Biweekly update – September 29, 2022

New Announcements

1.    Leadership development trainingJoin us for 2022 virtual Leadership Development Training. Sessions will be held Wednesdays in October 1:00 – 2:30pm. You can choose which sessions to attend (or come to all!). All sessions (except October 26) will be recorded for viewing later. Learn more here.

a.     Register now!

b.    October 5: Increasing volunteer engagement and building volunteer leaders. Join VCE Volunteer Engagement Specialist Dave Close as he shares thoughts on increasing volunteer engagement and building volunteer leaders.

c.     October 12: Happy EMGs and Thriving EMG Units – Focal Points for Good Leadership. Come learn the results of a recent research project focused on volunteer happiness and what factors can help EMG units thrive. Learn what steps can be taken to make your unit even stronger!

d.    October 19: Evaluation Deep Dive. Tom Archibald will lead this session on the ins and outs of program evaluation best practices, how tos, and more.

e.    October 26: Leadership Dialogue. Join your fellow EMG leaders and prospective leaders, EMG Coordinators, and Extension Agents in discussion around relevant topics to your EMG units. Time will be spent discussing challenges, successes, and opportunities around: recruiting new members, retaining members, and building strong community partnerships. Come prepared to share your thoughts on these topics.

Old October Announcements

2.    My Experience With Blue Orchard Bees, October 7, 2022 South Boston Halifax County Museum 1540 Wilborn Ave. South Boston, VA 24592My Experience with Blue Orchard Bees is presented by Halifax Extension Master Gardener Linda Logan, Linda has been organically gardening and building up her pollinators since moving to Halifax County in 2019. Wanting to improve gardening yields and the habitat for pollinators she has taken certain steps along the way, starting with the introduction of Blue Orchard bee eggs, providing the nest and the experiences that have occurred since. Linda has been a Master Gardener since 2004 starting in Mecklenburg and has given back many hours in educational programming. Pre-registration for this educational program is required. You can call the Halifax Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 434-476-2147 ext. 0, or you can send an email to ask@ssmga.org or wmccale@vt.edu before the close of business on October 5, 2022.

3.    Native Woody Plants of the Virginia Piedmont, October 14, 2022, South Boston Halifax County Museum 1540 Wilborn Ave. South Boston, VA 24592 We hear more and more about problems with invasive species and what to do to eliminate them. Jason Fisher will cover many of our native woody plants found in the Piedmont of Virginia including the identification and use of these species. He will touch on the need for the protection and cultivation of our native plants. Jason is a certified Arborist and Central District Extension Agent who serves multiple counties in Central and Southern Virginia. He has over 25 years experience and loves his work almost as much as he loves to hunt and fish. This is a free public educational program that you will need to pre-register for by either calling the Halifax Virginia Cooperative Extension Office or you can send an email to ask@ssmga.org or wmccaleb@vt.edu

4.    ESVMG Fall Symposium ” Planting with Purpose” – October 22, 2022 — The Chincoteague Center 6155 Community Drive Chincoteague Virginia

a.    The Eastern Shore Master Gardeners invite you to join us for our Fall Symposium ” Planting with Purpose” . Spend the day with us learning how to bring beauty to your garden and improve your backyard habitat for all natures creatures, great and small. We have four guest speakers, each will present a different topic, they are; Barbara Ellis ” Diversity in the Garden”, Douglas Tallamy ” Natures best hope”, Ginny Rosenkranz ” Designing a Garden with Native and other Beautiful Plants”, and Mikela Boley ” Native Seed Saving and Sowing”. All attendees will be eligible to participate in our gift basket raffel, gift baskets will include local products and artwork. Tickets are $75.00 which includes a full day of thought provoking lectures focusing on purposeful gardening and includes morning coffee/Tea & pastry, a boxed lunch, afternoon snack, educational booths, and book sales. You can register online at www.esvmg.com

Old Announcements

5.    Spotted lanternfly quarantine area expanded – VDACS has expanded the SLF quarantine area. It now includes the following cities and counties: Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Staunton, Waynesboro, Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, and Wythe. This is in addition to the quarantine already in place for Frederick, Warren, and Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester.

a.     Read the pub “What Virginians Need to Know about the 2022 SLF Quarantine Expansion”

Biweekly Update – September 14, 2022

New Announcements

1.    Leadership development trainingJoin us for 2022 virtual Leadership Development Training. Sessions will be held Wednesdays in October 1:00 – 2:30pm. You can choose which sessions to attend (or come to all!). Learn more here.

