At the compost demonstration site in the Bread & Roses Gardens at Trinity Episcopal Church, Piedmont Master Gardeners and members of the Bread & Roses Gardens team will present "Turn Your Garbage to Gold," a free outdoor composting workshop. According to EPA, in a year the U.S. sends more than 292 million tons of solid… Read More »Turn Your Garbage to Gold: Outdoor Composting Workshop
Proper pruning can improve the health and structure of trees and shrubs. In this session, we will focus on: • the basics of structural pruning, • when to prune various species, • where and how to make proper cuts, • the right tools and how to use them, and • how to prune safely. Arrive… Read More »Garden Basics: When, Where and How to Prune—plus a tool checkup
Unpredictable temperatures, new pests, flooding and drought, windy and stormy weather—how is the gardener to cope? By adopting sustainable practices, opting for wise plant choices and landscaping strategies, and continuing to stay on top of the latest research, gardeners can prepare themselves to confront unpredictable changes in climate. Join Master Gardeners Fern Campbell and Christine… Read More »PMG Speakers Bureau: Adapting Your Garden to a Changing Climate
Join this hands-on class to learn food preservation skills from Virginia Cooperative Extension. The class will provide step-by-step instructions for safe and successful boiling water-bath canning. You will also learn what equipment you will need and where to find additional resources. Plus, you will take home some recipes. For more information, contact Courtney Russ, FCS… Read More »Food Preservation Class
The Piedmont Master Gardeners and the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards will jointly offer a free, online presentation by Claire Denton-Spalding on the history of hedgerows and their benefits for native plants and animals. Denton-Spalding, who is both an Extension Master Gardener and a Tree Steward, will also share best practices for planting a hedgerow in… Read More »Tree Basics—Hedgerows: History, Benefits & How to Plant Them
The plants we DO NOT want are among a gardener's biggest challenges. Piedmont Master Gardeners will help you win the “weed war” with advice and help on the following topics: • Understanding weed biology and life cycle • Identifying your weeds • Practices and strategies for weed management • Choosing tools to get the job… Read More »Weeds in the Garden: PMG Speakers Bureau at The Center at Belvedere
Due to icy conditions, this Garden Basics program has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 7. In this session, you will learn basic seed-starting techniques and the special needs of some seeds. Bring seeds (packaged and labeled with species info) for our Seed Swap. You will have the opportunity to share seeds with others, and you… Read More »RESCHEDULED FOR FEB. 7: Garden Basics on Starting Plants from Seeds, Plus a Seed Swap
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, understanding the art and science of soil preparation is essential for yielding vibrant, productive crops. In this Garden Basics session, we will guide participants through the process of preparing the soil for growing vegetables. By focusing on both foundational practices and advanced strategies,… Read More »Garden Basics: Garden Soil Preparation—Laying the Foundation for Success
The next in our series of free outdoor workshops on composting will be held at the compost demonstration site in the Bread & Roses Gardens at Trinity Episcopal Church. We will showcase a range of techniques for turning household waste such as food scraps, yard trimmings, uncoated paper, cardboard, and sawdust into the ideal soil… Read More »Turn Your Garbage to Gold: Our Next Outdoor Workshop on Composting
Growing flowers for cutting can bring beauty into your garden and into your home. In this Garden Basics class, learn how to get started, whether you want to create a dedicated cutting garden or just add plants to your existing landscape. We will offer suggestions for plant varieties and show how to grow vase-worthy blooms… Read More »Garden Basics: Be Your Own Florist—Get Started Growing Cut Flowers
On April 7 at The Center at Belvedere, gardening educator Shannon Currey will share her knowledge and expertise about the importance of native plants in creating ecologically sound landscapes. Join us at 4:30 p.m. for an open house in The Center’s Rose and Pollinator Demonstration Gardens followed by her presentation at 5:30 p.m. You will… Read More »2026 Spring Lecture — Shannon Currey on “Soft Landings: Add Life Under Trees”
Flowering native plants add beauty to gardens and provide crucial support for bees and other pollinators facing decline due to habitat loss, pesticide overuse, and climate change. Learn about some tried-and-true flowering natives for your garden and the resources for finding and maintaining them. We’ll also touch on native plant garden design to optimize ecological… Read More »Garden Basics: Great Flowering Native Plants for Beauty and the Bees