New Announcements

1. EMG Webinar Series 2023: The EMG monthly webinar series has returned! We look forward to bringing you a wide range of new and interesting topics. All webinars will be recorded and posted to our website (https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/webinar-archive/). Please plan to register for each webinar:
   1. Sept 14, 10:00 am “Fall” into Your Lawn, Dr. Mike Goatley will cover the most important steps in rejuvenating cool season lawns and preparing warm season lawns for the winter. Register for September webinar here
2. Generation Next – Preparing for Generation NEXT Workshops will get you started on the right path. These workshops provide free legal information and landowner stories about successful estate planning steps and strategies they have used. Speakers include legal and financial experts experienced in estate planning as well as natural resource professionals and rural landowners. More info: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/generationnext/home/workshops
3. While the date isn’t set, EMG College 2024 will be here before we know it, and we need your help! What speakers would you love to hear? What topics interest you most? Have you heard a great speaker that others would enjoy? With Zoom, speakers can join us from any part of the country. Share your ideas with us at this survey link: https://forms.gle/H1cK3UJdgDkbbBNS9

Old Announcements

1. Lunch & Learn series – Prince Edward County – Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA – Bring your questions and lunch! Questions – email: erins96@vt.edu.
   1. All About Gardening and Tool Care 10/5/2023 Noon-1pm – Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA – The topic is Gardening and Tool Care. Jackie Fairbarns, an HOVMG, will share her vast knowledge with us.
   2. NEW! Holiday Decorating 11/2/2023 – Join the Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners for Holiday Decorating ideas! Our very own Barbara Wheeler and Glenda Harris will be sharing their years of experience with you.
2. Extension Master Gardener handbook (2023 edition) now available!

1. 1. Revisions and updates to the EMG Training Handbook have been completed. The 2023 edition of the handbook can be downloaded by visiting: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/112743. The digital textbook version has been published and can be found here: https://pressbooks.lib.vt.edu/emgtraining/. The print version will follow shortly, more details will be provided in April.
   2. Many thanks to all who assisted in this undertaking. We appreciate all our editors, authors, and contributors!

New Announcements

1. We want your feedback on Master Gardener College! Are you unable to attend? Let us know why! Have you attended for years and have suggestions for improvements? Let us know! Help us make our College event more accessible to everyone. Take the survey here. https://vce.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kNBuPMEaQIwd5s
1. The brag board slideshow from EMGC 2023 is available here: https://youtu.be/S3se5DBwcAE
2. EMG Webinar Series 2023: The EMG monthly webinar series has returned! We look forward to bringing you a wide range of new and interesting topics. All webinars will be recorded and posted to our website (https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/webinar-archive/). Please plan to register for each webinar:
1. August 18th at 10am – Forest Health Update, Lori Chamberlin VDOF. Learn about the most common pests and diseases in Virginia’s forests. This presentation will teach participants how to identify forest health disturbance agents, and how to prevent damage. Our speaker, Lori Chamberlin, is the Forest Health Manager for the Virginia Department of Forestry. Register for August webinar here
2. Sept 14, 10:00 am “Fall” into Your Lawn, Dr. Mike Goatley will cover the most important steps in rejuvenating cool season lawns and preparing warm season lawns for the winter. Register for September webinar here
3. Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners’ 21st Annual Plant Extravaganza – September 8 & 9, 2023 – Moose Lodge 886 Family Center, 6565 Moose Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061 –
1. Join the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners for our 21st Annual Plant Extravaganza on Friday, September 8, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, September 9, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The sale will feature native plants, perennials, trees, shrubs, herbs, house plants, gently used garden tools and more at great prices! Proceeds benefit the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund. Admission and parking are free.
4. Edible Ornamentals for Fall – Zoom – August 28, 2023 7:00 pm – VIRGINIA BEACH MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT GARDENING TALKS: Join us on Monday, Augusts 28, 2023, at 7 pm via ZOOM for a Gardening Talks presentation on: Edible Ornamentals for the Fall: Presented by Lynn Francois, VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener.
1. It’s fall garden time – the easiest gardening of the Year! Let’s have some fun starting a beautiful and edible garden using the vast array of vegetables, lettuces, kales and ornamentals available to us in our 757 area for fall! We’ll take the simple route, focusing on the quick starts and bug avoiding crops that will fade out with a big freeze to close out your gardening year. Gardening Talks is presented via Zoom and is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. No registration is required. Gardening Talks are one hour. Go to VBMG.org and click on the Zoom link! Check out upcoming Gardening Talks for 2023 as you explore our website!