a.     Register now!

b.    October 5: Increasing volunteer engagement and building volunteer leaders. Join VCE Volunteer Engagement Specialist Dave Close as he shares thoughts on increasing volunteer engagement and building volunteer leaders.

c.     October 12: Happy EMGs and Thriving EMG Units – Focal Points for Good Leadership. Come learn the results of a recent research project focused on volunteer happiness and what factors can help EMG units thrive. Learn what steps can be taken to make your unit even stronger!

d.    October 19: Evaluation Deep Dive. Tom Archibald will lead this session on the ins and outs of program evaluation best practices, how tos, and more.

e.    October 26: Leadership Dialogue. Join your fellow EMG leaders and prospective leaders, EMG Coordinators, and Extension Agents in discussion around relevant topics to your EMG units. Time will be spent discussing challenges, successes, and opportunities around: recruiting new members, retaining members, and building strong community partnerships. Come prepared to share your thoughts on these topics.

2.    We All Live Downstream. How clean is your water? September 20, 2022, South Boston Halifax County Museum – Poor water quality can pose a health risk for people. Poor water quality can also pose a health risk for ecosystems. Living in a county that has plentiful water supply from three rivers and numerous creeks along with a good water table in most portions of the county, you will learn about what is in your water and what is not in your water. Mark Estes, the Director of the Halifax County Service Authority and is a certified Utility Manager of the National Rural Water Association, the current President of the Virginia Water & Wastewater Authorities Association (VWWAA), President of the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), and a member of the Board Of Directors of the VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AGENCIES. With over 37 years of experience in water management, Mark will be able to share a lot of information and will discuss PFAS which you have read about lately in local and national newspapers. If you are concerned about the future of our water quality this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the nectar of life, H2O. You will need to pre-register for this free program so we can plan accordingly for the number of participants. Space is limited to 75. Pre-registration can be done by calling 434-476-2147 extension 0 or by emailing ask@ssmga.org or wmccaleb@vt.edu .

3.    My Experience With Blue Orchard Bees, October 7, 2022 South Boston Halifax County Museum 1540 Wilborn Ave. South Boston, VA 24592My Experience with Blue Orchard Bees is presented by Halifax Extension Master Gardener Linda Logan, Linda has been organically gardening and building up her pollinators since moving to Halifax County in 2019. Wanting to improve gardening yields and the habitat for pollinators she has taken certain steps along the way, starting with the introduction of Blue Orchard bee eggs, providing the nest and the experiences that have occurred since. Linda has been a Master Gardener since 2004 starting in Mecklenburg and has given back many hours in educational programming. Pre-registration for this educational program is required. You can call the Halifax Virginia Cooperative Extension Office at 434-476-2147 ext. 0, or you can send an email to ask@ssmga.org or wmccale@vt.edu before the close of business on October 5, 2022.

4.    Native Woody Plants of the Virginia Piedmont, October 14, 2022, South Boston Halifax County Museum 1540 Wilborn Ave. South Boston, VA 24592 We hear more and more about problems with invasive species and what to do to eliminate them. Jason Fisher will cover many of our native woody plants found in the Piedmont of Virginia including the identification and use of these species. He will touch on the need for the protection and cultivation of our native plants. Jason is a certified Arborist and Central District Extension Agent who serves multiple counties in Central and Southern Virginia. He has over 25 years experience and loves his work almost as much as he loves to hunt and fish. This is a free public educational program that you will need to pre-register for by either calling the Halifax Virginia Cooperative Extension Office or you can send an email to ask@ssmga.org or wmccaleb@vt.edu

Old September Announcements

1.    Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners' 20th Annual Plant Extravaganza – September 9 & 10, 2022 – Moose Lodge 886 Family Center, 6565 Moose Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061 – Join the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners for our 20th Annual Plant Extravaganza on Friday, September 9, 4-6 p.m. and Saturday, September 10, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will feature native plants, perennials, trees, shrubs, herbs, house plants, gently used garden tools and more at great prices! All proceeds benefit the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund. Admission and parking are free.

