a wide range of gardening topics by accomplished garden speakers. 

b.    The symposium will be held on Saturday, October 19, at the Cheriton Fire Station, 21334 Bayside Road. The daylong event begins at 8:00 am and includes five lectures, lunch and a lively raffle of local artisan items. 

c.     Topics include “The Landscape Revolution: Foodscaping with Natives,”  “The Landscape Revolution: Perennial Combinations,” “Make Your Garden Your Own” and more. 

d.    To read more about the upcoming event and download a registration form, go to www.esvmg.com.  You can also contact ESVMG through email at esvmg@gmail.com for a registration form or call (757) 678-7946, ext. 29

14. Online Plant ID Classes– from Longwood Gardens and NC State- July 8th- October 31st

a.     Reduced fee for Extension Professionals so you can brush up on your plant ID skills and preview the classes to determine if they will be useful as advanced training opportunities for your volunteers.

                                              i.     Discount Code for Extension Master Gardener Volunteers & Master Naturalists – MASTER ($98 fee) = $97 discount

                                             ii.     Discount Code for Extension Professionals – AGENT ($50 fee) = $145 discount

b.    Course instructor, Preston Montague, is a landscape designer, educator and artist.  He has a bachelor's degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in landscape architecture, both from NC State.  He has experience teaching at NC State, NC A & T, and many botanical gardens in the region.

Other Announcements:

15. Follow the State Office on social media:

                                              i.     Facebook

                                             ii.     Instagram

                                           iii.     YouTube

16.  Resources for fertilization of lawns and for those involved with Healthy Virginia Lawns programming  

17. Do you have questions coming in to your Extension Master Gardener program and need to find some answers? Extension Search Resources for EMG Questions

18. Registration now open for online Plant Identification Classes by Longwood Gardens and NC State – Click Here

19. An update from National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture: 2018 accomplishments letter

20. Gardeners’ Survey – AmpleHarvest.org

21. Visit the VCE Lawn and Garden Calendar!

22. Every Kid in a Park Program

23. Information from Chad Proudfoot, 4H: “The program is very simple: every 4th grade student (or home school equivalent) in the United States is entitled to get one Every Kid in a Park pass which lasts through August 31

24. Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest insect– found in Winchester, VA- January 2018

a.     For information regarding the quarantine please see attached flyer

25. eXtension Good and Bad bugs webinar series – Feb 1 – Dec 6, 2019

26. Biennial 2018 EMG Summary– from the Extension Master Gardener National Committee

a.     Data collected indicates there are 86,076 EMG volunteers throughout the United States and Washington, D.C, contributing 5.6 million hours educating the public, providing youth programming, and facilitating produce donated to local food banks.

b.    While this is only the beginning of the value EMGs provide in their communities each year, 2018 efforts are estimated to have contributed 140 million dollars in value to the general public. Our volunteers reported over 8.6 million contacts and continue to be the front line of Extension’s consumer horticulture efforts. Forty-six states participated in this report.

 

27. Basil Downy Mildew: Occurrence Monitoring and Info Website for Gardeners

a.     A new website, created by Margaret McGrath and the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, on monitoring occurrence of downy mildew on basil in the US and Canada:

                                              i.     It maps occurrences and replaces them into a GoogleDocs spreadsheet since 2009. There is information about BDM at the website that is geared for gardeners. Gardeners have been the primary and most important reporters in helping with monitoring this disease.

b.    A handout for gardeners about reporting occurrences of BDM and 2 other important diseases: late blight and cucurbit downy mildew.

 

Biweekly Update – August 9, 2019

New Announcements:

1.    Master Gardener College Updates: September 19-22, 2019, Norfolk, Virginia

a.     Registration is open and more than 200 Extension Master Gardeners have already registered! View our registration information page.  Registration closes on August 30^th! For more information on booking your accommodations (scroll down to “Accommodation Costs”).

b.    Book your room at The Main before August 15th! (some nights have limited availability, so please check availability with The Main). Please note that we are sold out of rooms at the conference rate for Saturday night only. You can still get the conference rate for all other nights but will pay a higher rate for Saturday night only. Please call the hotel directly to book your room. Booking online will result in inaccurate rates being assessed for your reservation. The direct number for The Main is 757-763-6200.