Old Announcements

1. Lunch & Learn series – Prince Edward County – Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA – Bring your questions and lunch! Questions – email: erins96@vt.edu.
1. All about perennials! 9/7/23 Noon-1pm – The topic for September is All About Perennials. Pat Lust, HOVMG, will share her vast knowledge with us.
2. All About Gardening and Tool Care 10/5/2023 Noon-1pm – Prince Edward Extension Office, 100 Dominion Dr., Farmville, VA – The topic is Gardening and Tool Care. Jackie Fairbarns, an HOVMG, will share her vast knowledge with us.
3. NEW! Holiday Decorating 11/2/2023 – Join the Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners for Holiday Decorating ideas! Our very own Barbara Wheeler and Glenda Harris will be sharing their years of experience with you.
2. Extension Master Gardener handbook (2023 edition) now available!
1. We are still working on making a print version available ASAP.

1. Revisions and updates to the EMG Training Handbook have been completed. The 2023 edition of the handbook can be downloaded by visiting: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/112743. The digital textbook version has been published and can be found here: https://pressbooks.lib.vt.edu/emgtraining/. The print version will follow shortly, more details will be provided in April.
2. Many thanks to all who assisted in this undertaking. We appreciate all our editors, authors, and contributors! 

New Announcements

1. Thank you to everyone who attended Master Gardener College! Please be on the lookout for our conference follow-up survey.
1. The brag board slideshow is available here: https://youtu.be/S3se5DBwcAE
2. Bumblebee Jamboree 2023, June 17 – Maymont Children’s Farm 1000 Spottswood Rd Richmond VA 23220
1. What: Kick off National Pollinator Week with free family-friendly activities buzzing with fun! The 11th annual Bumblebee Jamboree provides an opportunity for children to better understand the role pollinators play and what each of us can do in our own backyard to protect natural resources. Families are invited to participate in hands-on experiences at this free event that encourages kids to learn about birds, butterflies, bees, beetles, and bats. Children will enjoy pollinator-related crafts, snacks, games, and other interactive activities. They can get close to pollinators by watching enclosed observation beehives.
2. When: Saturday, June 17, 2023, 10:30 am–2:30 pm Information: Free admission. This event is hosted by the Chesterfield County Master Gardeners and the Chesterfield County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Contact: For more information, call (804) 751-4401 or visit bit.ly/2023BBJ. View flyer here.
3. EMG Webinar Series 2023: The EMG monthly webinar series has returned! We look forward to bringing you a wide range of new and interesting topics. All webinars will be recorded and posted to our website (https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/webinar-archive/). Please plan to register for each webinar:
1. July 20 at 10:30 am – Hydroponics: Industry to Home Use, Dr. Josh Kardos, VT SPES. This talk will introduce hydroponics, discuss the pros and cons, describe various systems used and crops grown, highlight the industry, and describe how you can grow hydroponically at home. Register for the July webinar here
2. August 18th at 10am – Forest Health Update, Lori Chamberlin VDOF. Learn about the most common pests and diseases in Virginia’s forests. This presentation will teach participants how to identify forest health disturbance agents, and how to prevent damage. Our speaker, Lori Chamberlin, is the Forest Health Manager for the Virginia Department of Forestry. Register for August webinar here

Old June Announcements

4. Louisa County Backyard Gardening Seminar Series
1. The Louisa County Master Gardeners present their 2023 Backyard Gardening Seminar Series. These seminars take place one Saturday a month from 10:30 – 11:30am at the Louisa Co. Public Library. The next sessions include:

• April 15: Planning a cut flower garden
• May 20: Container Gardening
• June 17: Irrigation and Water Conservation
• July 15: Vegetable Garden Diseases and Stress
• August 19: Native, Invasive and Riparian Gardening
• For more information call, 540-967-3422 ext 7619 or email: louisamg@gmail.com 

5. Gardening in the Valley Garden Tour – Northern Shenandoah Valley – June 24, 2023 – Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 Gardening in the Valley Tour, hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension with support from the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association. The tour is June 24, 2023, from 9am–4pm, rain or shine.

1. The gardens on this year’s tour include formal garden spaces, herb gardens, native plant areas, pollinator gardens, water features, art, and more. The featured gardens are: Warren Heritage Society Gardens (101 Chester St., Front Royal), The Blue House (Downtown Front Royal), Tall Oaks (approx. 1.5 miles east of I-81 in Frederick County), Montevento (approx. 5 miles west of Berryville in Clarke County)
2. Additional information and advance tickets ($10 each) are online at http://nsvmga.org/events/garden-tour/
1. Henrico County Celebration of Pollinators – June 1-30, 2023  Recognizing National pollinator Week (June 19-25, 2023) and reinforcing many of its own strategic initiatives in supporting pollinator health in Virginia, the Henrico County Virginia Cooperative Extension office , and its contingent of volunteer Extension Master Gardeners have planned a month-long celebration of pollinators commencing in June to educate, enlighten, and inspire Henrico County citizens about pollinators and their vital place in our daily lives and world. The events are free to attend:
1. Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m.: Screening of the documentary film My Garden of a Thousand Bees in the Board Room at Henrico County Government Center, 4301 E. Parham Road; and
2. Sunday, June 25, 1-3 p.m.: Pollinators at the Park in the Butterfly Garden at Armour House & Gardens at Meadowview Park, 4001 Clarendon Road. In addition, residents will be able to take advantage of several programs and activities that will last throughout June: • Pollinator Lego Expo: Youth ages 5 to 19 are encouraged to assemble a pollinator-inspired Lego creation and submit a digital image and description. Prizes will be awarded in three categories; • Pollinator Displays at the Tuckahoe, Libbie Mill, Fairfield and Varina libraries
3. Henrico Master Gardeners Plant Clinics, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays at Strange’s Florists, Greenhouses and Garden Centers, 12111 W. Broad St.
4. For more information, visit: https://henrico.ext.vt.edu/news/celebration_of_pollinators_2023.html and view the flyer here

Old Announcements

6. Results Released for First Survey of Native Plants at Roanoke Nurseries Gardeners now have a snapshot of where to find native plants in the Roanoke area. Members of the Roanoke Master Gardeners, Roanoke Master Naturalists, Blue Ridge Wildflower Society, Plant SWVA Natives, and other dedicated gardeners surveyed all independent general nurseries, not including big box stores, within the Roanoke Valley who offer native plants for sale.

1. The survey was conducted in Spring 2022 to include plants native to the SWVA mountain region, as well as some plants native to nearby regions, such as North Carolina and the eastern portion of Virginia. The survey included cultivars (cultivated varieties of native plants) offered for sale. Each cultivar was evaluated by the team to determine whether the cultivar appeared to have a similar ecological benefit for pollinators. These results were then compiled for the benefit of the public and can be found here: https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/native-plant-nursery-survey
2. Other groups are welcome to use the materials developed for this project to conduct a survey in their area. For more information, contact Sharon Burnham at 540-343-0080 or at seabird66@cox.net.

7. “BMPs in Turfgrass” Trainings: Dr. Mike Goatley, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, has recorded and posted best management practices in turfgrass training material divided into two sections (Part 1 and Part 2) on the Virginia Tech Turfgrass web site: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/.  To access these trainings, go to the Turf webpage (turf.spes.vt.edu/). Click on the Menu drop down and then expand the Extension Tab. Select the “VCE Master Gardener Volunteer Training” tab to access the recordings and accompanying handouts. You can also go to the MG page directly: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/Extension/VCE-MGVolTraining.html 

3. Many more updates etc. are planned in the coming weeks and months. You can bookmark the VT Turf website and check back periodically for these improvements!

8. Extension Master Gardener handbook (2023 edition) now available!

4. Revisions and updates to the EMG Training Handbook have been completed. The 2023 edition of the handbook can be downloaded by visiting: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/112743. The digital textbook version has been published and can be found here: https://pressbooks.lib.vt.edu/emgtraining/. The print version will follow shortly, more details will be provided in April.
5. Many thanks to all who assisted in this undertaking. We appreciate all our editors, authors, and contributors! 

New Announcements

Master Gardener College registration is now closed. We look forward to seeing everyone next week! Please check your inbox for the “Know Before You Go” email. That will have all the details you need as you plan your trip to Virginia Tech’s Campus.

1. EMG Webinar Series 2023: The EMG monthly webinar series has returned! We look forward to bringing you a wide range of new and interesting topics. All webinars will be recorded and posted to our website (https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/webinar-archive/). Please plan to register for each webinar:
   1. July 20 at 10:30 am – Hydroponics: Industry to Home Use, Dr. Josh Kardos, VT SPES. This talk will introduce hydroponics, discuss the pros and cons, describe various systems used and crops grown, highlight the industry, and describe how you can grow hydroponically at home. Register for the July webinar here
   2. August 18th at 10am – Forest Health Update, Lori Chamberlin VDOF. Learn about the most common pests and diseases in Virginia’s forests. This presentation will teach participants how to identify forest health disturbance agents, and how to prevent damage. Our speaker, Lori Chamberlin, is the Forest Health Manager for the Virginia Department of Forestry. Register for August webinar here
2. Henrico County Celebration of Pollinators – June 1-30, 2023  Recognizing National pollinator Week (June 19-25, 2023) and reinforcing many of its own strategic initiatives in supporting pollinator health in Virginia, the Henrico County Virginia Cooperative Extension office , and its contingent of volunteer Extension Master Gardeners have planned a month-long celebration of pollinators commencing in June to educate, enlighten, and inspire Henrico County citizens about pollinators and their vital place in our daily lives and world. The events are free to attend:
   1. Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Henrico Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival at Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway
   2. Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m.-noon: Pollinators at the Park at Short Pump Park Pollinator Garden, 3329 Pump Road;
   3. Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m.: Screening of the documentary film My Garden of a Thousand Bees in the Board Room at Henrico County Government Center, 4301 E. Parham Road; and
   4. Sunday, June 25, 1-3 p.m.: Pollinators at the Park in the Butterfly Garden at Armour House & Gardens at Meadowview Park, 4001 Clarendon Road. In addition, residents will be able to take advantage of several programs and activities that will last throughout June: • Pollinator Lego Expo: Youth ages 5 to 19 are encouraged to assemble a pollinator-inspired Lego creation and submit a digital image and description. Prizes will be awarded in three categories; • Pollinator Displays at the Tuckahoe, Libbie Mill, Fairfield and Varina libraries
   5. Henrico Master Gardeners Plant Clinics, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays at Strange’s Florists, Greenhouses and Garden Centers, 12111 W. Broad St.
   6. For more information, visit: https://henrico.ext.vt.edu/news/celebration_of_pollinators_2023.html and view the flyer here

