Do you need a speaker for your club or organization?
Do you have a topic about which you and your group would like to learn more? If so, Arlington/Alexandria VCE Master Gardeners are available to speak to garden clubs, businesses, libraries, civic groups, and other community organizations on a wide range of home-gardening topics..
To request an Extension Master Gardener to speak directly to your group, please review the following requirements and then complete the speaker request form below.
After you have submitted a program request, our coordinator will give you a call to discuss your interests. With enough lead time we can create a talk tailored for your organization.
Popular Presentations Include:
Growing Vegetables, Herbs, and More
- Edible Landscaping (Zoom or in person)
The art of edible landscaping combines ornamentals, herbs, greens, and vegetables to create a beautiful and delicious oasis in your yard! - Grow Your Own Herbal Teas (Outdoor venues preferred)
Learn to grow herbs that thrive in Northern Virginia — in a garden or in containers — for flavorful teas right at your fingertips. - Grow Your Own Microgreens (In person or outdoor venues)
Learn the many benefits and some simple methods to grow these delicious, nutritious, and inexpensive baby plants in your own home.
Foraging
- Foraging for Wild Edibles (Outdoor venues)
Many safe, edible plants grow all around us that we don’t recognize as food. Learn the rules of foraging and what plants may be harvested in the current season. - Foraging in Your Own Yard (Outdoor venues)
Tasty, nutritious plants may be right outside your door. Learn about foraging for safe, edible plants that may be growing in your yard or neighborhood.
Gardening Techniques
- Seeds: Selecting and Starting (Zoom or in person)
Get the scoop on selecting and starting seeds indoors, DIY starter pots, simple lighting systems, and even winter sowing outdoors. - Outdoor Container Gardening (Outdoor venues preferred)
Explore the basics of successful container gardening, including soil, containers, maintenance, and selection of suitable plants. - Vegetable Garden Design (Zoom or in person with PowerPoint)
What’s the best location? How do you lay it out? Plan your garden to grow the best vegetables and use flowers to attract pollinators.
Native Plants and Supporting Wildlife
- Selecting Native Plants for Your Home Garden (Zoom)
Discover the importance of native plants for supporting local wildlife and how to choose attractive species appropriate for a variety of garden conditions and settings. - Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives (Zoom)
Learn how to rid your yard of common invasive plants, such as English ivy, bamboo, and liriope, and substitute alternative native species with similar ornamental qualities. - Partnering with Pollinators (Zoom)
Meet the pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and discover native plants that will attract them and fill their needs, whether your garden is large or small. - Welcoming Birds to Your Garden (Zoom or in person)
Are you interested in being a better host to birds? Learn practical cultural tips and plant suggestions to invite your feathered friends in and help them feel at home. - Welcoming Butterflies to Your Garden (Zoom or in person)
Are you interested in inviting butterflies to your garden? Learn how to be a good host to Lepidoptera, with cultural tips and plant suggestions to help these guests feel at home.
Most presentations currently are conducted through Zoom or similar virtual meeting platform, although some on-site indoor or outdoor presentations may be available.
The host organization is responsible for providing the meeting facility and video access (when needed) and equipment. Outdoor programs such as garden walks and plant clinics may be options for on-site delivery.
This service is offered to Arlington and Alexandria organizations and residents only for a suggested minimum $50 donation. Donated funds will be used to support our conduct of public education and outreach programs to children and adults throughout the region.
- Checks should be made out to “Treasurer, Virginia Tech” with “Master Gardener Speaker” in the memo line. Checks must be mailed to: VCE Office, 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington VA 22206.
- The donation, and any additional expenses for program materials and supplies, are the responsibility of the host organization.
- Please allow at least 3 months’ advance notice, particularly if a specialized presentation will need to be prepared. We will make our best effort to find a speaker for your request but cannot guarantee that one of our volunteers will be available.