Roanoke Master Gardeners Association
Sharing knowledge. Empowering communities.
Serving the Roanoke Valley since 1987
Extension Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who work within their communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management, education, and training. As an educational outreach component of the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), the Roanoke Valley Chapter of Master Gardeners brings the resources of Virginia’s land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, to the Roanoke Valley, Botetourt County, and Craig County.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY UPDATED WEBSITE!
What's New!
We have updated our site to include quick links to educational information, Plus there are new pages to explore. Check out the new Learning tab. There are links to publications that address many issues and questions. A new Planting Chart for both spring and winter! Native plant information has been long in coming. With all the published information that is available, not much of it is centered on Southwest Virginia. As information is complied, it will be added to the Natives Project page. For now, you can view a list of native plants with images and links to read more in-depth about the plant. In addition, a two year survey has been completed of available places to buy native seeds and plants. Next, we are compiling information on what to plant instead of a non-native plant, tree, or bush.
Events and Activities
Always check out the Calendar page! These are a couple of events that are already scheduled. Our Speakers Bureau is already ramping up and will be planning many presentations for the weeks to come.
Buchanan Garden Festival
May 6, 2023 10:00am - 4:00pm
A little bit of something for everyone, Buchanan’s 2023 Garden Festival celebrates gardens, outdoor living and home improvements. Nestled along the bank of the James River, dozens of vendors will be set up as part of the Festival’s Show and Sale.
Festival in the Park
May 26-28, 2023 11:00am - Sunset at which time Concerts begin (Tickets required)
There are many shows and events directed towards families, and this year will be no difference. We will host two Car Shows on Franklin Road. Come out and enjoy the Valley’s Best and support these two great organizations. Stage performances created for children (of all ages) are presented in front of the Library on the Jefferson Street side of the park which is also where you will find the inflatables and the Petting Zoo. Come and enjoy!
In the Know...
Sometimes we get information that we just HAVE to share.
They are usually short bits but to the point and usable information.
We hope you enjoy these tidbits.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook Is Now Available for Download!
Ready to upgrade your gardening knowledge? The Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook is now available online! Read through 19 chapters of educational gardening content, from vegetable gardening and plant pathology to design, conservation, and wildlife habitats. If you like what you read and want to put theory into action, consider joining us as an Extension Master Gardener. The Join Us page of our website has more information about joining our organization.
Find the Handbook here: https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/112743
Our programs
4H & Youth Programs
Engaging with young people and fostering the next generation of gardeners.
Speakers Bureau
We provide our community with learning opportunities through our tailored programming. Complete a Program Reqest form or Contact us if you have questions.
Horticulture Therapy
Facilitating the opportunity for gardening as a means of physical, psychological and social well-being.
Community Gardens
Discover our demonstration garden beds at Mountain View Community Garden where we provide gardening consultations and educational opportunities to the public. We also support LEAP with their various gardens and special activities like the Seed Swap at their new location.
Community Arboretum at VWCC
Supporting our community partner, the Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College, with events, groundskeeping, plant propagation, and tours.
Programs & Events
Throughout the year we offer public presentations and booths at various events including Farmers Markets, GoFest, Berglund Home Show, Earth Day, and more. All of our events are posted on the Calendar.
Become a Master Gardener
Join a network of passionate gardeners serving their community through the Extension Master Gardener program. Each year we offer Master Gardener training which involves both textbook and hands-on learning, designed to help each new member gain the foundation they need to confidently serve our community.
Plant problems? We can help.
Our help desk is available to assist you with numerous horticulture related concerns including:
Insect and plant identification
Plant disease and troubleshooting
Pest management
Soil health
Lawn care
Garden care
This program is offered free of charge to the communities we serve. To best serve you, please include a detailed description and clear, well-lit images. Use the online request form or call 540-776-7178.
See our Help Desk page for commonly asked questions.
Spotted Lanternfly Awareness
Help us monitor and better understand the impact of the Spotted Lanternfly in our area. If you discover one at any stage of development please contact us with the location you found it and an image (if possible); or if you're able to collect the specimen you can deliver it to any local extension office.
The first known sighting in the Roanoke area was in 2022. Monitoring continues through the collaborative effort of numerous organizations and local citizens.
Please see the Learning menu for more in depth information.
The Garden Dirt
The Garden Dirt is our quarterly newsletter filled with upcoming events, classes, monthly garden chores and activities, and lots more. Complete the form to the right to subscribe!