Old June Announcements

4. Virginia Native Plants Plant Sale June 10th, 2023 Blacksburg, VA (During EMGC)
   1. Please join fellow native plant enthusiast/gardeners at the New River Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society Plant Sale on June 10th from 9:30 to 1:30 pm. Just four blocks behind Cabo Fish Taco restaurant at the Price House, SEEDS, corner of 107 Wharton Street and Lee Street, Blacksburg VA 24060. rain or shine View the list of native plants on our website https://vnps.org/newriver/native-plant-sale/ Other vendors and exhibitors will be present such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. More info here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFJ2mq6WXftc70f2Pw7JViO0WQeCQFED/view?usp=share_link
5. Louisa County Backyard Gardening Seminar Series
   1. The Louisa County Master Gardeners present their 2023 Backyard Gardening Seminar Series. These seminars take place one Saturday a month from 10:30 – 11:30am at the Louisa Co. Public Library. The next sessions include:

• April 15: Planning a cut flower garden
• May 20: Container Gardening
• June 17: Irrigation and Water Conservation
• July 15: Vegetable Garden Diseases and Stress
• August 19: Native, Invasive and Riparian Gardening
• For more information call, 540-967-3422 ext 7619 or email: louisamg@gmail.com

6. Gardening in the Valley Garden Tour – Northern Shenandoah Valley – June 24, 2023 – Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 Gardening in the Valley Tour, hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension with support from the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association. The tour is June 24, 2023, from 9am–4pm, rain or shine.

1. 1. The gardens on this year’s tour include formal garden spaces, herb gardens, native plant areas, pollinator gardens, water features, art, and more. The featured gardens are: Warren Heritage Society Gardens (101 Chester St., Front Royal), The Blue House (Downtown Front Royal), Tall Oaks (approx. 1.5 miles east of I-81 in Frederick County), Montevento (approx. 5 miles west of Berryville in Clarke County)
   2. Additional information and advance tickets ($10 each) are online at http://nsvmga.org/events/garden-tour/

Old Announcements

7. Results Released for First Survey of Native Plants at Roanoke Nurseries Gardeners now have a snapshot of where to find native plants in the Roanoke area. Members of the Roanoke Master Gardeners, Roanoke Master Naturalists, Blue Ridge Wildflower Society, Plant SWVA Natives, and other dedicated gardeners surveyed all independent general nurseries, not including big box stores, within the Roanoke Valley who offer native plants for sale.

1. 1. The survey was conducted in Spring 2022 to include plants native to the SWVA mountain region, as well as some plants native to nearby regions, such as North Carolina and the eastern portion of Virginia. The survey included cultivars (cultivated varieties of native plants) offered for sale. Each cultivar was evaluated by the team to determine whether the cultivar appeared to have a similar ecological benefit for pollinators. These results were then compiled for the benefit of the public and can be found here: https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/native-plant-nursery-survey
   2. Other groups are welcome to use the materials developed for this project to conduct a survey in their area. For more information, contact Sharon Burnham at 540-343-0080 or at seabird66@cox.net.

8. “BMPs in Turfgrass” Trainings: Dr. Mike Goatley, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, has recorded and posted best management practices in turfgrass training material divided into two sections (Part 1 and Part 2) on the Virginia Tech Turfgrass web site: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/.  To access these trainings, go to the Turf webpage (turf.spes.vt.edu/). Click on the Menu drop down and then expand the Extension Tab. Select the “VCE Master Gardener Volunteer Training” tab to access the recordings and accompanying handouts. You can also go to the MG page directly: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/Extension/VCE-MGVolTraining.html

1. 3. Many more updates etc. are planned in the coming weeks and months. You can bookmark the VT Turf website and check back periodically for these improvements!

