Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
Unique, colorful, and often very easy to care for, succulents and cacti can be incredibly rewarding plants to grow both indoors and outdoors in our region. Yet many experienced gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts have never tried to grow them!
Meet and talk with Extension Master Gardeners in the Simpson Demonstration Gardens to learn the best uses for fallen leaves and other organic garden waste.
What’s in a name? Join Extension Master Gardeners Rebecca Secula and Evin Morrison as they discuss just that. A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but knowing and understanding the scientific nomenclature of your favorite plants is not only interesting, but a necessary tool in your garden toolkit. Follow along as they discuss the difference between common and scientific names, where plant names come from, and just how much you can glean from the name of a plant alone.
Meet and talk with Extension Master Gardeners in the Simpson Demonstration Gardens to learn the best uses for fallen leaves and other organic garden waste.
Tired of parts of your yard flooding when it rains? Have you ever wondered what you can do to control stormwater on your property? Maybe you experience property damage from excessive water runoff, live in a community that floods frequently, or care about the health of local streams. Join Extension Master Gardeners Cindy Robertson, Bev Johnston, and Kathryn Kellam, who share helpful advice and lessons learned in managing and capturing stormwater in their Northern Virginia yards.
In this introductory overview of native plants, Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills introduces species for the Mid-Atlantic region (from trees to ground covers) that attract and support our local pollinators, butterflies, moths, and birds.
Ever wonder what Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) know that you don’t? In this talk, you’ll learn some of what EMGs have learned either through training or hard experience. EMG Alyssa Ford Morel has gathered helpful tidbits from her colleagues with the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia and compiled them in this presentation.
Join Mary Jennings, professional artist, instructor, and, certified Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist, to learn about the value behind creating a Garden Journal filled with citizen science, data, field notes and yes, notable artwork created with your own unique mark making skills. In this presentation, you will understand the basics of color theory and how to compose your journal to serve you best. Your work might even result in the right plant in the right place!
This two-part class is designed to introduce you to the design processes used by professionals to give your garden more curb appeal, better functionality, lower maintenance, and a more cohesive look.
Part 2 of Landscape Design includes advice on local home landscape design issues and will engage the participants in the process of design decision making.
Winter is an excellent time to prune many trees and shrubs. Extension Master Gardeners Molly Newling and Angela McNamara will explain why and how to prune to remove crossing and rubbing branches, suckers, water sprouts, and damaged wood - and more!
Join Extension Master Gardener Joyce Hylton as she discusses some of the most common weeds in our area that flourish year-round. While a weed may be just a wildflower in the wrong place, learn why they may like your lawn and garden and how you can safely and effectively control them.