Biweekly Update 20 February 2026

New Announcements

Patrick County Master Gardener Spring Symposium – 3/7/2026, 8:30am-3:30pm, Patrick and Henry Community College, 212 Wood Brothers Dr, Stuart VA

  • Please join us as Patrick County Master Gardeners present our 2026 Spring Symposium: Supporting Our Native Birds and Bees ..”Let’s Talk”
  • We will welcome three terrific speakers who will be discussing the contrasting, but essential roles that both European honeybees and our native bees perform as pollinators; in addition to the interconnected relationships between native plants, native pollinators and native birds in the bigger picture of Virginia’s native habitats.
  • Lunch offered for an additional fee or bring you own. Local vendors plus complimentary Native Orange Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). 
  • For more information and to register, click here!

Backyard Gardening Seminar – Planning Flower & Vegetable Gardens – 3/21/2026, 10:30am-12pm, Louisa County Library 881 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA. 23117

  • Join the Louisa Extension Master Gardeners for an informative and engaging presentation on planning a successful and sustainable vegetable and flower gardens, led by Master Gardener Jane Bono. This seminar will cover the essentials of garden layout, soil preparation, crop selection, seasonal planting, and environmentally responsible practices to help you maximize your harvest while supporting pollinators and conserving resources. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll gain practical tips and proven strategies for growing a productive, beautiful, and eco-friendly garden.
  • Visit our facebook for more info here!

March Into Spring – 3/21/2026, Horticultural Learning Center, 13015 Taylor Park Complex Lane Ashland, VA

  • Join the Hanover Master Gardeners at the Horticultural Leaning Center to Spring into the Garden with Science in the Garden – Winter Seed Sowing, and Children’s Seed Planting
  • Berry Bed Care and Pruning 101, Guided Instruction, Hands On Demonstrations, and Garden Tool Sharpening (Fundraiser)
  • Visit our website and join our newsletter for updated information about the event.

Backyard Gardening Seminar – Companion Planting – 3/28/2026, 10:30am-12pm, Louisa County Library 881 Davis Hwy., Mineral, VA 23117

  • Join the Louisa Extension Master Gardeners for an engaging and informative seminar on Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden, led by Master Gardener Kimberly Randall. Discover how pairing the right plants together can naturally improve growth, reduce pests, enhance soil health, and increase your harvest. Whether you’re new to vegetable gardening or looking to garden more sustainably, you’ll learn practical, easy-to-apply strategies to make your garden healthier and more productive this season.
  • Visit our facebook here for more info!

VMGA Spring Continuing Education Event: Optimizing Vegetable Gardens with Soil and Water Management – 3/28/2026, 9:30am-3:30pm, VSU Randolph Farm & Pavilion, 4415 River Rd, Petersburg Va. 23803

  • Speakers on soil fertility include Ph.D. Candidate Caroline Wolcott, Dr. John Hoben, Dr. Linda K. Blum. More details, including how to register, can be found by visiting this webpage.
  • Fee (Lunch included): VMGA Members: $15.; Non-VMGA Member $25.

MGACRA’s 14th Annual ‘Living in the Garden” Spring Symposium: Creating an Eco-Friendly Garden – 4/11/2026, 8:30am-3:30pm, Gari Melcher’s Home & Studio, 224 Wahington St, Falmouth, VA 22405

  • Our speakers will be Kathy Jentz, well known gardening author who wrote Groundcover Revolution and hosts a Gardening DC podcast. Her colleague, Carol Allen, is a garden designer, author, photographer, and ecologist. Heather Zindash is a Professional IPM Scout, a Certified Horticulturalist and SSA Certified Arborist who lectures at colleges and businesses around the Mid-Atlantic region.
  • The cost is $60 for Master Gardener members and $65 for the public. Lunch and refreshments are included. Register via Paypal or by mail.
  • Registration form and presentation topics can be found by clicking here.

State Office Webinar Series All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive:

Hanover Master Gardener Plant Sale – 5/9/2026, Horticultural Learning Center, 13015 Taylor Park Complex Lane Ashland, VA,

  • Join the Hanover Master Gardeners for the Annual Plant Sale and celebrate VA 250.
  • Visit our website and join our newsletter for updated information concerning the plant sale, additional educational opportunities and events.

NSVMG GardenFest 2026 – 6/6/2026, 8am-2pm, rain or shine, Belle Grove Historic Plantation Middletown, VA

SAVE THE DATE: Extension Master Gardener College

We are pleased to announce that EMGC 2026 will be at the Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia, June 26-28.

We anticipate registration to open in the early spring and close about 3 weeks before the event.