9. Extension Master Gardener handbook (2023 edition) now available!

1. 4. Revisions and updates to the EMG Training Handbook have been completed. The 2023 edition of the handbook can be downloaded by visiting: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/112743. The digital textbook version has been published and can be found here: https://pressbooks.lib.vt.edu/emgtraining/. The print version will follow shortly, more details will be provided in April.
   5. Many thanks to all who assisted in this undertaking. We appreciate all our editors, authors, and contributors!

New Announcements

1. Master Gardener College registration open NOW! Rate increases May 18: Today, May 17, is the last day to register at the early bird rate of $210.
   1. Registration is now open for Master Gardener College! We have a phenomenal lineup of speakers, tours, and workshops this year for College. This is a great experience for learning and for connecting with fellow EMGs throughout the state.

                                       i.      Register for the conference here

                                      ii.      Register for on-campus lodging 

                                      iii.      Learn more about EMGC and view the program here

1. 2. Tree Steward training is now full! Thank you!
2. Submit a brag board for EMGC 2023! Highlight your unit’s unique projects and events! Create a short PowerPoint presentation for display during EMGC. Ask your agent or coordinator for details on submitting. You do not need to attend College to create a brag board.
3. Gardening in the Valley Garden Tour – Northern Shenandoah Valley – June 24, 2023 – Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 Gardening in the Valley Tour, hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension with support from the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association. The tour is June 24, 2023, from 9am–4pm, rain or shine.
   1. The gardens on this year’s tour include formal garden spaces, herb gardens, native plant areas, pollinator gardens, water features, art, and more. The featured gardens are: Warren Heritage Society Gardens (101 Chester St., Front Royal), The Blue House (Downtown Front Royal), Tall Oaks (approx. 1.5 miles east of I-81 in Frederick County), Montevento (approx. 5 miles west of Berryville in Clarke County)
   2. Additional information and advance tickets ($10 each) are online at http://nsvmga.org/events/garden-tour/
4. EMG Webinar Series 2023: The EMG monthly webinar series has returned! We look forward to bringing you a wide range of new and interesting topics. All webinars will be recorded and posted to our website (https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/webinar-archive/). Please plan to register for each webinar:
   1. July 20 at 10:30 am – Hydroponics: Industry to Home Use, Dr. Josh Kardos, VT SPES. This talk will introduce hydroponics, discuss the pros and cons, describe various systems used and crops grown, highlight the industry, and describe how you can grow hydroponically at home. Register for the July webinar here
   2. August 18th at 10am – Forest Health Update, Lori Chamberlin VDOF. Learn about the most common pests and diseases in Virginia’s forests. This presentation will teach participants how to identify forest health disturbance agents, and how to prevent damage. Our speaker, Lori Chamberlin, is the Forest Health Manager for the Virginia Department of Forestry. Register for August webinar here

Old May Announcements

5. Louisa County Backyard Gardening Seminar Series
   1. The Louisa County Master Gardeners present their 2023 Backyard Gardening Seminar Series. These seminars take place one Saturday a month from 10:30 – 11:30am at the Louisa Co. Public Library. The next sessions include:

• April 15: Planning a cut flower garden
• May 20: Container Gardening
• June 17: Irrigation and Water Conservation
• July 15: Vegetable Garden Diseases and Stress
• August 19: Native, Invasive and Riparian Gardening
• For more information call, 540-967-3422 ext 7619 or email: louisamg@gmail.com

Old June Announcements

6. Virginia Native Plants Plant Sale June 10th, 2023 Blacksburg, VA (During EMGC)

1. 1. Please join fellow native plant enthusiast/gardeners at the New River Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society Plant Sale on June 10th from 9:30 to 1:30 pm. Just four blocks behind Cabo Fish Taco restaurant at the Price House, SEEDS, corner of 107 Wharton Street and Lee Street, Blacksburg VA 24060. rain or shine View the list of native plants on our website https://vnps.org/newriver/native-plant-sale/ Other vendors and exhibitors will be present such as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. More info here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JFJ2mq6WXftc70f2Pw7JViO0WQeCQFED/view?usp=share_link

7. International Master Gardener Conference 2023 – June 18-22, 2023

1. 2. Registration is open for the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference in Kansas this June. Early registration of $397 runs through March 1. It includes 5 keynote speaker presentations, 8 rounds of concurrent sessions, a trade show and 6 meals. If you enjoyed our 2021 virtual conference in Virginia, you’re sure to love the opportunities that are available during this in person conference! Learn more at www.imgc2023.com.

