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

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

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

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 30^th – 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

New Announcements:

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

2.    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

3.    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.

4.    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

5.    Popular Plant Sale Returns on April 30^th – 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.

6.    Virginia Master Gardener Association Membership Drive – 4/9/2022 – 670 River Ridge Road Dillwyn, Virginia 23936 – We welcome your participation in the VMGA 2022 Membership Drive. Current Students, Interns and Master Gardeners are invited to join us at the Board of Directors Meeting. Purchase a $12.00 VMGA membership gift certificate for a new Virginia Master Gardener. Learn more here.

7.    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!

8.    Learn to Identify and Help Control the Spotted Lanternfly – 4/12/2022 – The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901 – Learn to Identify and Help Control the Spotted Lanternfly At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, The Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville and the Piedmont Master Gardeners will host a free presentation by Carrie Swanson, the local Virginia Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources, on how to identify and help control the Spotted Lanternfly. Detected in Albemarle County last year, this invasive insect poses a significant threat to area vineyards, orchards and hops yards. In addition, masses of these insects can cause significant damage to homeowners’ landscape trees and gardens. The Center at Belvedere is at 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901. To RSVP for this in-person event, visit https://thecentercville.org/calendar/event/44890

9.    Norfolk Plant Sale – March 31 and April 1 Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk – Featuring houseplants, native garden plants and vegetable seedlings. New this year is a garden book sale, cut flower sale, and the Green Elephant Shop with gently used tools and other garden goodies. More info here.

Old April Announcements

10. 10th Annual Spring Symposium – Made for the Shade – 4/2/2022 Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Fredericksburg, VA If you have problems landscaping in the shade, including lawns, this is the one day symposium for you. Come hear Bryce Lane, Jenny Rose Carey, and Geoff Rinehart talk about being successful gardeners in the shade. The fee for this all day symposium covers four presentations, free parking, light breakfast, and buffet lunch. For more information visit www.mgacra.org/2022-symposium

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

New Announcements:

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

2.    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

3.    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.

4.    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

5.    Popular Plant Sale Returns on April 30^th – 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.

6.    Virginia Master Gardener Association Membership Drive – 4/9/2022 – 670 River Ridge Road Dillwyn, Virginia 23936 – We welcome your participation in the VMGA 2022 Membership Drive. Current Students, Interns and Master Gardeners are invited to join us at the Board or Directors Meeting. Purchase a $12.00 VMGA membership gift certificate for a new Virginia Master Gardener. Learn more here.

7.    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!

8.    Learn to Identify and Help Control the Spotted Lanternfly – 4/12/2022 – The Center at Belvedere, 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901 – Learn to Identify and Help Control the Spotted Lanternfly At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, The Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville and the Piedmont Master Gardeners will host a free presentation by Carrie Swanson, the local Virginia Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources, on how to identify and help control the Spotted Lanternfly. Detected in Albemarle County last year, this invasive insect poses a significant threat to area vineyards, orchards and hops yards. In addition, masses of these insects can cause significant damage to homeowners’ landscape trees and gardens. The Center at Belvedere is at 540 Belvedere Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901. To RSVP for this in-person event, visit https://thecentercville.org/calendar/event/44890

Old April Announcements

9.    10th Annual Spring Symposium – Made for the Shade – 4/2/2022 Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Fredericksburg, VA If you have problems landscaping in the shade, including lawns, this is the one day symposium for you. Come hear Bryce Lane, Jenny Rose Carey, and Geoff Rinehart talk about being successful gardeners in the shade. The fee for this all day symposium covers four presentations, free parking, light breakfast, and buffet lunch. For more information visit www.mgacra.org/2022-symposium

Old Announcements

10. 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.

11. 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

New Announcements:

1.    Applications for the new EMG State Office micro-grant program are OPEN! The spring 2022 round of grants will support community, school, or after school gardens. EMG units can request up to $1,000 to support a project. For more info and to access the application form, visit the website here. Applications are due midnight on Sunday March 27.

