Learn and Grow
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, […]
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 […]
Invasion of the Plant Snatchers
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Bluebirds in Your Back Yard
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 7 years and has also served as the County Coordinator […]
Winter is Prime Time for Pruning
Most (but not all*) 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 […]
Fresh Inspirations for Holiday Trimmings
Be inspired with new ideas to create unique holiday decorations with fresh greenery, herbs, driftwood, willows, dried flowers, and other materials from the natural world. Today's speaker is Robin Daniels, who operates a floral design (and catering) business that features her unique “Horse head” wreath and other natural decorations. For many years, she operated Food […]
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 […]
Stormwater Basics for Homeowners
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 […]
Wildlife Rehabilitation: the What, the Why, and the How
Wildlife Rehabilitator Deb Woodward shares heart-warming stories of caring for orphaned and injured creatures. Learn what it takes to become a permitted Wildlife Rehabilitator in Virginia and what you can do as a citizen to help protect wildlife. FREE but Limited Seating – Registration Required. Garden Members in good standing will receive an email on […]
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. […]
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 […]
Arboretum Status: It’s a Really Big Deal!
Did you know that Williamsburg has a Level I Arboretum and a Level II Arboretum? VCE Master Gardener and Tree Steward Bill Dichtel explains how these two arboretums developed and how you can enjoy them to learn more about trees. Limited Seating - Registration Required. WBG-FPA members will receive an email on or before May […]
Hanging with the Bat Squad
Presented via Zoom and available to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iO8hvRsLaXg?si=CvnUvGFHgnhdjmfb There is something about October that makes us think of bats! Have you ever wondered WHY bats hang upside down? Or, how many species of bats live in our region? What do they do in the winter? What challenges do bats face currently, and why […]
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Address
5537 Centerville Rd
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1577
Williamsburg, VA 23187