Old Announcements

8. Results Released for First Survey of Native Plants at Roanoke Nurseries Gardeners now have a snapshot of where to find native plants in the Roanoke area. Members of the Roanoke Master Gardeners, Roanoke Master Naturalists, Blue Ridge Wildflower Society, Plant SWVA Natives, and other dedicated gardeners surveyed all independent general nurseries, not including big box stores, within the Roanoke Valley who offer native plants for sale.

1. 1. The survey was conducted in Spring 2022 to include plants native to the SWVA mountain region, as well as some plants native to nearby regions, such as North Carolina and the eastern portion of Virginia. The survey included cultivars (cultivated varieties of native plants) offered for sale. Each cultivar was evaluated by the team to determine whether the cultivar appeared to have a similar ecological benefit for pollinators. These results were then compiled for the benefit of the public and can be found here: https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/native-plant-nursery-survey
   2. Other groups are welcome to use the materials developed for this project to conduct a survey in their area. For more information, contact Sharon Burnham at 540-343-0080 or at seabird66@cox.net.

9. “BMPs in Turfgrass” Trainings: Dr. Mike Goatley, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, has recorded and posted best management practices in turfgrass training material divided into two sections (Part 1 and Part 2) on the Virginia Tech Turfgrass web site: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/.  To access these trainings, go to the Turf webpage (turf.spes.vt.edu/). Click on the Menu drop down and then expand the Extension Tab. Select the “VCE Master Gardener Volunteer Training” tab to access the recordings and accompanying handouts. You can also go to the MG page directly: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/Extension/VCE-MGVolTraining.html

1. 3. Many more updates etc. are planned in the coming weeks and months. You can bookmark the VT Turf website and check back periodically for these improvements!

10. Extension Master Gardener handbook (2023 edition) now available!

1. 4. Revisions and updates to the EMG Training Handbook have been completed. The 2023 edition of the handbook can be downloaded by visiting: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/112743. The digital textbook version has been published and can be found here: https://pressbooks.lib.vt.edu/emgtraining/. The print version will follow shortly, more details will be provided in April.
   5. Many thanks to all who assisted in this undertaking. We appreciate all our editors, authors, and contributors!

New Announcements

1. Master Gardener College registration opening soon!

• Registration will open next week for Master Gardener College. Master Gardener College is the annual continuing education conference for EMGs throughout the state.
• The main portion of MG College will take place from June 8th – 11th in Blacksburg. Our advanced training this year, Tree Steward Training, begins on June 7th.
• We have a phenomenal lineup of speakers, tours, and workshops this year for College. This is a great experience for learning and for connecting with fellow EMGs throughout the state. We will be sending out a College edition of the InSeason newsletter soon with a detailed program and lots of information about the conference. Information will also be posted here in the coming days: https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/college/
• We hope to see many of you in Blacksburg! 

2.             VMGA Scholarships available to Master Gardener College 2023

• The Virginia Master Gardener Association (VMGA) is offering scholarships to Master Gardener College this June. Please reach out to your Agent or Coordinator for application information and additional details.
• The Scholarship recognizes those volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional potential in their local Units and is part of VMGA’s educational mission. It’s awarded to deserving Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) to help them in their continuing education efforts through attendance at EMGC and to increase the number of EMGs able to attend the conference. Any interested active EMG is eligible for nomination; financial need is not a required criterion. Trainees, interns, and prior VMGA Scholarship recipients are not eligible. This year’s Scholarships are intended to cover most of the costs to attend EMGC.
• Nominations are accepted through midnight April 30, 2023.

3.             Norfolk Master Gardeners Spring Plant Sale, April 13 & 14, 2023 at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens

• The Norfolk Master Gardeners are looking forward to welcoming everyone to their annual spring plant sale, which will be held on Thursday, April 13 from 10am – 7pm and Friday, April 14 from 10am to 3pm. Norfolk EMGs have expanded their sale offerings to include more native plants, in addition to a large selection of other annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees. There will also be a “green elephant” booth featuring gently used garden supplies, pots, tools, and yard decor, as well as a bargain book booth where horticultural, gardening, and plant books can be found. 

4.             Case Studies in Lawn Replacement, Friday, April 14, 10:00 – 11:30 am, Virtual Presentation

• Join Extension Master Gardeners Alyssa Ford Morel and Carolyn Vincent to see examples of similar efforts by several Extension Master Gardeners, who will share how the process went in their own Northern Virginia yards and what lessons were learned. Free.
• RSVP at https://mgnv.org/rsvp-for-public-education-classes/

5.             Best Bets: Native Plants for Shade, Friday, April 21, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m, Virtual Presentation

• Gardeners often consider it a challenge to plant in the shady parts of their gardens, but home landscapes with trees can bring welcome relief from the increasing summer heat we are experiencing in our region. Join Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills to learn how to make the most of your shady yard. After discussing degrees of shade, the importance of using layered vegetation, and techniques for building your soil, she will introduce a variety of native plants from trees and shrubs to wildflowers, ferns, and ground covers that will bring beauty through the year while providing important support to local wildlife. Free.
• RSVP at https://mgnv.org/rsvp-for-public-education-classes/ to receive a link to participate.