  • Some food will be included in your registration price, but not all. Plan to have a few meals on your own during the conference weekend.
  • Lodging block rates will be available through the conference center and several other suitable hotels are nearby if you need lodging (wait to book a room).
  • Tours will have a different format this year and will not have an additional cost.
  • Lightning Talks and the Project Poster Session will be back this year!
  • We will be offering a hybrid registration option for keynote and general sessions for those unable to attend in person.
  • Extension Master Gardener College – Virginia Master Gardener Intranet

Old February Announcements

VBMG Gardening Talks – 2/23/2026, 7pm, ZOOM

  • The 2026 Gardening Talks & Workshops Series presents “Soil Health: The Foundation of a Thriving Ecosystem.” Join speaker Summer Thomas Ph.D., Outreach Specialist for the Virginia Soil Health Coalition as she digs deep into the fascinating world beneath our feet.
  • Gardening Talks is presented via Zoom and is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  No registration is required. Gardening Talks are one hour. Click here to visit our website and click on the Zoom link to join! Check out upcoming Gardening Talks for 2026 as you explore our website!

Woods & Wildlife Conferences – Blacksburg and Culpeper

There are two different times and locations to choose from:

2/21/2026, 9:30am-5:00pm, Squires Student Center, Blacksburg

2/28/2026, 8:30am-4:30pm, Daniel Technology Center, Culpeper

  • This conference is for owners of large or small tracts of land or a first stop for individuals, families, and managers wanting to learn about woods, wildlife, and other natural resources. We provide multiple links to information, sources of assistance, and a better understanding of the natural resources around you, and we will explore a myriad of forestry and wildlife issues relevant to owners of woodlands.
  • $55/person; $100/couple: Registration fee includes refreshments and catered lunch
  • Visit the conference website to register here.

Goochland Powhatan Master Gardeners Association (GPMGA) 2026 Garden Fair & Seed Share– 3/14/2026, 9:30am- 12:30pm, Goochland Sports Complex located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road in Goochland, VA 23063

Grow The Good Life 2026 – 3/14/2026, 9AM to 3:45PM, Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 13586 Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121,

  • The Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association is presenting its annual, day-long Grow The Good Life seminar. Join four in-person gardening experts (Bryce Lane, Melanie Barrow, Michael McConkey, and Holly Scoggins, Ph.D.) to learn or to refresh your knowledge of the essentials of gardening, including soil preparation, design options, and care for both edible plants and ornamental varieties.
  • You can attend either in person ($55 registration & includes lunch) or virtually ($40 registration). In-person registration closes on March 5. Virtual registration closes on March 12.
  • For more information plus links to the Eventbrite registration portals, please either go to our website or see the flyer here.

VCE Loudoun MG 15th Annual Symposium – 3/21/2026, 9:00am to 3:00pm, Academies of Loudoun, Leesburg, VA

  • Please join VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for our all day 15th Annual Garden Symposium featuring 4 prominent speakers. Registration opens January 8th. Lunch offered with additional fee or bring your own. Local vendors share their goods for your shopping pleasure. 

Rapidan River Master Gardener 2026 Plant Sale – 4/25/26 – Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA, 22733

  • Join us for our annual plant sale featuring home-grown garden plants and houseplants, lovingly raised by Rapidan River Master Gardeners! Shop a wide variety of plants, browse a gardening-themed yard sale, and enjoy local vendors and food. Visit here for more information!

New Rapidan River Master Gardener Class Series – Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733

  • We’re excited to share that the Rapidan River Master Gardeners are planning a 2026 class series! Visit our website for class details and registration. All classes are open to the public. Click here for more information!

Suffolk EMG Plant Sale – 4/25/2026, 10am – 4pm, Earth & Arts Festival, Historic Downtown Suffolk

  • Our plant sale is well known for having a wide variety of well-sized, healthy tomatoes, sweet peppers, and chili peppers. We also have all the other plants you’d expect to see at an EMG plant sale. Popular varieties sell early, and there’s usually a line well before 10. Bring your wagon and come early to buy plants and then spend the day celebrating the earth & arts! Event updates can be found here.

Western Tidewater Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale – 5/2/2026, 9am-1pm, rain or shine, Blackwater Regional Library, 14362 New Town Haven Lane, Carrollton, VA

  • Our Spring plant sale will offer a variety of plants from our local volunteers and gardeners. We will have a variety of annuals, perennials, native plants, house plants, shrubs and trees for sale. In addition, we will be selling daylilies from a local hybridizer. We will have plants at great prices and suitable for your area. 
  • Proceeds support our local WTMG learning garden and educational programs.
  • Cash or check only. More details on available plants list to be posted at the end of April on the Western Tidewater Master Gardeners Facebook page found by clicking here.

Plant Sale – 5/9/2026, 9am-2pm, Rockingham County Admin Center, 20 E Gay St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

  • The Central Shenandoah Valley Extension Master Gardeners will have a large variety of healthy, homegrown plants available for very reasonable prices: herbs, vegetables, fruit trees and shrubs, nifty native perennials from ground covers to trees and “Everything Garden” (new and gently used books, tools, pots, decor, etc).
  • Contact csvmga.vol.coor@gmail.com with any questions.

Old Announcements

Prince William County Announces “Gardening Basics” Webinar Series

  • Beat the winter blues, join Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners for the Gardening Basics Series via Zoom. All classes are 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Every month we’ll have a new topic.
  • For questions, please call 703-792-7747 or email MasterGardener@pwcgov.org.
  • To see upcoming dates and topics, please visit our website here.