Old October Announcements

1.    ESVMG Fall Symposium ” Planting with Purpose” – October 22, 2022 — The Chincoteague Center 6155 Community Drive Chincoteague Virginia

a.    The Eastern Shore Master Gardeners invite you to join us for our Fall Symposium ” Planting with Purpose” . Spend the day with us learning how to bring beauty to your garden and improve your backyard habitat for all natures creatures, great and small. We have four guest speakers, each will present a different topic, they are; Barbara Ellis ” Diversity in the Garden”, Douglas Tallamy ” Natures best hope”, Ginny Rosenkranz ” Designing a Garden with Native and other Beautiful Plants”, and Mikela Boley ” Native Seed Saving and Sowing”. All attendees will be eligible to participate in our gift basket raffel, gift baskets will include local products and artwork. Tickets are $75.00 which includes a full day of thought provoking lectures focusing on purposeful gardening and includes morning coffee/Tea & pastry, a boxed lunch, afternoon snack, educational booths, and book sales. You can register online at www.esvmg.com

2.    VCE Urban Gardening In-Service Training – October 25-26, 2022 – Virginia State University-Randolph Research Farm Pavilion 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803 The Virginia State University Sustainable & Urban Agriculture Program will be hosting an in-service training for up to 75 interested VCE personnel interested in learnign more abotu urban gardening on October 25-26, 2022. Register here: https://vsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CqybesyGe945kq

 

Old Announcements

3.    Project Highlight: Loudoun Turf to Trees project: Last September, Loudoun Extension Master Gardener Cynthia Falconer spearheaded a cost share grant project, Virginia Trees for Clean Water, awarded by the VA Dept. of Forestry, for her Potomac Green HOA common area. The objective was to convert sections of turf to mulched beds with native trees and ground cover, thereby reducing runoff and nutrients flowing into Russell Branch Creek, which runs through the property, and reducing in-stream sediment. The trees will also shade a 600-foot section of the community trail system and provide an object lesson in the benefits of trees to community members. Read more

a.    Submit a project highlight: Are you a project leader & want to share your unit’s work with the statewide program? Submit a project highlight here. Project highlights will be posted on the EMG website and on Facebook.

4.    Congratulations to 2021 Milestone awardees. Thank you for your time and dedication to making your community stronger! Please view a list of our award recipients here. Milestone pins and certificates have been mailed to unit offices.

5.    Spotted lanternfly quarantine area expanded – VDACS has expanded the SLF quarantine area. It now includes the following cities and counties: Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Staunton, Waynesboro, Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, and Wythe. This is in addition to the quarantine already in place for Frederick, Warren, and Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester.

b.     Read the pub “What Virginians Need to Know about the 2022 SLF Quarantine Expansion”

 

Other Announcements:

1.    Send us your announcements! Have you converted educational programs to an online format? You can still submit those announcements for the biweekly email! Submit an item for the biweekly update here.

2.    Follow the State Office on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Biweekly Update – August 29, 2022

New Announcements

1.    ESVMG Fall Symposium ” Planting with Purpose” – October 22, 2022 — The Chincoteague Center 6155 Community Drive Chincoteague Virginia

a.    The Eastern Shore Master Gardeners invite you to join us for our Fall Symposium ” Planting with Purpose” . Spend the day with us learning how to bring beauty to your garden and improve your backyard habitat for all natures creatures, great and small. We have four guest speakers, each will present a different topic, they are; Barbara Ellis ” Diversity in the Garden”, Douglas Tallamy ” Natures best hope”, Ginny Rosenkranz ” Designing a Garden with Native and other Beautiful Plants”, and Mikela Boley ” Native Seed Saving and Sowing”. All attendees will be eligible to participate in our gift basket raffle, gift baskets will include local products and artwork. Tickets are $75.00 which includes a full day of thought provoking lectures focusing on purposeful gardening and includes morning coffee/Tea & pastry, a boxed lunch, afternoon snack, educational booths, and book sales. You can register online at www.esvmg.com

2.    VCE Urban Gardening In-Service Training – October 25-26, 2022 – Virginia State University-Randolph Research Farm Pavilion 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803 The Virginia State University Sustainable & Urban Agriculture Program will be hosting an in-service training for up to 75 interested VCE personnel interested in learning more about urban gardening on October 25-26, 2022. Register here: https://vsu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3CqybesyGe945kq

 

Old September Announcements

3.    Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners’ 20th Annual Plant Extravaganza – September 9 & 10, 2022 – Moose Lodge 886 Family Center, 6565 Moose Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061 – Join the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners for our 20th Annual Plant Extravaganza on Friday, September 9, 4-6 p.m. and Saturday, September 10, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will feature native plants, perennials, trees, shrubs, herbs, house plants, gently used garden tools and more at great prices! All proceeds benefit the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund. Admission and parking are free.