6.             Strategies for Dealing with Deer, Friday, April 28, 2023, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., Virtual Presentation

• Do deer consider your landscape to be an all-you-can-eat buffet?  These beautiful but ravenous creatures are a problem in many of our gardens.  Join Extension Master Gardener Kathie Clements to learn strategies for coping with deer. Deer pressure requires that we think creatively about our home landscapes.  She will discuss deer behavior and how it can help you develop ways to better protect your garden.   Creative hardscape options as well as resourceful use of shrubs and smart plant placement will be covered.  Find out about exclusion tactics such as barriers, repellants, and scare devices.  Advice for making wise plant choices and recommended resources to guide your selection of plant materials will be shared.  Free.
• RSVP at https://mgnv.org/rsvp-for-public-education-classes/ to receive a link to participate.

7.             Glencarlyn Spring Celebration and Plant Sale, Sunday, April 30

• Glencarlyn Library Community Demonstration Garden, 300 S Kensington St, Arlington 22204 
• Join the VCE Master Gardeners of Glencarlyn Library for their annual celebration of all things Spring!  Tour the garden in all its Spring beauty, learn what plants will flourish in your garden, sip an herbal drink and munch plant themed goodies while shopping at native plant vendors.  A perfect weekend activity for all. For more information email to: glencarlynlibrarygarden@gmail.com

8.             Results Released for First Survey of Native Plants at Roanoke Nurseries

• Gardeners now have a snapshot of where to find native plants in the Roanoke area. Members of the Roanoke Master Gardeners, Roanoke Master Naturalists, Blue Ridge Wildflower Society, Plant SWVA Natives, and other dedicated gardeners surveyed all independent general nurseries, not including big box stores, within the Roanoke Valley who offer native plants for sale.
• The survey was conducted in Spring 2022 to include plants native to the SWVA mountain region, as well as some plants native to nearby regions, such as North Carolina and the eastern portion of Virginia. The survey included cultivars (cultivated varieties of native plants) offered for sale. Each cultivar was evaluated by the team to determine whether the cultivar appeared to have a similar ecological benefit for pollinators. These results were then compiled for the benefit of the public and can be found here: https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/native-plant-nursery-survey
• Other groups are welcome to use the materials developed for this project to conduct a survey in their area. For more information, contact Sharon Burnham at 540-343-0080 or at seabird66@cox.net.

Old April Announcements 

9.             EMG Webinar Series 2023

• The EMG monthly webinar series has returned! We look forward to bringing you a wide range of new and interesting topics. All webinars will be recorded and posted to our website (https://mastergardener.ext.vt.edu/webinar-archive/). Please plan to register for each webinar:

§  Thursday, April 20 at 9am. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqc-yqrTwrG9A2j7P60ZCF9X7CcHhIJQgM. Topic: Compost – Basics and Beyond.

§  Friday, May 12 at 1pm. Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsc-qgqjwuGdTMwpcyu4YJJLz5xOG2Swf9  Topic: Invasive Plant Management – Description: Dr. Laurie Fox will give a presentation on invasive plant management and answer questions on the topic. This presentation will be available as a MG resource after the webinar.

§  Save the Date: 

                                                    i.July 20th webinar with VT School for Plant & Environmental Sciences professor, Dr. Josh Kardos. Topic and registration link coming soon. 

                                                  ii.August 18th at 10am webinar with Lori Chamberlin, the Forest Health Manager for the Virginia Department of Forestry. This Virginia forest health update will cover the most common pests and diseases in Virginia’s forests. This presentation will teach participants how to identify forest health disturbance agents, and how to prevent damage. Registration link coming soon.

10.          Louisa County Backyard Gardening Seminar Series

• The Louisa County Master Gardeners present their 2023 Backyard Gardening Seminar Series. These seminars take place one Saturday a month from 10:30 – 11:30am at the Louisa Co. Public Library. The next sessions include:

·       April 15: Planning a cut flower garden

·       May 20: Container Gardening

·       June 17: Irrigation and Water Conservation

·       July 15: Vegetable Garden Diseases and Stress

·       August 19: Native, Invasive and Riparian Gardening

·       For more information call, 540-967-3422 ext 7619 or email: louisamg@gmail.com 