2.    Gardening in the Northern Neck: Landscape, Viewscape, Escape! – Saturday, March 26, 2022 – White Stone, VA:  The Northern Neck Master Gardeners present Gardening in the Northern Neck. This year’s theme is “Landscape, Viewscape, Escape!” Featured speakers: Colston Burrell, Bryce Lane, and Joseph Tychonievich. Saturday, March 26, 2022. White Stone Church of the Nazarene 57 Whisk Drive White Stone, VA 22578 Cost $50. Register is required. Information and registration forms are available at www.nnmg.org/gnn

3.    Loudoun County Master Gardener Virtual Symposium: Gardening in Rhythm with Nature – March 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Recording available for registrants: Featured speakers: Marianne Willburn: Keep Calm and Garden On: Gardening in the Midst of Climate Change Ian Caton: Super Tough Wildflowers Elyse Jurgen: Green Mulch: Using Native Plants as Groundcovers Chris Riley: Things Your Trees Wish You Knew For more information, fees and registration see https://loudouncountymastergardeners.org/events/annual-symposium/

4.    Prince George Master Gardener Association “The Shrub Layer” with Peggy Singlemann – Thursday, March 10,2022 6PM-730PM 6:00PM-7:30PM Registration is free. More info here

5.    National Invasive Species Awareness Week events in Richmond area: For more info, see the flyer here or go to: https://jamesriverpark.org/invasives/

a.    Sunday, February 27: NISAW Kickoff Event at Pony Pasture 1:00-4:00 pm.

b.    Tuesday, March 1: Zoom program “A Growing Problem: The Hidden Threat of Invasive Plants in Our Gardens and What We Can Do about It” hosted by Richmond Public Library (https://rvalibrary.org/events/ ) 7 – 8 pm

c.     Friday, March 4: Boogie for the Biosphere – Learn about Invasive Plants; celebrate invasive removal volunteers; meet Baby Goats; and listen to great Blues music at Legend Brewing Company, 5 pm Inavasive plant removal days in James River Park More info here.

d.    Volunteers may sign up for one of 8 James River Park Invasive Removal Events– Monday, February 28–Saturday, March 5th at https://www.handsonrva.org/ Event Details are HERE and attached.

6.    Chesapeake Master Gardener Plant Sale 8-6pm on Friday, April 29th and 8am to Noon on Saturday, April 30th at Battlefield South Park- new location 120 Reservation Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322. More info here. Plant sale list here.

7.    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.

Old March Announcements:

8.    Piedmont Master Gardeners Announce Spring Lecture Series – March 3, 10, 24 and 31, Zoom – The Piedmont Master Gardeners have lined up a slate of leading experts on sustainable landscaping, indigenous gardening wisdom, and small fruit production for their 2022 Spring Lecture Series, to be presented online from 7 to 8:15 p.m. on four Thursdays in March. Admission for each lecture is $10. To register and get Zoom link visit https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/events/ The schedule includes:

a.    March 3 – C. Colston Burrell, “Beauty, Integrity and Resilience: Can A Garden Have Everything?”

b.    March 10 – Renée Gokey and Christine Price-Abelow, “The Three Sisters: Indigenous Origins and Best Growing Practices.”

c.     March 24 – Jayesh Samtani, “Home Garden Berries: Selection, Cultivation and Growing Alongside Ornamental Plants.”

d.    March 31 – Barbara Ryan  “Designing with Native Plants”

9.    Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program – Every Saturday, March 5 – May 21, 9AM – 3PM – In-Person Program, Randolph Farm

e.    To help meet the growing demand for academically trained urban agriculture professionals, Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture is offering its fourth Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program this spring. Designed for anyone charged with starting or managing an urban farm or who wants to increase their marketability to do so, the course provides a curriculum rich in the science-based knowledge needed to successfully and safely grow produce in an urban environment. Courses include: sustainable soil management, plant propagation and nursery management, permaculture, plant disease and pest management, greenhouse production (hydroponics and aquaponics), animal husbandry (backyard chickens and rabbits), urban farming business planning and management, and many more. Learn more and register now