VCE EMG Spring Plant Sale List

  • Our 2026 plant sale list is up and can be found here. If you have not already done so, please utilize this form to submit information about your upcoming spring EMG Plant Sale to be included in our state-wide list. This is the only form of submission for the event we will accept. Looking forward to beautiful plant sales!
  • 2026 EMG Plant Sale Submission Form

Monarch Watch | Milkweed Distribution

  • Applications are open for Monarch Watch’s 2026 Free Milkweeds programs! Find out more information on how to apply here for habitat restoration projects and here for schools and educational non-profits.

 

Biweekly Update 10 February 2026

New Announcements

8th Annual Native Plant Symposium – 2/14/2026, 9am-4pm, George Mason University, Manassas Campus.

  • Registration is still open for the 8th Annual PWC Native Plant Symposium! We have lots of exciting break-out sessions to help you Stop Mowing and Start Growing. Our keynote speaker this year is Bill Cullina with The F. Otto Haas Executive Director & Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania.
  • Prices (in-person includes lunch): In-Person: $45 – available Jan. 9 at 11:59 pm – Feb. 10. At the Door: $55 – lunch not guaranteed. Student (in person): $10 – available until Feb. 10. Virtual Tickets: $25 – available until Feb. 13
  • For more information or to buy tickets, visit the registration site.

VBMG Gardening Talks – 2/23/2026, 7pm, ZOOM

  • The 2026 Gardening Talks & Workshops Series presents “Soil Health: The Foundation of a Thriving Ecosystem.” Join speaker Summer Thomas Ph.D., Outreach Specialist for the Virginia Soil Health Coalition as she digs deep into the fascinating world beneath our feet.
  • 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 2026 as you explore our website!

Grow The Good Life 2026 – 3/14/2026, 9AM to 3:45PM, Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 13586 Old Moneta Road, Moneta, VA 24121,

  • The Bedford Area Master Gardeners Association is presenting its annual, day-long Grow The Good Life seminar. Join four in-person gardening experts (Bryce Lane, Melanie Barrow, Michael McConkey, and Holly Scoggins, Ph.D.) to learn or to refresh your knowledge of the essentials of gardening, including soil preparation, design options, and care for both edible plants and ornamental varieties.
  • You can attend either in person ($55 registration & includes lunch) or virtually ($40 registration). In-person registration closes on March 5. Virtual registration closes on March 12.
  • For more information plus links to the Eventbrite registration portals, please either go to bedfordareamastergardeners.org or http://tinyurl.com/GTGL26.

Western Tidewater Master Gardener Spring Plant Sale – 5/2/2026, 9am-1pm, rain or shine, Blackwater Regional Library, 14362 New Town Haven Lane, Carrollton, VA

  • Our Spring plant sale will offer a variety of plants from our local volunteers and gardeners. We will have a variety of annuals, perennials, native plants, house plants, shrubs and trees for sale. In addition, we will be selling daylilies from a local hybridizer. We will have plants at great prices and suitable for your area. 
  • Proceeds support our local WTMG learning garden and educational programs.
  • Cash or check only. More details on available plants list to be posted at the end of April on the Western Tidewater Master Gardeners Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WTMGVA/

CSVEMG Plant Sale – 5/9/2026, 9am-2pm, Rockingham County Admin Center, 20 E Gay St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801

  • The Central Shenandoah Valley Extension Master Gardeners will have a large variety of healthy, homegrown plants available for very reasonable prices: herbs, vegetables, fruit trees and shrubs, nifty native perennials from ground covers to trees and “Everything Garden” (new and gently used books, tools, pots, decor, etc).
  • Contact csvmga.vol.coor@gmail.com with any questions.

Old January Announcements

Annual Seed Exchange – 2/7/2026, 9am-2pm, Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, 890 W. Main St., Berryville, VA  22611

  • Join the Northern Shenandoah Valley Extension Master Gardeners for our annual Free Seed Exchange. It’s never too early to start planning your spring garden. Share your extra seeds, pick up new seeds to grow and get advice from Extension Master Gardeners. The Extension Master Gardeners will also display Winter Sowing, Raised Beds and Indoor Hydroponics. More information can be found here.

Danville Master Gardeners 13th annual Spring to Green – 2/7/2026, 8:15am-4pm. Old Dominion Agricultural Complex 19783 US-29 g. Chatham, VA.

