Roanoke Master Gardeners Association
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Sharing knowledge. Empowering communities.
Sharing knowledge. Empowering communities.
Serving the Roanoke Valley since 1987
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.
What's New!
What's New!
Events and Activities
We are very lucky to have permission to use and quote some of the OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC. This section is listed near the bottom of this page.
Other Affiliates
We are fortunate to have organizations by which we have the same "Mother", that being Virginia Tech. They are 4-H, Food Science and Preservation, Master Naturalists, and Tree Stewards. Even though the Master Gardeners do not volunteer for any of these groups, we support them whole heartedly. We will be posting any of their activities that the public would be invited to participate such as classes or tours. This will be an ongoing feature of our website.
It is May 2025!
Spring is here and plants are growing and lots are already blooming! Keep an eye out for bunnies that are hungry and deer that like to graze on anything tender. For some odd reason, the deer haven't been interested in my neck of the woods but I can't say the same for the bunnies. They have nearly eaten the Black Eyed Susan's down to the ground. Plus they have gotten smarter this year ducking under the netting. Good luck with your spring plants!
Pollinator Week
Pollinator Week
We are thrilled to share that the Governor of Virginia has officially proclaimed the week of June 16 as Pollinator Week! This recognition underscores the critical role pollinators play in our ecosystems, food systems, and gardens. We are proud to let you know that this proclamation was sought and secured by the Virginia Extension Master Gardener State Office as part of our ongoing commitment to pollinator education and outreach.
Read more about it: https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week
4-H CAMP
4-H CAMP
JUNE/JULY
JUNE/JULY
Contact Leslie Prillaman or Julie Ewen-Williams at the Extension Office for more information and registration.
Bee Festival
Bee Festival
August 23rd at Elmwood Park 9 am to 3 pm
Buzz on over and find out more about our bees
Insect Festival
Insect Festival
Buzz into this immersive world of insects through interactive activities, displays, and educational opportunities.
Insect Bingo: Enjoy a self-guided insect hunt around the park.
Bug Bio Blitz sessions: Join Master Naturalist-led sessions at 11 am and 1 pm.
Roanoke Valley Master Naturalist: Explore the Bee houses Booth.
Beetle Bonanza: Discover the wonderful world of beetles.
Naturalist Stations: Learn about insect sounds and match giant insects with the sounds they make. Giant insects include: Monarch Butterfly, Stag Beetle, Firefly, Inch Worm and Cicada.
Rain Barrel Workshops
Rain Barrel Workshops
Workshops are in the process of being set up. Sign up will appear here as soon as the dates and times are established.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are in the swing of things already! Gardens are already booming. Stop by one of the gardens. There is a lot of planting going on.
Our programs
Our programs
4H & Youth Programs
4H & Youth Programs
Engaging with young people and fostering the next generation of gardeners.
Speakers Bureau
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
Horticulture Therapy
Facilitating the opportunity for gardening as a means of physical, psychological and social well-being.
Community Gardens
Community Gardens
So far, the Community Gardens committee has determined that our volunteers will assist with many gardens. There are no set dates or times yet.
Click the Learn More button below to find out more.
Community Arboretum at VWCC
Community Arboretum at VWCC
Supporting our community partner, the Arboretum at Virginia Western Community College, with events, groundskeeping, plant propagation, and tours.
Programs & Events
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.
Our local 4-H organization is sponsored through Virginia Tech and as Master Gardeners we support and encourage participation in this extremely worthy group for children from 5-19 years old. All activities, classes, and workshops (except the annual camping experience) are free to these children. Don't miss out on these opportunities for your child!
The Garden Dirt
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!
Become a Master Gardener
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.
OPEN ENROLLMENT for 2025 is over. If you were not able to submit an application, you can complete the 2026 Waitlist Form at the bottom of the Join Us Page.
Plant problems? We can help.
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.
Please allow 3-7 business days for a response.
Spotted Lanternfly Awareness
Spotted Lanternfly Awareness
The first known sighting in the Roanoke area was in 2022. In 2024 they have now arrived to all parts of our county. Monitoring for the Roanoke area is no longer mandatory as they are widespread.
Please see the Learning menu for more in depth information and what you can do.
THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC
Is America's favorite vegetable actually a fruit? In 1893 the tomato stood trial as the U.S. Supreme Court deliberated this very question. By decree of the Hon. Justice Horace Gray, for tariff purposes, the tomato would legally be considered a vegetable--although. the opinion added, botanically speaking, it's technically a fruit.
Some foresters consider American mistletoe a pest because it can retard tree growth and break branches. However, ecologists recognize it as a keystone species because not only do many forest creatures forage on its leaves and shoots but also its berries help to sustain birds.
Have you ever eaten Fairy Butter? It was a favorite of First Lady, Dolley Madison, who often served it at afternoon tea. The first known published recipe for Fairy Butter appeared in a 1747 cookbook The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy by Hannah Glasse. Find the recipe at almanac.com.
Look for more great articles on their website: almanac.com
All information quoted here is done with written permission from The Old Farmers Almanac held at the Extension office,
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