Old Announcements

4.    Project Highlight: Loudoun Turf to Trees project: Last September, Loudoun Extension Master Gardener Cynthia Falconer spearheaded a cost share grant project, Virginia Trees for Clean Water, awarded by the VA Dept. of Forestry, for her Potomac Green HOA common area. The objective was to convert sections of turf to mulched beds with native trees and ground cover, thereby reducing runoff and nutrients flowing into Russell Branch Creek, which runs through the property, and reducing in-stream sediment. The trees will also shade a 600-foot section of the community trail system and provide an object lesson in the benefits of trees to community members. Read more

a.    Submit a project highlight: Are you a project leader & want to share your unit’s work with the statewide program? Submit a project highlight here. Project highlights will be posted on the EMG website and on Facebook.

5.    Congratulations to 2021 Milestone awardees. Thank you for your time and dedication to making your community stronger! Please view a list of our award recipients here. Milestone pins and certificates have been mailed to unit offices.

6.    Spotted lanternfly quarantine area expanded – VDACS has expanded the SLF quarantine area. It now includes the following cities and counties: Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Staunton, Waynesboro, Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, and Wythe. This is in addition to the quarantine already in place for Frederick, Warren, and Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester.

b.     Read the pub “What Virginians Need to Know about the 2022 SLF Quarantine Expansion”

 

Other Announcements:

1.    Send us your announcements! Have you converted educational programs to an online format? You can still submit those announcements for the biweekly email! Submit an item for the biweekly update here.

2.    Follow the State Office on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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:

Continue reading

Biweekly Update – August 10, 2022

New Announcements

1.    Project Highlight: Loudoun Turf to Trees project: Last September, Loudoun Extension Master Gardener Cynthia Falconer spearheaded a cost share grant project, Virginia Trees for Clean Water, awarded by the VA Dept. of Forestry, for her Potomac Green HOA common area. The objective was to convert sections of turf to mulched beds with native trees and ground cover, thereby reducing runoff and nutrients flowing into Russell Branch Creek, which runs through the property, and reducing in-stream sediment. The trees will also shade a 600-foot section of the community trail system and provide an object lesson in the benefits of trees to community members. Read more

a.    Submit a project highlight: Are you a project leader & want to share your unit’s work with the statewide program? Submit a project highlight here. Project highlights will be posted on the EMG website and on Facebook.

2.    Spots open on 2023 IMGC Search for Excellence Committee: We have 5 spots left on our evaluation team for the Search for Excellence. The evaluation team will review submissions for the 2023 IMGC Search for Excellence Awards. Email Kathleen Reed at reedka@vt.edu, first come first served.

3.    All Ages Flower Show – Central Rappahannock Regional Library – August 23 and 24, 2022 – Downtown Library, 1201 Caroline St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 More info here

4.    Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners' 20th Annual Plant Extravaganza – September 9 & 10, 2022 – Moose Lodge 886 Family Center, 6565 Moose Drive, Gloucester, VA 23061 – Join the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners for our 20th Annual Plant Extravaganza on Friday, September 9, 4-6 p.m. and Saturday, September 10, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will feature native plants, perennials, trees, shrubs, herbs, house plants, gently used garden tools and more at great prices! All proceeds benefit the Gloucester Extension Master Gardeners Scholarship Fund. Admission and parking are free.

Old Announcements

1.    Congratulations to 2021 Milestone awardees. Thank you for your time and dedication to making your community stronger! Please view a list of our award recipients here. Milestone pins and certificates have been mailed to unit offices.

2.    Spotted lanternfly quarantine area expanded – VDACS has expanded the SLF quarantine area. It now includes the following cities and counties: Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Staunton, Waynesboro, Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, and Wythe. This is in addition to the quarantine already in place for Frederick, Warren, and Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester.

a.     Read the pub “What Virginians Need to Know about the 2022 SLF Quarantine Expansion”

 

Other Announcements:

1.    Send us your announcements! Have you converted educational programs to an online format? You can still submit those announcements for the biweekly email! Submit an item for the biweekly update here.

2.    Follow the State Office on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Turf to Trees

By Barbara Bailey, Community Engagement Coordinator Master Gardener Coordinator Virginia Cooperative Extension, Loudoun County

Turf to Trees project info box

Last September, Loudoun Extension Master Gardener Cynthia Falconer spearheaded a cost share grant project, Virginia Trees for Clean Water, awarded by the VA Dept. of Forestry, for her Potomac Green HOA common area.

The objective was to convert sections of turf to mulched beds with native trees and ground cover, thereby reducing runoff and nutrients flowing into Russell Branch Creek, which runs through the property, and reducing in-stream sediment. The trees will also shade a 600-foot section of the community trail system and provide an object lesson in the benefits of trees to community members.

