The 11th Annual Master Gardeners Association of the Central Rappahannock Area Living in the Garden Symposium was held at Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Falmouth, VA, on April 1, 2023. The theme was Flower Power – From Roots to Blooms which covered everything from creating better soils for plant growth to growing flowers and native plants. Bryce Lane opened the day with a very informative and understandable talk on Understanding Garden Soils. Stacey Chapman described how she created a flower farm on two acres in nearby Orange, Virginia. Nancy Berlin shared how to create container gardens using northern Virginia native plants. To wrap up the day, Bryce Lane spoke about adding color to your garden by adding plants with stunning foliage or incredible flowers including how to use color combinations that will attract attention. In attendance were 46 MGACRA members and 53 community members who enjoyed the talks, visiting the gardens at Belmont, the Museum store, and the breakfast and salad buffet lunch. The outstanding attendance and contributions from sponsors resulted in $2,258.60 being raised for the 2023 MGACRA Community Project Fund which supports such projects as Cedell Brooks Jr. Park Native Plant Garden in King George and Cossey Park Botanic Garden in Fredericksburg. SAVE THE DATE! Planning has begun for the 12th Annual Living in the Garden Symposium which will be held April 13, 2024. The tentative theme is Sustainable Gardening. Bryce Lane has agreed to be there with two more presentations and Dori will cater the event again. Other speakers are to be determined.
Container Gardening with Native Plants 4/1/23 Central Rappahannock Area Living in the Garden Symposium Nancy Berlin BERLINNANCYL@GMAIL.COM Gentle Landscaping LLC 703-398-7306