Gardening is a beloved, rewarding pastime. Without plants, we cannot eat, drink or breathe. Tending the garden takes us outside, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. Growing plants brings a community together and contributes to environmental conservation. Those devoted to vegetable and ornamental gardening reap the rewards of self-sufficiency and delight in beauty. Forty-two million families grow food with a 63 percent increase in Millennial homes. As gardeners know, it is impossible to garden without learning something.
If you are a gardener of any ability, and are inspired to learn and share, the Northern Neck Master Gardeners (NNMG) invite you to join our merry band of volunteers. Under the auspices of the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the 2019 program runs January 15 through March 26. Participants will learn about eco-friendly landscape practices, vegetable and ornamental gardening, trees and shrubs, stormwater management, plant diseases and other topics. If you love gardening and life-long learning, want to be a volunteer educator and enjoy community service, this program is for you!
NNMGs are a diverse group passionate about protecting our Bay eco-system and sharing horticultural knowledge with the public. Our educational outreach includes children’s programs, horticultural therapy for seniors, demonstration gardens, living shorelines and researched advice for home gardeners. NNMG is also proud to present the Gardening in the Northern Neck Seminar and to participate in the Just Gardens tour.
The 2019 program includes visits to Belle Isle State Park to study native and invasive plants, an in-depth look at bulbs at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, pruning workshops, and a first-hand view of local farming at Keith Harris’ farm.
If you are new to the Northern Neck, enjoy the camaraderie of interesting people, and believe in the value of life-long learning and community service, please join us! We also have fun with social events, excursions, and special programs.
The course runs January 15 through March 26 and meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am to noon in Heathsville, Kilmarnock and Warsaw. Cost is $150 and two scholarships are available. Reserve your spot by contacting the Northumberland VCE office at 804-580-5694.