11.          Abingdon Garden Faire 2023 – Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22 – Abingdon VA

·       The Master Gardeners of Washington and Russell Counties present the 24th Annual Mid-Atlantic Garden Faire, at the Higher Education Center, on the campus of Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon VA. on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22. The event will feature a garden marketplace of plants, yard art, tools, outdoor furniture and much more. Two full days of gardening related classes and seminars will include speakers from Virginia Tech, the University of Tennessee, and others. There will also be tool sharpening, a plant clinic, shopping sprees, door prizes, and sit-down dining. More info at www.gardenfaire.net

12.          17th Annual Spring Garden Fest – April 29, 2023 – Reynolds Community College, 1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland, VA

·       The Goochland – Powhatan Master Gardeners Association will hold its 17th annual Spring Garden Festival on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Reynolds Community College, 1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland. This annual event, held in cooperation with RCC and the Virginia Cooperative Extension is a FREE, family friendly event that is a celebration of all things related to gardening. Spring Garden Fest 2023 will include the much loved GPMGA Plant Sale, with plants suited to Central Virginia gardens at great prices, an Ask the Master Gardener station for free gardening help, and lots of fun gardening related vendor booths.

·       For a small registration fee you can also increase your gardening knowledge through classes, workshops, and tours offered throughout the day. Examples of class topics include propagating native plants, landscape design for small gardens, vegetable gardening, native shrubs for wildlife, and exploring butterflies. If you like to learn by doing then you can take advantage of hands-on workshops including building a mosaic decorated pot, cultivating a mushroom log, or creating your own floral tiara. Finally, if you prefer observing while learning you can join tours of the college’s gardens focused on topics such as herb garden design, rain garden design, and how a landscape design matures over time.

·       Online registration for these educational opportunities is available at http://www.gpmga.org or contact the Goochland Cooperative Extension office at 804-556-5841. Sign-up now as classes can fill up quickly.

Old May Announcements

13.          HCMGA 21st Annual Festival of Gardening – May 6, 2023 – Riverside Park, 2238 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg

·       The Hill City Master Gardener Association’s 21st annual Festival of Gardening (FOG)will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m. at Riverside Park in Lynchburg on Saturday, May 6. Many categories of plants will be available for sale including popular favorites such as Herbs, Tomatoes, Vegetables, and Native plants. Also available will be Annuals, Container gardens, Trees and Shrubs, Groundcovers, Tropicals, and Houseplants. Master Gardeners grow these selections from seed or from divisions from their own gardens and house plant collections. Plants are potted, hardened off, and nurtured until time to offer them for sale at FOG. For more information, go to www.hcmga.com.

14.          Popular Plant Sale Returns – May 6, 2023 from 9:00 am-12:00pm – Williamsburg Botanical Garden

• James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Association (JCCWMGA) is hosting a plant sale on Saturday, May 6 from 9 am to 12 pm at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden (WBG) located within Freedom Park at 5537 Centerville Road. This sale runs only on Saturday, May 6, rain, or shine. Admission to the WBG and parking in Freedom Park are free.
• The sale offers a wide selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs. Much of the plant stock has been raised by the Master Gardeners themselves. In addition to plants, visitors can shop the Green Thumb Market for gently used tools, equipment, and specialty items to perk up their garden décor.

Old June Announcements

15.          International Master Gardener Conference 2023 – June 18-22, 2023

·       Registration is open for the 2023 International Master Gardener Conference in Kansas this June. Early registration of $397 runs through March 1. It includes 5 keynote speaker presentations, 8 rounds of concurrent sessions, a trade show and 6 meals. If you enjoyed our 2021 virtual conference in Virginia, you’re sure to love the opportunities that are available during this in person conference! Learn more at www.imgc2023.com. 

Old Announcements

16.          “BMPs in Turfgrass” Trainings

·       Dr. Mike Goatley, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, has recorded and posted best management practices in turfgrass training material divided into two sections (Part 1 and Part 2) on the Virginia Tech Turfgrass web site: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/. 

·       To access these trainings, go to the Turf webpage (turf.spes.vt.edu/). Click on the Menu drop down and then expand the Extension Tab. Select the “VCE Master Gardener Volunteer Training” tab to access the recordings and accompanying handouts. You can also go to the MG page directly: https://turf.spes.vt.edu/Extension/VCE-MGVolTraining.html 

·       Many more updates etc. are planned in the coming weeks and months. You can bookmark the VT Turf website and check back periodically for these improvements!

17.          Extension Master Gardener handbook (2023 edition) now available!

·       Revisions and updates to the EMG Training Handbook have been completed. The 2023 edition of the handbook can be downloaded by visiting: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/112743. The digital textbook version has been published and can be found here: https://pressbooks.lib.vt.edu/emgtraining/. The print version will follow shortly, more details will be provided in April.

·       Many thanks to all who assisted in this undertaking. We appreciate all of our editors, authors, and contributors!