  • Spring to Green is now open for registration! We Have 3 speakers Peggy Singlemann, Jessica Driver and Elizabeth Tomlin. You can register here. Come on down and join the fun with vendors, Statewide Master Gardeners and a special surprise!
  • Any questions or need help please email us at dmgspringtogreen@gmail.com

Woods & Wildlife Conferences – Blacksburg and Culpeper

There are two different times and locations to choose from:

2/21/2026, 9:30am-5:00pm, Squires Student Center, Blacksburg

2/28/2026, 8:30am-4:30pm, Daniel Technology Center, Culpeper

  • This conference is for owners of large or small tracts of land or a first stop for individuals, families, and managers wanting to learn about woods, wildlife, and other natural resources. We provide multiple links to information, sources of assistance, and a better understanding of the natural resources around you, and we will explore a myriad of forestry and wildlife issues relevant to owners of woodlands.
  • $55/person; $100/couple: Registration fee includes refreshments and catered lunch
  • Visit the conference website to register: https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/landownerprograms/ConferencesandWorkshops2/WoodsandWildlifeConferences.html

Goochland Powhatan Master Gardeners Association (GPMGA) 2026 Garden Fair & Seed Share– 3/14/2026, 9:30am- 12:30pm, Goochland Sports Complex located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road in Goochland, VA 23063

VCE Loudoun MG 15th Annual Symposium – 3/21/2026, 9:00am to 3:00pm, Academies of Loudoun, Leesburg, VA

  • Please join VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for our all day 15th Annual Garden Symposium featuring 4 prominent speakers. Registration opens January 8th. Lunch offered with additional fee or bring your own. Local vendors share their goods for your shopping pleasure. 

Rapidan River Master Gardener 2026 Plant Sale – 4/25/26 – Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA, 22733

New Rapidan River Master Gardener Class Series – Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733

Suffolk EMG Plant Sale – 4/25/2026, 10am – 4pm, Earth & Arts Festival, Historic Downtown Suffolk

  • Our plant sale is well known for having a wide variety of well-sized, healthy tomatoes, sweet peppers, and chili peppers. We also have all the other plants you’d expect to see at an EMG plant sale. Popular varieties sell early, and there’s usually a line well before 10. Bring your wagon and come early to buy plants and then spend the day celebrating the earth & arts! Event updates at https://www.facebook.com/share/1AT9dgvXhy/.

Prince William County Announces “Gardening Basics” Webinar Series

  • Beat the winter blues, join Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners for the Gardening Basics Series via Zoom. All classes are 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Every month we’ll have a new topic.
  • For questions, please call 703-792-7747 or email MasterGardener@pwcgov.org.
  • To see upcoming dates and topics, please visit our website here.

State Office Webinar Series All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive:

February 13th, 1:00 PM- 2:15 PM– VCE Small Scale Fruit Webinar: Pruning Basics.

Register for the Feb 13 Webinar Here

March: Date TBA – Developing and Structuring EMG Helpdesks

April: Date TBD – Tree topic – Got a speaker you love? Suggest them!

May 14th, 10 am: The VCE MG Program, Supporting Associations, And You with VMGA President Stacey Morgan Smith

More info and registration can be found by following this link.

VCE EMG Spring Plant Sale List

Old Announcements

Monarch Watch | Milkweed Distribution

  • Applications are open for Monarch Watch’s 2026 Free Milkweeds programs! Find out more information on how to apply here for habitat restoration projects and here for schools and educational non-profits.

Winter Salt Webinar Series

  • Arlington County is producing a series of webinars to share information about best practices for being winter salt smart. For more information and to register for the webinars, please visit the Arlington County website here.

 

Gardening for Mental Health: Evidence-Based Benefits for Well-Being

Written by: Dr. Nicole Morris, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Vegetables in a basket

If you’ve ever walked outside to water your plants and noticed you felt a little calmer afterward, you’re not imagining it. Gardening has a real impact on how we feel, think, and handle stress. And the good news? You don’t need a big yard, fancy tools, or a green thumb to get the benefits. Let’s talk about why gardening is so good for your mental health and how you can easily make it part of your life here in Coastal Virginia.

Why Gardening Helps Us Feel Better

Life is busy. Our brains are constantly juggling work, family, schedules, and screens. Gardening gives us a break from all of that.

Research shows that gardening can lower stress levels, improve mood, and help with focus and attention. One reason is that being around plants helps lower cortisol, the hormone your body releases when you’re stressed. Even short periods of gardening about 10 to 30 minutes have been linked to feeling calmer and more relaxed.

Woman with an apron poses in a vegetable garden.

Another big benefit? Mood support. Studies looking at thousands of people have found that gardening is linked to fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. People often report feeling more positive, more grounded, and more satisfied with life when they regularly spend time caring for plants.

Gardening is also great for your attention and focus. Being in nature gives your brain a chance to rest. Instead of forcing yourself to concentrate, gardening uses what researchers call “gentle attention” watching leaves move, noticing new growth, feeling soil in your hands. This helps mental fatigue melt away.

Why Gardening Works So Well

Small black insect sits on a bush.

Gardening is powerful because it combines several helpful things all at once:

Routine and purpose: Plants need regular care. Watering, checking for growth, or pulling a few weeds gives structure to your day and a sense of accomplishment.

Sensory connection: Gardening uses all your senses the colors of flowers, the smell of herbs, the feel of dirt. This sensory input helps ground your body and mind in the present moment.