Continue reading

Biweekly Update – July 11 2022

New Announcements:

  1. Congratulations to 2021 Milestone awardees. Thank you for your time and dedication to making your community stronger! Please view a list of our award recipients here. Milestone pins and certificates have been mailed to unit offices.
  2. Spotted lanternfly quarantine area expanded – VDACS has expanded the SLF quarantine area. It now includes the following cities and counties: Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Staunton, Waynesboro, Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, and Wythe. This is in addition to the quarantine already in place for Frederick, Warren, and Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester.
    1. Read the pub “What Virginians Need to Know about the 2022 SLF Quarantine Expansion”
  3. Common Pest and Diseases of the Vegetable Garden – August 1, 2022 VIRGINIA BEACH MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT GARDENING TALKS: Join us on Monday, August 1, 2022, at 7 pm via ZOOM for a Gardening Talks presentation on: Common Pest and Diseases of the Vegetable Garden – The Presenter is Chri Epes, Norfolk Cooperative Extension Agent. This presentation will provide a run-down of common pests and diseases that home vegetable gardeners face in the Hampton Roads area. Basic control measures that can be utilized to control these problems using an Integrated Pest Management approach will be discussed. 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 2022 as you explore our website!

Old Announcements

  1. If you would like an infographic showing your local unit’s 2021 statistics, please email Devon dvj@vt.edu Infographic template available here. Note: We have not pre-made infographics for each unit this year and will instead be working with you to develop them on request.
  2. Updated indicia statement:

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

 

As always, remember to use the indicia statement on all material you distribute to the public. For promotional material for events, you also need the ADA statement, available here.

 

Other Announcements:

  1. Send us your announcements! Have you converted educational programs to an online format? You can still submit those announcements for the biweekly email! Submit an item for the biweekly update here.

Follow the State Office on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Biweekly Update – May 24, 2022

New Announcements:

1.    Join us for Extension Master Gardener College, June 22-26 in Blacksburg. Full program available now! Registration opens April 21, 2022 Lean more

2.    Gardening in the Valley Garden Tour, June 25, Page County Virginia -Extension Master Gardeners in the Northern Shenandoah Valley are pleased to present the Gardening in the Valley Garden tour, June 25, 9 am through 4 pm. There are five fabulous gardens in Luray and Page County officially featured on the tour and an additional four recommended garden locations where no ticket is required. The tour includes a mix of private gardens, agribusinesses, and public garden space. Tickets are $10 each through noon on June 24. On the day of the tour, tickets will be $12 available from 9 am to 2 pm at Massanutten Country Corner outside Luray. Proceeds benefit youth program provided by Virginia Cooperative Extension in Page County. Learn more and purchase tickets at http://nsvmga.org/events/garden-tour/.

3.    Henrico Master Gardeners to hold Spring Plant Sale June 11, Deep Run Park, Henrico County Henrico County Master Gardeners will hold a Spring Plant Sale and Pollinator Festival 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, in the Event Field at Deep Run Park in Henrico’s west end. Master Gardeners will be selling plants from their own gardens at bargain prices. The event will also include pre-made floral arrangements available for purchase, a “Garden Treasures” tent selling gently used gardening items, educational displays, children’s activities, food trucks and musical entertainment. Admission is free. https://www.henricomg.org/

Old June announcement

4.    Garden Fest and EMG Plant Sale – June 4 – Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA –  The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners will hold their annual GardenFest and EMG Plant Sale on Saturday, June 4th at Belle Grove Historic Plantation just south of Middletown, VA. Reasonably priced plants or all kinds raised by the Master Gardeners will be available. Parking is free and there is no admission charge. There will be plant related vendors, tool sharpening services, children’s activities and more.

Old Announcements

5.    If you would like an infographic showing your local unit’s 2021 statistics, please email Devon dvj@vt.edu Infographic template available here. Note: We have not pre-made infographics for each unit this year and will instead be working with you to develop them on request.

6.    Updated indicia statement:

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

 

As always, remember to use the indicia statement on all material you distribute to the public. For promotional material for events, you also need the ADA statement, available here.

 

Other Announcements:

1.    Send us your announcements! Have you converted educational programs to an online format? You can still submit those announcements for the biweekly email! Submit an item for the biweekly update here.