2.    Submit a Digital Brag Board for EMG College!

a.     Visit https://www.mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/brag-board-submission/ for guidelines and online submission form. Any unit may submit a digital brag board for display!

3.    Super Turf Saturday- James City County Rec Center on Longhill Road- August 10^th

a.     In partnership with the VCE James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener chapter, the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting Super Turf Saturday on Saturday, August 10^th from 8:30am – 1:00pm.

b.    This event is geared towards homeowners who are interested in learning more about how to maintain their lawns in an environmentally-sensitive manner.

c.     The event is free but registration is encouraged. Topics covered will include: “Growing Healthy Turf in Hampton Roads,” “Controlling Common Lawn Weeds,” and “Using Compost for Better Soil Management.”

4.    PMG 30th Anniversary Event : “The Future of Landscapes in a Changing Environment”– Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA- September 8, 2019

a.     A celebration of the association’s 30 years of helping the people of Charlottesville and Albemarle County solve horticultural questions and adopt sustainable, science-based practices, the pre-event begins at 3:00 pm with opportunities to visit a children’s poster display and vendor booths and to enjoy concessions.

b.    The formal program begins at 4:00 pm and runs until 6:30 pm. and includes a panel discussion led Frank Reilly of the J. Reilly of The Reilly Group; a presentation by Dennis Dimick, former picture and environmental editor for the National Geographic; and, a presentation by Jeremy S. Hoffman, climate and earth scientist at the Science Museum of Virginia.

c.     The Piedmont Master Gardeners Association and Virginia Cooperative Extension are sponsoring a poster contest as part of The Future of Our Landscapes in a Changing Environment event

                                              i.     Open to any Charlottesville and Albemarle County public, private or home school students in grades 5-12. For further information about poster and submission guidelines, please visit www.piedmontmastergardeners.org/art-poster-contest-on-climate-awareness.

                                             ii.     Entry forms due August 30th

5.    Waynesboro Tree Workshop “Reveling in the Magnificence of Trees”- Pembroke, VA – September 13, 2019

a.     Registration now open!

b.    For questions or inquiries contact:

                                              i.     Becky Woodson at (434)-220-9024 or treesvirginia@ntelos.net

6.    2019 Master Composter Course– ONLINE – September 13^th – November 1^st

a.     Registration Deadline– September 11^th

b.    100% Live Online-Topics Include: Soil and Decomposition Ecology, Biology of Composting, , Recipe Design, Disease Control, Site and Container Selection, VT Act 148, Managing the Compost Process, Troubleshooting, Educational Outreach, Worm Composting

c.     This course is also available to out-of-state residents 

7.    Central Shenandoah Valley Garden Symposium– Weyers Cave, Virginia- October 19

a.     “Going Native: Let me tell you about the bees and the flowers and the trees” from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Blue Ridge Community College, Plecker Center

b.    Registration required before October 1^st

c.     For more information visit: csvmga.org

8.    Biweekly Update Submission form – Please use this form for submitting future biweekly update items. Due to staffing limitations through the summer of 2019, submissions sent through email could be missed.

August Announcements:

9.    Master Gardener College Scholarship for 2019– Deadline for applications August 9^th.

a.     (VMGA) Diane Relf Master Gardener College Scholarship Application Form

b.    Scholarship Application Process

c.     Scholarship Nomination Guidelines

d.    Scholarship Nomination Rules and Guidelines

10. Children’s Activities at the Grin & Grow Learning Garden at Riverview Farm Park– Newport News, VA- 1st and 3rd Mondays, 10 AM, through August 19^th

 

a.     Newport News Master Gardener Association will host various children’s activities in the Grin & Grow Learning Garden at Riverview Farm Park, through the summer. Activities will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10 am. The Garden is always open when the Park is open.

 

September Announcements:

11. Piedmont Master Gardeners Through the Garden Gate – Charlottesville-Albemarle County – May 11-September 1

12. Hampton Roads 11th Annual Go Green Expo – Brittingham Midtown Community Center, Newport News – September 7^th, 2019

a.     Family activities, lectures, green tech, plant sales and vendors as well as vermiculture, rain barrel and biochar workshops!

b.    10am to 3pm. Free admission. Food available for purchase.