Gentle movement: Gardening counts as physical activity, even when it’s light. Simple movements like planting, watering, or harvesting support both physical and mental health.

Connection to nature: Watching plants grow reminds us that life moves in seasons. That perspective can be especially comforting during stressful times.

Easy Ways to Garden for Well-Being

Path through a garden with the sun at the end.

You don’t need to overhaul your yard or commit hours a week. Small, simple efforts matter.

Try container gardening. Pots work great on porches, patios, or balconies. Herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, or thyme are easy to grow, smell amazing, and are useful in the kitchen.

Grow a few flowers. Bright, cheerful flowers like zinnias, marigolds, or black-eyed Susans do well in our area and don’t require much fuss.

Keep it short and simple. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day is enough. Watering plants, checking for new growth, or deadheading flowers can be surprisingly calming.

Drop the pressure. Your garden doesn’t need to look perfect. The mental health benefits come from the act of caring, not from having a picture-perfect space.

A Gentle Reminder

Plant with spiky flower on which a bee rests.

Gardening is a wonderful way to support your mental health, but it isn’t a replacement for professional care. If you’re struggling with ongoing anxiety, depression, or emotional distress, reaching out to a mental health professional is important. Think of gardening as one helpful tool something that works best alongside other forms of support.

Growing More Than Plants

Here in Coastal Virginia, we’re lucky to have a long growing season and plenty of opportunities to garden, even in small spaces. Whether you’re tending a few pots of herbs or spending time in a backyard bed, gardening offers a simple way to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature and with yourself.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your mind is step outside, put your hands in the soil, and let yourself grow right along with your plants.

Sources available upon request.

Biweekly Update 21 January 2026

New Announcements

Rapidan River Master Gardener 2026 Plant Sale – 4/25/26 – Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA, 22733

New Rapidan River Master Gardener Class Series – Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733

Hydroponic Vegetable Gardening Zoom program from Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia – January 30 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am EST – Virtual Event

  • Join EMG Joe Larsen to learn about three types of hydroponic systems – deep water culture, nutrient film, and aeroponic – and the pros and cons of growing vegetables in them. Learn best practices for growing specific types of vegetables hydroponically as well as how to troubleshoot common problems. Register at: https://mgnv.org/rsvp-for-public-education-classes/   

Suffolk Seed Swap – 1/31/2026, 12 noon – 2:00pm, North Suffolk Library, 2000 Bennetts Creek Park Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435

  • Please join Suffolk’s VCE Master Gardeners at their inaugural seed swap! In addition to sharing seeds, you can help support new EMG Interns as they give short talks on Beginner Seed Saving, Beginner Seed Starting, The “Amazing Life Cycle of Plants” (for kids), and Soil Health Basics, plus enjoy a variety of education stations. Volunteers have also packaged thousands of packets of seeds to share, so you’ll go home with some seeds, even if you don’t have any to swap. See event information at https://www.facebook.com/share/1F4S7aTUmy/

Suffolk EMG Plant Sale – 4/25/2026, 10am – 4pm, Earth & Arts Festival, Historic Downtown Suffolk

  • Our plant sale is well known for having a wide variety of well-sized, healthy tomatoes, sweet peppers, and chili peppers. We also have all the other plants you’d expect to see at an EMG plant sale. Popular varieties sell early, and there’s usually a line well before 10. Bring your wagon and come early to buy plants and then spend the day celebrating the earth & arts! Event updates at https://www.facebook.com/share/1AT9dgvXhy/

Woods & Wildlife Conferences – Blacksburg and Culpeper

There are two different times and locations to choose from:

2/21/2026, 9:30am-5:00pm, Squires Student Center, Blacksburg

2/28/2026, 8:30am-4:30pm, Daniel Technology Center, Culpeper

  • This conference is for owners of large or small tracts of land or a first stop for individuals, families, and managers wanting to learn about woods, wildlife, and other natural resources. We provide multiple links to information, sources of assistance, and a better understanding of the natural resources around you, and we will explore a myriad of forestry and wildlife issues relevant to owners of woodlands.
  • $55/person; $100/couple: Registration fee includes refreshments and catered lunch
  • Visit the conference website to register: https://forestupdate.frec.vt.edu/landownerprograms/ConferencesandWorkshops2/WoodsandWildlifeConferences.html

Old January Announcements

MGACRA 10th Annual Seed Swap – 1/31/26, 9am-1pm, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 20 Boscobel Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405

  • Join the Master Gardener Association of Central Rappahannock Area for the 10th Annual Seed Swap. Event details can be found here.

Annual Seed Exchange – 2/7/2026, 9am-2pm, Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, 890 W. Main St., Berryville, VA  22611

  • Join the Northern Shenandoah Valley Extension Master Gardeners for our annual Free Seed Exchange. It’s never too early to start planning your spring garden. Share your extra seeds, pick up new seeds to grow and get advice from Extension Master Gardeners. The Extension Master Gardeners will also display Winter Sowing, Raised Beds and Indoor Hydroponics. More information can be found here.