2.    Follow the State Office on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Biweekly Update – May 5, 2022

New Announcements:

1.    Join us for Extension Master Gardener College, June 22-26 in Blacksburg. Full program available now! Registration OPEN NOW Learn more about college and view the schedule

Register for College here

Register for housing here

2.    HCMGA Festival of Gardening Returns – May 7 – Riverside Park, 2238 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg – Hill City Master Gardeners’ Festival of Gardening returns to Riverside Park on Saturday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine. Thousands of plants including natives to attract pollinators, herbs to transform your cooking, trees, shrubs, flowering annuals and perennials, vegetables, container gardens, houseplants and tropicals will be on sale for good prices.

3.    Opening a Can of Worms: A Threat to Consider – May 16 – VIRGINIA BEACH MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT GARDENING TALKS: Join us on Monday, May 16, 2022, at 7 pm via ZOOM for a Gardening Talks presentation on: Opening a Can of Worms: A Threat to Consider. Presenter Sherry Kern, Virginia Beach Master Gardener. Explore the characteristics of invasive earthworms such as the European earthworm and the Asian jumping earthworm. Determine what makes them invasive and how they are disrupting our native forest and affecting biodiversity. Delve into the ecology of our native earthworms and take a peek at the “new” invasive Hammerhead worm. 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 2022 as you explore our website! View the flyer

4.    Newport News Plant Sale – April 30 and May 1, 2022, 9am to 4pm 424 Pin Oak Road, Newport News, VA – Join the Newport News Master Gardeners for our spring plant sale April 30th and May 1st, 2022 from 9am to 4pm, 424 Pin Oak Road, Newport News, VA 23601. We’ll have TONS of native plant plugs! Our Design Desk will help you design your new garden bed! Our Mobile Help Desk will answer all your gardening questions! On-site gardens will be open for self-guided tours featuring labeled native plants! View the flyer

5.    John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society Annual Native Plant Sale – May 14 – Williamsburg Botanical Garden, 5537 Centerville Rd., Williamsburg, VA The John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society will be hosting there annual native plant sale on Saturday, May 14th from 9am to 3pm at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Admission and parking are free. The sale offers a wide selection of native plants and trees to include Buttonbush which is the VNPS 2022 Wildflower of the Year. Plant experts will be available to answer any questions regarding plant selection. View the flyer

6.    Rockbridge Area Master Gardener Plant Sale – May 21, 8:30am until 1:00pm – Kerrs Creek Fire Station, 2880 West Midland Trail, Lexington VA – The Rockbridge Area Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale will be in person this year. There will be over 2000 plants for sale, including shrubs, tree, annuals, vegetables and lots of perennials, including many natives. New this year will be a Pot Swap. Anyone can drop off pots. Anyone can help themselves. We hope to reclaim pots for our Digs, re-home donated ornamental plant containers, and more appropriately recycle what we cannot use.

 

Old May announcements

7.    NRVMGA Spring Plant Sale – May 7 – Montgomery County Government Center – Come on out to join us at our NRVMGA Spring Plant Sale, Saturday, May 7 on the front lawn of the Montgomery County Government Center in Christiansburg. We will have plants grown by our own Master Gardeners. A plant for every place and everyone! We will have perennials, annual, vegetables, trees, shrubs and even a yard sale for your gardening needs.

8.    Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale – May 7- Albemarle Square Shopping Center, U.S. 29 North at Rio Road, Charlottesville – On hold for the past two years, the Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale has returned and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Albemarle Square Shopping Center in Charlottesville. The sale will offer thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and houseplants, including a large assortment of native plants. In addition, shoppers can purchase new and used garden implements, yard ornaments and other “Green Elephants”; have their tools sharpened by an expert; and drop off their surplus plastic nursery pots for recycling. The sale will also feature a Help Desk for answering gardening questions and information tables on locally native plants, soil and composting, invasive plants, conservation landscaping and much more. All proceeds support the many free and low-cost programs the Piedmont Master Gardeners offer to the community. Credit cards, checks and cash will all be accepted. Learn more on the Piedmont EMG website

9.    Master Gardeners of Prince William Spring Plant Sale – Saturday May 14 9am-Noon – Teaching Garden at St Benedict Monastery 9535 Linton Hall Rd Bristow VA – Join the Prince William Master Gardeners for their annual Spring Plant Sale on May 14, 2022. It is held at the St Benedict Monastery Grounds at 9535 Linton Hall Rd, the home of our Teaching Garden. We are featuring many native plants that are from our Teaching Garden and our Master Gardeners gardens as well. The hours are 9 am – Noon. You may pay with cash or checks. We will be happy to answer any questions and the sale of plants will continue on each Saturday in the Garden program once a month. If you have more questions, contact our Helpdesk at mastergardener@pwc.org Also, check this page for our Saturday in the Garden programs: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/virginia-cooperative-extension/horticulture-classes Please follow signs for parking. Thank you!

Old June announcement

10. Garden Fest and EMG Plant Sale – June 4 – Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA –  The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners will hold their annual GardenFest and EMG Plant Sale on Saturday, June 4th at Belle Grove Historic Plantation just south of Middletown, VA. Reasonably priced plants or all kinds raised by the Master Gardeners will be available. Parking is free and there is no admission charge. There will be plant related vendors, tool sharpening services, children’s activities and more.

 

Old Announcements

11. If you would like an infographic showing your local unit’s 2021 statistics, please email Devon dvj@vt.edu Infographic template available here. Note: We have not pre-made infographics for each unit this year and will instead be working with you to develop them on request.

12. Updated indicia statement:

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

 

As always, remember to use the indicia statement on all material you distribute to the public. For promotional material for events, you also need the ADA statement, available here.

 

Other Announcements:

1.    Send us your announcements! Have you converted educational programs to an online format? You can still submit those announcements for the biweekly email! Submit an item for the biweekly update here.

2.    Follow the State Office on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Biweekly Update – April 14, 2022

New Announcements:

1.    Join us for Extension Master Gardener College, June 22-26 in Blacksburg. Full program available now! Registration opens April 21, 2022 Lean more

2.    Extension Master Gardener College Scholarship – Nomination Period is Open! – The Virginia Master Gardener Association is accepting nominations for the 2022 Diane Relf EMGC Scholarship. The merit-based Scholarship is intended to cover the majority of the costs to attend EMGC this year. (Volunteers will receive more information about the conference from the State Office in April, and registration will open in May.) All active EMGs attending are eligible for nomination if they are not a prior recipient of the Scholarship. See https://vmga.net/wordpress/vmga-diane-relf-scholarship-guidelines/ for details and how VCE Agents or Coordinators can nominate up to two volunteers from their units by 4/30/22. If you have any questions or would like more information and application emailed to you, please contact Scholarship Committee Chair Stacey Morgan Smith at VMGAScholarship@gmail.com

3.    Spring Garden Festival – April 30th, 2022 – Reynolds Community College, Goochland Spring Garden Fest The Goochland – Powhatan Master Gardeners Association will hold its 16th annual Spring Garden Festival on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Reynolds Community College, 1851 Dickinson Road, Goochland. This annual event of the Goochland-Powhatan Master Gardener Association (GPMGA) 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 2022 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. Online registration for these educational opportunities is available at http://www.gpmga.org or contact the Goochland Cooperative Extension office at 804-556-5841.

4.    GardenFest and EMG Plant Sale – 6/4/2022 – Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA –  The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners will hold their annual GardenFest and EMG Plant Sale on Saturday, June 4th at Belle Grove Historic Plantation just south of Middletown, VA. Reasonably priced plants or all kinds raised by the Master Gardeners will be available. Parking is free and there is no admission charge. There will be plant related vendors, tool sharpening services, children's activities and more.

5.    PCMG Spring Plant Sale – 4/30/2022 – Rotary Building, Stuart VA –  Doors open at 8 a.m. at the Rotary Building in Stuart, VA, for the Patrick County Master Gardeners' annual spring plant sale. Members have been fielding requests over their Facebook page for the past several weeks. In response, they've assembled an extensive inventory of native wildflowers and pollinator favorites; herbs; modern and heritage vegetables from arugala and bok choy to all manner of tomatoes; berries — straw-, rasp- and elder-; and cottage garden favorites. There is no admission fee; parking is free. Doors will close promptly at noon; any plants left over at that time will be available at the Stuart Farmers Market on May 6. Proceeds from the plant sale will benefit Master Gardener programming, scholarships and The Patrick County Developmental Center.

6.    Master Gardeners of Prince William Spring Plant Sale – Saturday May 14 9am-Noon – Teaching Garden at St Benedict Monastery 9535 Linton Hall Rd Bristow VA – Join the Prince William Master Gardeners for their annual Spring Plant Sale on May 14, 2022. It is held at the St Benedict Monastery Grounds at 9535 Linton Hall Rd, the home of our Teaching Garden. We are featuring many native plants that are from our Teaching Garden and our Master Gardeners gardens as well. The hours are 9 am – Noon. You may pay with cash or checks. We will be happy to answer any questions and the sale of plants will continue on each Saturday in the Garden program once a month. If you have more questions, contact our Helpdesk at mastergardener@pwc.org Also, check this page for our Saturday in the Garden programs: https://www.pwcva.gov/department/virginia-cooperative-extension/horticulture-classes Please follow signs for parking. Thank you!