 

October Announcements:

13. 2019 ESVMG MG Training Registration Open – October 2- November 13, January 15- February 26 – VA Tech Research Center, Painter, VA

 

a.     The Eastern Shore Master Gardener (ESVMG) Program is accepting applications for the 2019 Master Gardener training class.

b.    The classes will be held in Painter beginning October 2nd and continue every Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. until November 13th, break for the holidays and then resume January 15-February 26.

c.     For more information and the application contact the Eastern Shore of Virginia Gardeners hotline at (757)-678-7946 ext.29, the web site www.esvmg.com, or e-mail esmgva@gmail.com. 

d.    Fee is $100 for materials and lectures by local experts.

14. Save the Date: Protecting Pollinators in Urban Landscapes – Cincinnati, Ohio – October 7-9, 2019

15. ESVMG Garden Symposium– October 19^th, 2019- Cheriton, VA

a.     The Eastern Shore of Virginia Master Gardeners (ESVMG) announces their second Garden Symposium which will offer lectures on a wide range of gardening topics by accomplished garden speakers. 

b.    The symposium will be held on Saturday, October 19, at the Cheriton Fire Station, 21334 Bayside Road. The daylong event begins at 8:00 am and includes five lectures, lunch and a lively raffle of local artisan items. 

c.     Topics include “The Landscape Revolution: Foodscaping with Natives,”  “The Landscape Revolution: Perennial Combinations,” “Make Your Garden Your Own” and more. 

d.    To read more about the upcoming event and download a registration form, go to www.esvmg.com.  You can also contact ESVMG through email at esvmg@gmail.com for a registration form or call (757) 678-7946, ext. 29

16. Online Plant ID Classes– from Longwood Gardens and NC State- July 8th- October 31st

a.     Reduced fee for Extension Professionals so you can brush up on your plant ID skills and preview the classes to determine if they will be useful as advanced training opportunities for your volunteers.

                                              i.     Discount Code for Extension Master Gardener Volunteers & Master Naturalists – MASTER ($98 fee) = $97 discount

                                             ii.     Discount Code for Extension Professionals – AGENT ($50 fee) = $145 discount

b.    Course instructor, Preston Montague, is a landscape designer, educator and artist.  He has a bachelor's degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in landscape architecture, both from NC State.  He has experience teaching at NC State, NC A & T, and many botanical gardens in the region.

Other Announcements:

17. Follow the State Office on social media:

                                              i.     Facebook

                                             ii.     Instagram

                                           iii.     YouTube

18.  Resources for fertilization of lawns and for those involved with Healthy Virginia Lawns programming  

19. Do you have questions coming in to your Extension Master Gardener program and need to find some answers? Extension Search Resources for EMG Questions

20. Registration now open for online Plant Identification Classes by Longwood Gardens and NC State – Click Here

21. An update from National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture: 2018 accomplishments letter

22. Gardeners’ Survey – AmpleHarvest.org

23. Visit the VCE Lawn and Garden Calendar!

24. Every Kid in a Park Program

25. Information from Chad Proudfoot, 4H: “The program is very simple: every 4th grade student (or home school equivalent) in the United States is entitled to get one Every Kid in a Park pass which lasts through August 31

26. Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest insect– found in Winchester, VA- January 2018

a.     For information regarding the quarantine please see attached flyer

27. eXtension Good and Bad bugs webinar series – Feb 1 – Dec 6, 2019

28. Biennial 2018 EMG Summary– from the Extension Master Gardener National Committee

a.     Data collected indicates there are 86,076 EMG volunteers throughout the United States and Washington, D.C, contributing 5.6 million hours educating the public, providing youth programming, and facilitating produce donated to local food banks.

b.    While this is only the beginning of the value EMGs provide in their communities each year, 2018 efforts are estimated to have contributed 140 million dollars in value to the general public. Our volunteers reported over 8.6 million contacts and continue to be the front line of Extension’s consumer horticulture efforts. Forty-six states participated in this report.

 

29. Basil Downy Mildew: Occurrence Monitoring and Info Website for Gardeners

a.     A new website, created by Margaret McGrath and the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, on monitoring occurrence of downy mildew on basil in the US and Canada:

                                              i.     It maps occurrences and replaces them into a GoogleDocs spreadsheet since 2009. There is information about BDM at the website that is geared for gardeners. Gardeners have been the primary and most important reporters in helping with monitoring this disease.

b.    A handout for gardeners about reporting occurrences of BDM and 2 other important diseases: late blight and cucurbit downy mildew.

 

Biweekly Update – July 25, 2019

New Announcements:

1.    Master Gardener College Updates: September 19-22, 2019, Norfolk, Virginia

a.     Registration is open and more than 200 Extension Master Gardeners have already registered! View our registration information page.  Registration closes on August 30^th! For more information on booking your accommodations (scroll down to “Accommodation Costs”).

b.    Book your room at The Main before August 15th! (some nights have limited availability, so please check availability with The Main). Please note that we are sold out of rooms at the conference rate for Saturday night only. You can still get the conference rate for all other nights but will pay a higher rate for Saturday night only. Please call the hotel directly to book your room. Booking online will result in inaccurate rates being assessed for your reservation. The direct number for The Main is 757-763-6200.

2.    Submit a Digital Brag Board for EMG College!

a.     Visit https://www.mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/brag-board-submission/ for guidelines and online submission form. Any unit may submit a digital brag board for display!

3.    Biennial 2018 EMG Summary– from the Extension Master Gardener National Committee

a.     Data collected indicates there are 86,076 EMG volunteers throughout the United States and Washington, D.C, contributing 5.6 million hours educating the public, providing youth programming, and facilitating produce donated to local food banks.

b.    While this is only the beginning of the value EMGs provide in their communities each year, 2018 efforts are estimated to have contributed 140 million dollars in value to the general public. Our volunteers reported over 8.6 million contacts and continue to be the front line of Extension’s consumer horticulture efforts. Forty-six states participated in this report.

4.    Hampton Roads 11th Annual Go Green Expo – Brittingham Midtown Community Center, Newport News – September 7^th, 2019

a.     Family activities, lectures, green tech, plant sales and vendors as well as vermiculture, rain barrel and biochar workshops!

b.    10am to 3pm. Free admission. Food available for purchase.

5.    Waynesboro Tree Workshop “Reveling in the Magnificence of Trees”- Pembroke, VA – September 13, 2019

a.     Registration will open soon!

b.    For questions or inquiries contact:

                                              i.     Becky Woodson at (434)-220-9024 or treesvirginia@ntelos.net

 

6.    2019 ESVMG MG Training Registration Open – October 2- November 13, January 15- February 26 – VA Tech Research Center, Painter, VA

 

a.     The Eastern Shore Master Gardener (ESVMG) Program is accepting applications for the 2019 Master Gardener training class.

b.    The classes will be held in Painter beginning October 2nd and continue every Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. until November 13th, break for the holidays and then resume January 15-February 26.

c.     For more information and the application contact the Eastern Shore of Virginia Gardeners hotline at (757)-678-7946 ext.29, the web site www.esvmg.com, or e-mail esmgva@gmail.com. 

d.    Fee is $100 for materials and lectures by local experts.

7.    ESVMG Garden Symposium– October 19^th, 2019- Cheriton, VA

a.     The Eastern Shore of Virginia Master Gardeners (ESVMG) announces their second Garden Symposium which will offer lectures on a wide range of gardening topics by accomplished garden speakers. 

b.    The symposium will be held on Saturday, October 19, at the Cheriton Fire Station, 21334 Bayside Road. The daylong event begins at 8:00 am and includes five lectures, lunch and a lively raffle of local artisan items. 

c.     Topics include “The Landscape Revolution: Foodscaping with Natives,”  “The Landscape Revolution: Perennial Combinations,” “Make Your Garden Your Own” and more. 

d.    To read more about the upcoming event and download a registration form, go to www.esvmg.com.  You can also contact ESVMG through email at esvmg@gmail.com for a registration form or call (757) 678-7946, ext. 29

 

8.    Basil Downy Mildew: Occurrence Monitoring and Info Website for Gardeners

a.     A new website, created by Margaret McGrath and the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University, on monitoring occurrence of downy mildew on basil in the US and Canada:

                                              i.     It maps occurrences and replaces them into a GoogleDocs spreadsheet since 2009. There is information about BDM at the website that is geared for gardeners. Gardeners have been the primary and most important reporters in helping with monitoring this disease.

b.    A handout for gardeners about reporting occurrences of BDM and 2 other important diseases: late blight and cucurbit downy mildew.

