Master Classes for Norfolk Gardeners

Feb 9  Tried & True:  Best Shrubs and Perennials

What are "woodies?" How about herbaceous plants?
Theresa Augustin, Director of Environmental Engagement & Outreach at Norfolk Botanical Garden, starts our Master Class program off with recommendations on best woody shrubs and herbaceous perennials for Norfolk gardeners.

Feb 16 Root for Trees!  Trees for Norfolk Landscapes

Trees are an investment in the health of our community. Learn how your home landscape can contribute to Norfolk’s tree canopy with Daniel Haworth of Terra-Firma. Daniel’s advice will inform your choices for large and small trees, where they fit in your landscape, and proper planting techniques.

Feb 23 The Truth About Pruning: Tips and Tools

Norfolk Master Gardener Paul Ziegler continues our Master Class series with pruning techniques for both trees and woody shrubs. Ziggy will cover the best time to prune and demonstrate the right tools for each job. It’s not as hard as it looks – we encourage you, do try this at home!

Mar 2 Healthy Soil: It’s Not Just Dirt!

Mimi Rosenthal, Norfolk Master Gardener and retired EVMS instructor, will explain the essential nutrients plants need and how this applies to the results of your home soil test. This Master Class session comes at the right time to add the right amendments and build healthy soil for the upcoming garden season.

Mar 9 Get Your Veg On: Practical Vegetable Gardening

Many Norfolk gardeners are familiar with Gill Gillespie from his 30 years at the late local nursery, Gardens in a Flowerpot. Now Gill is back with his best tips on planning, preparing, and planting home vegetable gardens.

Mar 16 Pollinators and Native Plants

Norfolk Master Gardeners Kate Melhuish and Debora Mosher explain the importance of native plants to pollinators and to the ecosystem. You’ll learn about the many types of pollinators that visit Norfolk gardens and the native plants that keep them coming back. 

Mar 23 How Green Is Your Lawn?

York County Master Gardener and turf guru Pete Peterman offers recommendations for proper lawn care. Growing more weeds than grass? This program will help you make the right decisions on fertilizers, mowing, and more to establish/maintain a healthy lawn with the kind of turfgrass that suits your needs.

Mar 30 Resilient Landscape Design

“Everything you do in your landscape affects water quality…. All activities have an impact.” Dr. Laurie Fox, researcher at the AREC on Diamond Springs Road, discusses best practices for Norfolk gardeners, with a focus on resiliency and environmentally friendly design.

Apr 6 Good Bugs/Bad Bugs…And Why They Matter

Norfolk Master Gardener Blanch Wise identifies many of the most common beneficial (and otherwise) insects to be found in Norfolk garden settings. Get to know the signs indicating which bugs to welcome and which to watch out for.

Apr 13 Natural Pest and Disease Control

Norfolk VCE Agent Chris Epes wraps up our Master Class series with information about Integrated Pest Management – the most effective, least toxic methods for pest control and plant disease treatment.