Goochland Powhatan Master Gardeners Association (GPMGA) 2026 Garden Fair & Seed Share– 3/14/2026, 9:30am- 12:30pm, Goochland Sports Complex located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road in Goochland, VA 23063

Prince William County Announces “Gardening Basics” Webinar Series

  • Beat the winter blues, join Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners for the Gardening Basics Series via Zoom. All classes are 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Every month we’ll have a new topic. Our first session is Jan 21 on Starting Plants Indoors/Winter Seed Sowing (click here to register).
  • For questions, please call 703-792-7747 or email MasterGardener@pwcgov.org.
  • To see upcoming dates and topics, please visit our website here.

Louisa Extension Master Gardeners 2026 Garden Expo with Seed Share – 1/31/2026 – 9:30a.m. – 12:30p.m (Inclement weather date: Feb 7). Louisa County Middle School – 1009 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA 23117.

  • Please join the Louisa Extension Master Gardeners for our 4th Annual Garden Expo with Seed Share. The theme for 2026 is Creating Your Sustainable Home Garden.
  • What to Expect: Free seeds, educational information, gardening demonstrations, garden basket raffles and door prizes, and an opportunity to share saved seeds from your garden (For more information on saving and sharing seeds, see this page).
  • Questions? Please email us at lemgsscom@gmail.com.
  • Facebook link: Click here to see our Facebook page

Winter Salt Webinar Series

  • Arlington County is producing a series of webinars to share information about best practices for being winter salt smart. For more information and to register for the webinars, please visit the Arlington County website here.

State Office Webinar Series All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive:

  • Our 2026 Webinar Schedule is here! More info and registration links for March and April TBA.

February 3rd, 2:00 PM- 3:15 PM – Bird Brains and Bird Behavior with Dr Robyn Puffenbarger.

Register for the Feb 3 Webinar Here

February 6th 1:00- 2:15 PM- VCE Small Scale Fruit Webinar: Strawberries with Gaylynn Callahan. Register for the Jan 21 Webinar Here

February 13th, 1:00 PM- 2:15 PM– VCE Small Scale Fruit Webinar: Pruning Basics.

Register for the Feb 13 Webinar Here

March: Date TBA – Developing and Structuring EMG Helpdesks

April: Date TBD – Tree topic – Got a speaker you love? Suggest them!

VCE Loudoun MG 15th Annual Symposium – 3/21/2026, 9:00am to 3:00pm, Academies of Loudoun, Leesburg, VA

  • Please join VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for our all day 15th Annual Garden Symposium featuring 4 prominent speakers. Registration opens January 8th. Lunch offered with additional fee or bring your own. Local vendors share their goods for your shopping pleasure. 
  • More info and registration can be found by following this link.

Monarch Watch | Milkweed Distribution

  • Applications are open for Monarch Watch’s 2026 Free Milkweeds programs! Find out more information on how to apply here for habitat restoration projects and here for schools and educational non-profits.

Danville Master Gardeners 13th annual Spring to Green – 2/7/2026, 8:15am-4pm. Old Dominion Agricultural Complex 19783 US-29 g. Chatham, VA.

  • Spring to Green is now open for registration! We Have 3 speakers Peggy Singlemann, Jessica Driver and Elizabeth Tomlin. You can register here. Come on down and join the fun with vendors, Statewide Master Gardeners and a special surprise!
  • Any questions or need help please email us at dmgspringtogreen@gmail.com

VCE EMG Spring Plant Sale List:

Old Announcements

  • Allium leafminer – Participate in a citizen science project to monitor the spread of this new pest of alliums!

Biweekly Update 09 January 2026

New Announcements

MGACRA 10th Annual Seed Swap – 1/31/26, 9am-1pm, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 20 Boscobel Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405

  • Join the Master Gardener Association of Central Rappahannock Area for the 10th Annual Seed Swap. Event details can be found here.

Annual Seed Exchange – 2/7/2026, 9am-2pm, Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, 890 W. Main St., Berryville, VA  22611

  • Join the Northern Shenandoah Valley Extension Master Gardeners for our annual Free Seed Exchange. It’s never too early to start planning your spring garden. Share your extra seeds, pick up new seeds to grow and get advice from Extension Master Gardeners. The Extension Master Gardeners will also display Winter Sowing, Raised Beds and Indoor Hydroponics. More information can be found here.

Goochland Powhatan Master Gardeners Association (GPMGA) 2026 Garden Fair & Seed Share– 3/14/2026, 9:30am- 12:30pm, Goochland Sports Complex located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road in Goochland, VA 23063

Old December Announcements

Prince William County Announces “Gardening Basics” Webinar Series

  • Beat the winter blues, join Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners for the Gardening Basics Series via Zoom. All classes are 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Every month we’ll have a new topic. Our first session is Jan 21 on Starting Plants Indoors/Winter Seed Sowing (click here to register).
  • For questions, please call 703-792-7747 or email MasterGardener@pwcgov.org.
  • To see upcoming dates and topics, please visit our website here.

