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
Once again, the Piedmont Master Gardeners’ Spring Plant Sale will offer thousands of annuals, perennials, vegetables, fruit-bearing plants, trees, shrubs, herbs and houseplants. For a preview, take a look at this sampling of what you will find at Albemarle Square, including a large assortment of native plants. In addition, shoppers can purchase gently used garden implements,… Read More »Spring Plant Sale
Join other gardeners and plant enthusiasts for the Piedmont Master Gardeners' Plant Swap. Whether you are a seasoned horticulturist or just starting your plant journey, our Plant Swap will give you the opportunity to expand and share your collection, meet other plant lovers, and learn new tips for successful growing. Register below to reserve your… Read More »Plant Swap at James Monroe’s Highland
Using native plants, turn your yard into a songbird paradise. Planting a mixture of trees, shrubs and perennials can provide birds with year-round food, winter shelter and nesting areas. Water features, especially moving water, act as magnets for birds. Learn how a few simple tips, like saving leaves, can make your yard a healthier environment… Read More »Garden Basics: Attracting Birds to Your Garden
No-till gardening (also known as no-dig gardening) is built on four key principles: soil armor (keeping soil covered), minimizing disturbance, plant diversity, and maintaining living roots. By prioritizing soil biology over mechanical turning, this efficient approach reduces labor, decreases the need for weeding and watering, builds long-term fertility, and creates a more resilient garden ecosystem,… Read More »No-Till Gardening: An Easier Way to Grow
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,’ an Outdoor Workshop on Composting
Growing an herb garden provides easy access to herbs that can be eaten fresh or stored for later use. We will explore the current culinary use of herbs, as well as their historic use in medicine and cooking in Virginia. Participants will gain skills for planning and planting an herb garden in ground or in… Read More »Garden Basics: Herb Gardening—Discover the History and Magic of Culinary and Medicinal Herbs
This session will look at suitable trees for home landscapes, emphasizing native species of trees and their appropriate placement. We will also promote a greater understanding of the nature of trees and highlight their benefits. Space is limited. Please register below to reserve a place in the class. Registration closes at 5 p.m. July 17… Read More »Garden Basics: More Trees, PLEASE!
Cool weather crops are essential for gardeners aiming to extend their growing season and make the most of early spring and fall. We will delve into the specifics of selecting the right crops, preparing the garden bed, and managing the unique challenges that come with cool weather gardening. We’ll cover key techniques and timing for… Read More »Garden Basics: Planting Out Cool Weather Crops—Extending Your Garden Harvest