9.    Biweekly Update Submission form – Please use this form for submitting future biweekly update items. Due to staffing limitations through the summer of 2019, submissions sent through email could be missed.

 

July Announcements:

10. Online Plant ID Classes– from Longwood Gardens and NC State- July 8th- October 31st

a.     Reduced fee for Extension Professionals so you can brush up on your plant ID skills and preview the classes to determine if they will be useful as advanced training opportunities for your volunteers.

                                              i.     Discount Code for Extension Master Gardener Volunteers & Master Naturalists – MASTER ($98 fee) = $97 discount

                                             ii.     Discount Code for Extension Professionals – AGENT ($50 fee) = $145 discount

b.    Course instructor, Preston Montague, is a landscape designer, educator and artist.  He has a bachelor's degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in landscape architecture, both from NC State.  He has experience teaching at NC State, NC A & T, and many botanical gardens in the region.

August Announcements:

11. Newport News MG Training Class– Newport, VA – Apply BY August 1st. 

 

a.     The Newport News Master Gardener Association is currently accepting applications for its' 2019 Training Class! Become part of our educational programs and events. No experience necessary! Choose day OR evening classes, beginning in the Fall.

b.    Apply BY August 1st. nnmastergardeners.org or call our Help Desk 757-591-4838 with questions.

12. Master Gardener College Scholarship for 2019– Deadline for applications August 9^th.

a.     (VMGA) Diane Relf Master Gardener College Scholarship Application Form

b.    Scholarship Application Process

c.     Scholarship Nomination Guidelines

d.    Scholarship Nomination Rules and Guidelines

13. Children’s Activities at the Grin & Grow Learning Garden at Riverview Farm Park– Newport News, VA- 1st and 3rd Mondays, 10 AM, through August 19^th

 

a.     Newport News Master Gardener Association will host various children’s activities in the Grin & Grow Learning Garden at Riverview Farm Park, through the summer. Activities will be on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10 am. The Garden is always open when the Park is open.

 

September Announcements:

14. Piedmont Master Gardeners Through the Garden Gate – Charlottesville-Albemarle County – May 11-September 1

15. PMG 30th Anniversary Event : “The Future of Landscapes in a Changing Environment”– Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA- September 8, 2019

a.     The Piedmont Master Gardeners Association and Virginia Cooperative Extension are sponsoring a poster contest as part of The Future of Our Landscapes in a Changing Environment event

b.    Entry forms due August 30th

 

October Announcements:

16. Save the Date: Protecting Pollinators in Urban Landscapes – Cincinnati, Ohio – October 7-9, 2019

Other Announcements:

17. Follow the State Office on social media:

                                              i.     Facebook

                                             ii.     Instagram

                                           iii.     YouTube

18.  Resources for fertilization of lawns and for those involved with Healthy Virginia Lawns programming  

19. Do you have questions coming in to your Extension Master Gardener program and need to find some answers? Extension Search Resources for EMG Questions

20. Registration now open for online Plant Identification Classes by Longwood Gardens and NC State – Click Here

21. An update from National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture: 2018 accomplishments letter

22. Gardeners’ Survey – AmpleHarvest.org

23. Visit the VCE Lawn and Garden Calendar!

24. Every Kid in a Park Program

25. Information from Chad Proudfoot, 4H: “The program is very simple: every 4th grade student (or home school equivalent) in the United States is entitled to get one Every Kid in a Park pass which lasts through August 31

26. Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive pest insect– found in Winchester, VA- January 2018

a.     For information regarding the quarantine please see attached flyer

27. eXtension Good and Bad bugs webinar series – Feb 1 – Dec 6, 2019