Louisa Extension Master Gardeners 2026 Garden Expo with Seed Share – 1/31/2026 – 9:30a.m. – 12:30p.m (Inclement weather date: Feb 7). Louisa County Middle School – 1009 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA 23117

  • Please join the Louisa Extension Master Gardeners for our 4th Annual Garden Expo with Seed Share. The theme for 2026 is Creating Your Sustainable Home Garden.
  • What to Expect: Free seeds, educational information, gardening demonstrations, garden basket raffles and door prizes, and an opportunity to share saved seeds from your garden (For more information on saving and sharing seeds, see this page).
  • Questions? Please email us at lemgsscom@gmail.com.
  • Facebook link: Click here to see our Facebook page

Winter Salt Webinar Series: Arlington County is producing a series of webinars to share information about best practices for being winter salt smart. For more information and to register for the webinars, please visit the Arlington County website here.

State Office Webinar Series All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive:

VCE Loudoun MG 15th Annual Symposium – 3/21/2026, 9:00am to 3:00pm, Academies of Loudoun, Leesburg, VA

  • Please join VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for our all day 15th Annual Garden Symposium featuring 4 prominent speakers. Registration opens January 8th. Lunch offered with additional fee or bring your own. Local vendors share their goods for your shopping pleasure. 
  • More info and registration can be found by following this link.

Monarch Watch | Milkweed Distribution

  • Applications are open for Monarch Watch’s 2026 Free Milkweeds programs! Find out more information on how to apply here for habitat restoration projects and here for schools and educational non-profits.

Danville Master Gardeners 13th annual Spring to Green – 2/7/2026, 8:15am-4pm. Old Dominion Agricultural Complex 19783 US-29 g. Chatham, VA.

  • Spring to Green is now open for registration! We Have 3 speakers Peggy Singlemann, Jessica Driver and Elizabeth Tomlin. You can register here. Come on down and join the fun with vendors, Statewide Master Gardeners and a special surprise!
  • Any questions or need help please email us at dmgspringtogreen@gmail.com

VCE EMG Spring Plant Sale List: Our 2026 plant sale list is up: https://ext.vt.edu/lawn-garden/Timely_Topics/2026-plant-sales.html . If you have not already done so, please utilize this form to submit information about your upcoming spring EMG Plant Sale to be included in our state-wide list. This is the only form of submission for the event we will accept. Looking forward to beautiful plant sales!

Old Announcements

  • Allium leafminer – Participate in a citizen science project to monitor the spread of this new pest of alliums!

Biweekly Update 22 December 2025

New Announcements

Prince William County Announces “Gardening Basics” Webinar Series

  • Beat the winter blues, join Virginia Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners for the Gardening Basics Series via Zoom. All classes are 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Every month we’ll have a new topic. Our first session is Jan 21 on Starting Plants Indoors/Winter Seed Sowing (click here to register).
  • For questions, please call 703-792-7747 or email MasterGardener@pwcgov.org.
  • To see upcoming dates and topics, please visit our website here.

Louisa Extension Master Gardeners 2026 Garden Expo with Seed Share – 1/31/2026 – 9:30a.m. – 12:30p.m (Inclement weather date: Feb 7). Louisa County Middle School – 1009 Davis Highway, Mineral, VA 23117

  • Please join the Louisa Extension Master Gardeners for our 4th Annual Garden Expo with Seed Share. The theme for 2026 is Creating Your Sustainable Home Garden.
  • What to Expect: Free seeds, educational information, gardening demonstrations, garden basket raffles and door prizes, and an opportunity to share saved seeds from your garden (For more information on saving and sharing seeds, see this page).
  • Questions? Please email us at lemgsscom@gmail.com.
  • Facebook link: Click here to see our Facebook page

Winter Salt Webinar Series Arlington County is producing a series of webinars to share information about best practices for being winter salt smart. For more information and to register for the webinars, please visit the Arlington County website here.

State Office Webinar Series All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive:

Old December Announcements

VCE Loudoun MG 15th Annual Symposium – 3/21/2026, 9:00am to 3:00pm, Academies of Loudoun, Leesburg, VA

  • Please join VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for our all day 15th Annual Garden Symposium featuring 4 prominent speakers. Registration opens January 8th. Lunch offered with additional fee or bring your own. Local vendors share their goods for your shopping pleasure. 
  • More info and registration can be found by following this link.

Monarch Watch | Milkweed Distribution Applications are open for Monarch Watch’s 2026 Free Milkweeds programs! Find out more information on how to apply here for habitat restoration projects and here for schools and educational non-profits.

Danville Master Gardeners 13th annual Spring to Green – 2/7/2026, 8:15am-4pm. Old Dominion Agricultural Complex 19783 US-29 g. Chatham, VA.

