in Frederick County

Many of our activities have been curtailed, temporarily suspended, or canceled during the pandemic. If you have questions about our programs, please email us at NSVMGA.info@gmail.com.

NSVMGA sponsors a variety of programs in Frederick County, Virginia, including…

Belle Grove Plantation Teaching Garden – Extension Master Gardeners work with the public and Belle Grove volunteers while planning, planting, and improving the historic garden behind the house. Volunteers meet once a week during the growing season.

FFA High School Student Outreach 

Fremont Street Nursery Gardening After School  – Classes are offered for Fremont Street Nursery elementary children, aged 5-12, from 3-4 pm each Wednesday from March through May and mid-September through October. Gardening facilities include a 22-bed enclosed raised-bed garden and the school greenhouse. Extension Master Gardeners also teach a ten-week Summer Garden Project at Fremont on Tuesdays during June, July, and August for ages 4-12. Classes currently are suspended due to COVID-19.

Gardening for Adults at Northern Regional Adult Detention Center – Extension Master Gardeners advise, teach, and supervise gardening projects with adults at the center. 

Junior Master Gardener Home School Program – Extension Master Gardeners teach children the basics of gardening as well as the value of giving back to the community. Children are enrolled with the 4-H program and work with the Frederick County Extension Office. Classroom portion lasts from March through June.

Nature Surprises for Kids – Extension Master Gardeners teach a monthly class and hands-on activity to children to help them connect with nature. Normally held the second Wednesday of each month from 6 – 7 pm at Bowman Library, the classes currently are suspended due to COVID-19. 

Old Town Farmers and Makers Market – The Extension Master Gardener information booth is set up along the Winchester walking mall at the Farmers and Makers Market during the growing season. Brochures and information sheets are available to the public, and volunteers answer homeowner gardening questions.

San Damiano Spiritual Life Center Courtyard – The San Damiano Spiritual Life Center is a secluded place of peace and meditation in a bucolic setting in Frederick County. The retreat property is filled with garden settings throughout the campus. In 2020, the Center reached out to the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners to help redesign and plan maintenance for the inner courtyard area. The goal is to create a meditative and therapeutically healing environment for everyone who comes to the Center. The three-phase plan began with classes on sensory and therapeutic garden design and basic garden design for volunteers and staff members who are working on the project. The first work session was held in September 2020 and the second will be held in Spring 2021 after redesign plans are approved. 

Timbrook Community Garden – Extension Master Gardeners grow a three-season vegetable garden along with a pollinator-plant garden in the community garden area of Timbrook Park. All produce is donated to Highland Food Pantry. Seeds and seedlings from perennial plants are donated for the Seed Exchange and GardenFest. The gardens are summer field trip experiences for the children of Fremont Street Nursery.

Indoor Plant Clinic – Extension Master Gardeners sponsor a workshop, diagnostic clinic, and informational talks on indoor plants at the Bowman Library in Stephens City in February. Workshops for children and adults are free, and attendees can go home with free plants and cuttings.

Gardening in the Valley Symposium – NSVMGA sponsors this educational event focused on gardening topics of interest to both Extension Master Gardeners and homeowners in the Valley. The speakers are chosen from the horticultural industry, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and professional speakers on numerous topics.  The event will be held virtually in 2021. 

GardenFest – Extension Master Gardeners sponsor a day of education, gardening fun, and plants every year on the first Saturday in June at Belle Grove Plantation. Highlights include gardening vendors, animals, children’s events, and the Master Gardener Plant Sale.

FallFest – Get ready for winter and get a head start on your spring garden with a variety of educational talks. Plus demos, crafts, and giveaways!

To learn more about the projects that take place in Frederick County or to get help with your home gardening questions, contact us at: