Gardening
Name that Butterfly: Identifying by Markings and Behavior
The Williamsburg area is home to more than 90 species of butterflies, and in recent years, local experts have found species not previously recorded. Eleven families of butterflies come in a variety of sizes and shapes. This presentation by Adrienne Frank will help you distinguish physical characteristics and behavior such as flight patterns, life cycle, […]
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 […]
Winter is Prime Time for Pruning
Most trees and shrubs should be pruned during winter while they are dormant to invigorate the plant and encourage new growth in spring. The VCE Master Gardeners Pruning Team will explain the right tools for the job, demonstrate proper techniques, and show how to maintain your tools for years of service in the garden. This […]
Cool Season Vegetable Gardening
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 […]
Soil: It’s More Than Just Dirt
Soil is dynamic and not all soil is created equal! Learn how to foster healthy soil for successful gardening and ecosystem balance. Healthy garden soil is crucial for the success of plant growth and overall ecosystem balance. Join VCE Master Gardener Dave Kleppinger as he shares the importance of prioritizing soil health. FREE but only […]
Native Three-B Harvest: Butterflies, Bees and Bouquets
Join us as the Garden welcomes Peggy Krapf of Heart's Ease Landscape and Garden Design back to our Learn and Grow programming. Peggy's program will focus on the best native plants for your landscape to attract butterflies and bees, and for creating beautiful flower bouquets to grace your home. Peggy Krapf has been a landscape […]
Nature Photography with a Focus on the Garden
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 […]
Master Gardeners 2024 Plant Sale
The Garden is pleased to welcome the Master Gardeners as they hold their annual plant sale in our friendly confines. Saturday, May 11 from 9 am to 12 Noon - Rain or Shine! Featuring a wide selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs. Much of the plant stock has been raised by the […]
Plan NOW for Flowering Bulbs in Late Winter/Early Spring
May is a great time to plan a new bulb garden, or to consider adding exciting new bulbs to your existing landscape. VCE Master Gardener Mitzi Balma shares her best tips for next year's flowering bulb garden, including identifying species before the foliage dies back and taking advantage of sale offers now. FREE but only […]
Native Orchids in Virginia
The word "orchid" usually conjures visions of exotic blossoms in tropical climates, but there are many orchid species that are native to Virginia and our Hampton Roads area. Join us as we welcome back VCE Master Gardener Emerita Lise Schioler for an introduction to our native orchid species with photographs, and descriptions of habitat, range, […]
Starting and Maintaining a Herb Garden
Starting and Maintaining a Herb Garden: What the Colonists Did and What You Can Do Join Wilma Sharp and her Herb Society of America Team as they tell you about re-creating a 17th century herb garden at Historic Jamestowne. They will provide tips on how to plan an herb garden, ways to incorporate herbs into […]
Bonsai – the Living Art of Nature in Miniature
Bonsai - the Living Art of Nature in Miniature The art of bonsai has a rich history and deep symbolic meaning for many cultures. Learn about the horticultural practices and design approaches to this unique art form, along with aspects of bonsai care and maintenance. Our speaker is C. Richard Bozek, whose interest in trees […]
The Mixed Blessing of Garden Insects
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 […]
Plants with a Purpose 2023 – Honor Box Plant Sale
Plants with a Purpose 2023 Honor Box Plant Sale Every day from April 22 through May 26 – 7 am until Sunset The 2023 Honor Box Plant Sale opens Saturday, April 22nd and runs until May 26 from 7 am until sunset. Find plants to support pollinators and other wildlife in your yard and garden. […]
Your Brain on Gardening: From Flowers to Health and More
Ever wonder WHY you love gardening so much? Lorraine Lander, Ph.D. will explain what's really happening to your body and brain when you spend time spent outdoors. Lorraine is an avid gardener and life-long educator. Beyond the science of the benefits of gardening, she will share some ideas for enjoying your garden time even more. […]
Flowering Bulbs Beyond Spring
After daffodils end, there are many beautiful flowering bulbs that add color and interest to your garden beyond spring. VCE Master Gardener Mitzi Balma will tell us about bulbs that bloom in late spring, summer, and early fall. FREE but Limited Seating – Registration Required. Garden Members in good standing will receive an email on […]
Planting Design for Gardeners
Learn how to choose and combine plants based on shape, form, color, and texture to design your garden from acclaimed landscape architect Gordon Chappell, FASLA *, who was the garden director and landscape architect at Colonial Williamsburg for 25 years. *Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects FREE but Limited Seating – Registration Required. […]
Jump Start Your Spring Vegetable Garden
Veggies fresh from your own garden will taste far better than what you can buy at the grocery store. Learn how to start and establish a great vegetable garden starting with soil preparation and maintenance, plant selection, and frost dates to keep in mind. Plus get practical tips for growing delicious crops for your table. […]
Flowering Bulbs for Late Winter and Spring Color
WE REGRET THAT THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED. The first brave blooms of late winter make everyone happy! Daffodils are the best-known blooming bulbs, but there are many other early blooming bulbs that grow well in our area. VCE Master Gardener Mitzi Balma tells us all about them to help you plan for a colorful […]
Growing a Beautiful Lawn and Alternatives to Turf
Take the Mystery Out of Growing a Beautiful Lawn and Alternatives to Turf Learn the sequence of care to build a lawn that’s both attractive and healthy. VCE Master Gardener Dave Kleppinger explains how to find proper lawn care products, and how to use them correctly to avoid pollution. Learn about ways to use alternative […]
Nature’s Notebook: Science of the Seasons
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 […]
The Sound of Cicadas
Presented via Zoom and available to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2gE5peovPmM Cicadas are an icon in the insect world and are found in exotic rain forests, your own backyard and places in between. Join us via Zoom to learn about the Love-Life-Death cycle of these singing beasts as many regions of the US prepare to greet […]
Everything is Connected
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 […]
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Address
5537 Centerville Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1577
Williamsburg, VA 23187