The fifth annual Arbor Day Plant-A-Tree Ceremony will be on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum. This year's tree is a Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), which was generously donated by Don Georgette and the Northern Neck Native Plant Co. FREE - no registration needed. Come […]
Pollinators, Predators, and Pests: How Insects Shape Our Gardens and Forests
Shawn T. Dash PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences Hampton University, presents "Pollinators, Predators, and Pests: How Insects Shape Our Gardens and Forests". Dr. Dash will take you on a tour of the fascinating world of insect-plant interactions that drive the biodiversity of our landscapes. From the intricate dance of co-evolution between butterflies and […]
Local nature photographer Jim Easton will cover aspects of creating a good photograph, including light, location, equipment and several of the important design elements of composition. His presentation includes stunning images, all of which were taken on hiking trails, gardens, nature parks and backyards in Williamsburg, James City County and Richmond. Jim will share technical […]
This illustrated lecture by acclaimed landscape architect Gordon Chappell will feature a discussion on the dominance of the suburbs and their unique landscaping styles. He will explain how the typical lawn and foundation plantings affect wildlife and suggest alternatives to a lawn. Lastly he will discuss balancing the desire to garden responsibly with expected garden […]
Funday Sunday in the Garden: Giving Thanks “In November”
Join us on the Garden patio for a reading of the book, In November by Cynthia Rylant, and a guided walk in the Garden to give thanks to plants that support our birds through winter. This FREE program is for children Ages 5+ - no registration needed. Meet in the Garden Pavilion next to the […]
A stealthy catastrophe is happening in regional spaces that are suffering from the spread of invasive plants. VCE Master Naturalist Tracy Melton will tell you about large and small-scale invasive species removal projects. You'll learn about the serious negative impact of invasives, and how to identify and remove these plants from your own property to […]
Cool Season Vegetable Gardening in the Williamsburg Area with VCE Master Gardener Bill Dichtel Williamsburg's favorable climate and long growing season allows us to plant and harvest from spring through fall. Learn about cool season herbs and veggies to grow, along with garlic and winter cover crops such as crimson clover and mustard that improve […]
Local nature photographer Jim Easton will cover aspects of creating a good photograph, including light, location, equipment and several of the important design elements of composition. His presentation includes stunning images, many of which were taken at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Jim will share technical info and practical tips, along with some philosophical musings on […]
The Mixed Blessing of Garden Insects with Shawn T. Dash, Ph.D. There's a wild world of insects that call your garden home. Learn about the creatures that rule your corner of the planet and how important they are to the big picture of biodiversity and ecology. Gain an understanding of how plants, insects, birds, and […]
Stormwater Basics for Homeowners to Limit Erosion and Mitigate Flooding Every homeowner needs to know how to deal with stormwater issues that we face in our area. Learn ways to control erosion, prevent and manage flooding, and implement rain gardens, rain barrels and more to protect your property. Today's speaker is Robyn Woolsey, Colonial Soil […]
Learn about the lifecycle of bluebirds from nest building to fledging and how to attract these delightful birds to your yard. Our speaker is Connie Reitz, current President of the Historic Rivers Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists. Connie has been a bluebird trail monitor for 6 years and has also served as the County Coordinator […]
Learn how to attract butterflies to your garden with native plants that support the lifecycle of various butterfly species that inhabit the Tidewater region. Jonay Campbell will explain how to identify both the adults and caterpillars, and why it's important to think about our gardens as pollinator habitats. Jonay Campbell is a butterfly enthusiast with […]
This Learn and Grow presentation is available to watch on the Garden's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/gWJanWqeMYU Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life. It is one of the simplest ways to track the impact of climate change and other environmental changes on the […]
Presented via Zoom and available to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cBSelvR0E-U?si=Km7YI20znP2IliDB Learn about mindful gardening for environmental conservation. Brian Taber, the director of the Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory, will share insights into how garden spaces are important for the preservation of wildlife for a healthy ecology and environmental conservation. Virtual Learn & Grow programs are posted […]