  • Spring to Green is now open for registration! We Have 3 speakers Peggy Singlemann, Jessica Driver and Elizabeth Tomlin. You can register here. Come on down and join the fun with vendors, Statewide Master Gardeners and a special surprise!
  • Any questions or need help please email us at dmgspringtogreen@gmail.com

VCE EMG Spring Plant Sale List: Please utilize this form to submit information about your upcoming spring EMG Plant Sale to be included in our state-wide list. This is the only form of submission for the event we will accept. Looking forward to beautiful plant sales! 2026 EMG Plant Sale Submission Form

Allium leafminer Participate in a citizen science project to monitor the spread of this new pest of alliums! Scouting will start again in Late February 2026

Biweekly Update 11 December 2025

New Announcements

VCE Loudoun MG 15th Annual Symposium – 3/21/2026, 9:00am to 3:00pm, Academies of Loudoun, Leesburg, VA

  • Please join VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners for our all-day, 15th Annual Garden Symposium featuring 4 prominent speakers. Registration opens January 8th. Lunch offered with additional fee or bring your own. Local vendors will share their goods for your shopping pleasure. 
  • More info and registration can be found by following this link.

Monarch Watch | Milkweed Distribution

  • Applications are open for Monarch Watch’s 2026 Free Milkweeds programs! Find out more information on how to apply here for habitat restoration projects and here for schools and educational non-profits.

State Office Webinar Series All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive:

  • Our 2026 Webinar Schedule is in the works! The following webinars are coming up in 2026. More info and registration links TBA.
    • January 6th – 10:00 AM – Box Tree Moth in Virginia – VCE Pest Update with Dr. Alejandro Del-Pozo
    • January 6th 2:00 PM – Urban Evolutionary Entomology with Dr. Lindsey Miles
    • January 21st – VCE Fruit Webinar Series: Strawberries with Gaylynn Callahan
    • Date TBA – Bird Behavior with Dr. Robyn Puffenbarger
    • Friday February 13th at 1:00 PM – Pruning Fruit Crops
    • Date TBA – Developing and Structuring EMG Helpdesks

Old November Announcements

Danville Master Gardeners 13th annual Spring to Green – 2/7/2026, 8:15am-4pm. Old Dominion Agricultural Complex 19783 US-29 g. Chatham, VA.

  • Spring to Green is now open for registration! We Have 3 speakers Peggy Singlemann, Jessica Driver and Elizabeth Tomlin. You can register here. Come on down and join the fun with vendors, Statewide Master Gardeners and a special surprise! Any questions or need help please email us at dmgspringtogreen@gmail.com.

VCE EMG Spring Plant Sale List: Please utilize this form to submit information about your upcoming spring EMG Plant Sale to be included in our state-wide list. This is the only form of submission for the event we will accept. Looking forward to beautiful plant sales!

Biweekly Update 11 November 2025

New Announcements

Danville Master Gardeners 13th Annual Spring to Green – 2/7/2026, 8:15am-4pm. Old Dominion Agricultural Complex 19783 US-29 g. Chatham, VA.

  • Spring to Green is now open for registration! We have 3 speakers: Peggy Singlemann, Jessica Driver and Elizabeth Tomlin. You can register here. Come on down and join the fun with vendors, Statewide Master Gardeners and a special surprise!
  • Any questions or need help please email us at dmgspringtogreen@gmail.com

VCE EMG Spring Plant Sale List: Please utilize this form to submit information about your upcoming spring EMG Plant Sale to be included in our state-wide list. this is the only form of submission for the event we will accept. Looking forward to beautiful plant sales!

2026 EMG Plant Sale Submission Form

Old October Announcements

State Office Webinar Series All webinars are recorded and posted in the webinar archive

Old Announcements

  • Allium leafminer – Participate in a citizen science project to monitor the spread of this new pest of alliums!

Hanover Master Gardeners Gleaning Project

Gleaning is the practice of harvesting excess produce and distributing it to those in need. In short, gleaning directs valuable nutrition to citizens and diverts it from loss in the field. This practice connects food to people through local food pantries.

2021 Hanover Extension summer intern, Sara Hallam, planned and launched the Hanover Extension Master Gardener Gleaners as her project. Her interests in food insecurity and local gardening were drivers for her initiative. Thirty Extension Master Gardeners took food safety training to qualify as gleaners.

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Greer School Garden Project

By Christine Atkins, Piedmont Master Gardener

PMG volunteer Christine Putnam, a retired science teacher, talks to 3rd graders about the importance of oak trees while PMG volunteer Fern Campbell gathers acorns for the children.

In 2021, the Piedmont Master Gardeners (PMG) began a partnership with Albemarle County Public Schools to provide gardening instruction and support at three elementary schools, beginning with Mary Carr Greer Elementary School. Greer serves the most diverse student population of any Albemarle County school, and some 75 percent of its students live in households below the poverty line.

Since last September, PMG volunteers have collaborated with Greer teachers to provide lessons to all first- and third-grade classes once per month to enhance their love and understanding of gardening and the environment. The lessons are structured to meet approved Virginia Standards of Learning for science, social studies and mathematics and were developed by Piedmont Master Gardeners who are retired teachers. Some examples include:

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