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 on Tuesday mornings during the growing season.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 classes to children at Bowman Library in Stephens City. The classes include hands-on activities to help kids connect with nature. Register on the Bowman Library website for classes at least 10 days before the classes are scheduled.
Seed Lending Libraries – Extension Master Gardeners offer free seeds at Bowman Library in Stephens City and Handley Library in Winchester. Learn the satisfaction and benefits of gardening then harvest and return a portion of the seeds to the library to share with others.
Winchester Farmers Market – The Extension Master Gardener information booth is set up at the Farmers Market on the 3rd Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. from April through October. Brochures and information sheets are available to the public, and volunteers answer homeowner gardening questions.
To learn more about the projects that take place in Frederick County or to get help with your home gardening questions, contact us at:
- Phone: 540-665-5699
- Email: GreenHelpLine.FrederickCo@gmail.com
- Help Desk Hours: Every Wednesday, 10 a.m.–Noon
- Location: VCE Office, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA 22601
If you have questions about our programs, please email us at NSVMGAnews@gmail.com.