10. Wildlife Corridors: How Native Trees and Plants can Restore Biodiversity– March 7, 2022, Zoom / Join the talk at vbmg.org

f.      On March 7th, the Virginia Beach Master Gardeners are offering a one-hour presentation on Wildlife Corridors: How Native Trees and Plants Can Restore Hampton Roads Biodiversity.  This presentation is free and open to the public. This presentation discusses the growing biodiversity loss due to development, parcel fragmentation, and invasive species. A viable solution is to introduce habitat to developed areas and private lands. This talk will demonstrate different ways to accomplish this goal. Our presenter is Kendall Topping, Community Forestry Specialist at the Virginia Department of Forestry This Gardening Talk will be provided via Zoom beginning at 7PM. All the Gardening Talks are free and open to the public. No registration is required. Go to VBMG.org and click on the Zoom link!  Check out the additional upcoming Garden Talks for 2022!

11. Gardening in the Valley Symposium – March 12, 2022, Shenandoah University, Winchester The NSVMGA will hold it's Gardening in the Valley Symposium on March 12th at Shenandoah University. This event is approved for 8 hours of education hours for Master Gardeners. Please review the flyer for more information.

12. Patrick County EMGs Master Your Garden symposium, March 12, 2022, at the Patrick & Henry Community College in Stuart, Virginia, 212 Wood Brothers Drive. Inquiries may be sent to anissa.smrtnis1@gmail.com

13. Grow the Good Life (Zoom) March 5 and March 12 – Bedford Master Gardeners explore gardening over two weekends: March 5 “The impact of climate change on our environment has been a topic of much interest globally but what effect does it have locally?” and March 12 “How you can have a beautiful garden even when you no longer have the energy or time to invest & the usefulness of weeds” Click here for the flyer

14. Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium, March 18. 2022, Best Western Inn & Conference Center Waynesboro Virginia: Waynesboro Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the return of the Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium. This in-person only event will take place on Friday, March 18, 2022 at the Best Western Inn & Conference Center. Special COVID considerations have been made to ensure the health and well-being of participants. Complete details can be found on the Parks and Recreation website www.playwaynesboro.com

Old April Announcements

15. 10th Annual Spring Symposium – Made for the Shade – 4/2/2022 Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Fredericksburg, VA If you have problems landscaping in the shade, including lawns, this is the one day symposium for you. Come hear Bryce Lane, Jenny Rose Carey, and Geoff Rinehart talk about being successful gardeners in the shade. The fee for this all day symposium covers four presentations, free parking, light breakfast, and buffet lunch. For more information visit www.mgacra.org/2022-symposium

16. VMGA Membership Drive Current Students, Interns and Master Gardeners – April 9 2022 – Gathering in Central Virginia: 670 River Ridge Road  Dillwyn, Virginia 23936

a.    You are invited to gather with the Virginia Master Gardener Association Board of Directors and Members in Central Virginia.  We welcome you to be a part of our 2022 Membership Drive.  Thank you in advance for the gift of your time. Learn more here

Old Announcements

17. Call for proposals IMGC 2021 – Overland Park, Kansas June 18-22, 2023 – Overland Park, Kansas June 18-22, 2023 From the conference organizers: “We are excited to open the call for proposals for breakout session and workshop speakers. Breakout or concurrent sessions are 60 minutes in length. Workshop sessions can be 90 minutes to 2 hours in length and should be more interactive with participants. We are looking for a diverse lineup of topics and speakers. Please consider presenting at the conference and sharing this link with your colleagues. Proposals will be accepted through February 25, 2022. We are using Qualtrics for the submissions.” https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3UT5316TivCYq4m

18. 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.

19. Extension Resources website down until further notice: The new publication website https://resources.ext.vt.edu/ is being permanently retired and a transition to the old system is underway. To find publications in the meantime, search https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/ or https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/

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