7.    NRVMGA Spring Plant Sale – 5/7/2022 – Montgomery County Government Center – Come on out to join us at our NRVMGA Spring Plant Sale, Saturday, May 7 on the front lawn of the Montgomery County Government Center in Christiansburg. We will have plants grown by our own Master Gardeners. A plant for every place and everyone! We will have perennials, annual, vegetables, trees, shrubs and even a yard sale for your gardening needs.

8.    Piedmont Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale – 5/7/2022 – Albemarle Square Shopping Center, U.S. 29 North at Rio Road, Charlottesville – On hold for the past two years, the Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale has returned and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Albemarle Square Shopping Center in Charlottesville. The sale will offer thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and houseplants, including a large assortment of native plants. In addition, shoppers can purchase new and used garden implements, yard ornaments and other “Green Elephants”; have their tools sharpened by an expert; and drop off their surplus plastic nursery pots for recycling. The sale will also feature a Help Desk for answering gardening questions and information tables on locally native plants, soil and composting, invasive plants, conservation landscaping and much more. All proceeds support the many free and low-cost programs the Piedmont Master Gardeners offer to the community. Credit cards, checks and cash will all be accepted. Learn more at http://piedmontmastergardeners.org/events/.

Old April Announcements

9.    Abingdon Garden Faire Returns – 4/16/2022 – Abingdon Garden Faire returns with a one-day outdoor show, Saturday April 16, 2022 from 9:30 to 5:00 on the front lawn of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. There will be a host of garden related vendors, food trucks, tool sharpening service and gardening information available. No admission charge. Presented by Washington County Master Gardeners. Like us on Facebook or go to www.gardenfaire.net for more information.

10. Bees: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – 4/18/2022 – Zoom program – VIRGINIA BEACH MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT GARDENING TALKS: Join us on Monday, April 18, 2022, at 7 pm via ZOOM for a Gardening Talks presentation on: Bees: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The presenter is Frank Walker, President of the Norfolk Beekeepers. Mr. Walker will discuss the latest research on bees and how we can support them. He will discuss why it is necessary to grow native plants and what plants we should grow to help the bees survive and thrive. Beekeepers are savvy but they cannot do it alone. They need the community to support their efforts in creating a bee friendly pollinator world. Find out what you can do to make this happen. 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 2022 as you explore our website!

11. Popular Plant Sale Returns on April 30th – 4/30/2022 – Williamsburg Botanical Garden – James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Association (JCCWMGA) is hosting a plant sale on Saturday, April 30 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden (WBG) located within Freedom Park at 5537 Centerville Road. This long-awaited sale runs only on Saturday, April 30, rain or shine. Admission to the WBG and parking 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 Elephant sale for gently used garden tools, books, equipment, and specialty items to perk up their garden decor. Shoppers will enjoy connecting with fellow gardening enthusiasts and getting expert advice from the JCCW Master Gardeners Help Desk team who will be on-site during the sale to answer questions. Learn more here.

12. VBMG Spring Plant Sale – April 30 & May 1, 2022, – HR AREC, 1444 Diamond Springs Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23455  – The Spring Plant Sale traditionally held at Virginia Beach Farmer’s Market each spring will be held at HRAREC, 1444 Diamond Springs Rd. The sale offers thousands of plants grown by Virginia Beach Master Gardeners in their own gardens or from seeds or cuttings. Featuring a wide selection of plants, the sale has something for all gardens – plants for sun, shade, or something in between – annuals, perennials, native and pollinator plants, vegetables, herbs, tropicals and houseplants, trees, and shrubs. More information at https://www.vbmg.org/spring-plant-sale.html

 

Old Announcements

13. If you would like an infographic showing your local unit’s 2021 statistics, please email Devon dvj@vt.edu Infographic template available here. Note: We have not pre-made infographics for each unit this year and will instead be working with you to develop them on request.

14. Updated indicia statement:

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

 

As always, remember to use the indicia statement on all material you distribute to the public. For promotional material for events, you also need the ADA statement, available here.

 

Other Announcements:

1.    Send us your announcements! Have you converted educational programs to an online format? You can still submit those announcements for the biweekly email! Submit an item for the biweekly update here.

2.    Follow the State Office on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube