|
|
Master Gardeners Join Fredericksburg's Earth Day Celebration
|
|
Master Gardener General Membership Meeting
April 18, 2018
|
|
|
Join us for our Next Meeting!
May 16, 2018 7 PM
|
Geoffrey Rinehart
|
|
June 20, 2018 7 PM
|
Mike Lott
|
|
July 18, 2018
|
Tim Ohiwiler
|
|
August 15, 2018
|
Wanda Johnson
|
|
October 17, 2018
|
Gwen Pote
|
|
November 14, 2018
|
Scholarship Recipients
|
|
Past MGACRA Programs
October 18, 2017
|
The speaker, Kevin P. Bartram, Ph.D., Master Gardener and Master Tree Steward, is a descendent of John Bartram, America’s Founding Father of Botany. He spoke about the history of the family of America’s founding botanists and discoverer of the famed Franklinia tree and how his fascinating family influenced horticulture in the United States and Europe since before the American Revolution. Dr. Bartram also spoke of Bartram Gardens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which was started by John Bartram as a living botanical museum and commercial nursery. |
Other Activities
Why include native plants in our gardens?
|
John F Westermeier and Laura Jean Westermeier, both Master Gardeners, gave a number of compelling reasons, during a presentation at the Porter Branch of CRRL, Tuesday, September 26!
Plants native to our Rappahannock region, are uniquely suited for our climate and environment. They also contribute to a healthy watershed due to their intricate root systems that filter our waterways. Because they are suited to our area, they grow more easily and are more resistant to local pests and diseases. They provide year-round and food for wildlife. Native pollinators are attracted and flourish. As Mrs. Westermeier said, Native plants can provide the "ultimate right plant in the right place." The presentation was also filled with information about history of desiring native plants, some current initiatives, and resources for finding native plants to fit any spot in your garden! |
If you would like a free booklet on native plants of the central Rappahannock area contact Laura Westermeier at Laura.Westermeier@gmail.com for more information. Making King George County
|
Flora of Virginia at The Porter Library
|
The Porter Library Branch, in Stafford, VA, initiated its new "Flora of Virginia" exhibit with a presentation on "Container Gardening" -- Wednesday, September 20, Grow vegetables and herbs into the fall with container gardening tips from Master Gardener, Waverly Brown. Mrs. Brown included steps for the beginning gardener explore the advantages and joys of container gardening. Her advice and helpful handouts will lead participants to a successful venture! 
Fredericksburg Earth Day 2017Despite the rain and chilly temperatures, this year's Earth Day Celebration included 3 booths set up by Master Gardeners. The Tree Stewards had a great deal of information about caring for trees, the VA Extension booth had information and a game for young gardener proteges, and for those who braved the weather, the third had material and instructions for building an actual bird house! Fun and education rolled into one! |
"Growing Native Plants" -- Tuesday, September 26, 7:00–8:00. Master Gardeners Laura and John Westermeier talk about the many beautiful and different native plants found in Stafford and why it’s better to grow native.
"The Fungus Among Us: A Basic Course in Identifying Mushrooms" -- Saturday, October 7, 3:00–4:00. Some are to be avoided, some are yummy, and some boost the immune system. Learn to do spore prints, check out field guides, and see what’s growing here. It’s FUN(gus)! Plant ClinicsLocal gardeners can get publications, advice, and lists of resources at a number of area plant clinics, including;
|
|
|
MGACRA Meeting 4/19/2017
|
4th Tuesday
Plants Map at Cossey Park Tracy Blevins
|
An exciting resource for gardeners was introduced by Tracy Blevins at Salem Church Library on March 28, 2017. This tool plantsmap.com enables users to explore tagged plants at Cossey Park. Users can also tag plants in their own gardens.
To find out more, join an online demo- Monday, April 3, 2017 at 4 PM. https://www.plantsmap.com/organizations/462/events/157 To participate visit Join.Me/Plantsmap and follow the instructions on the screen. |
Every Tuesday at 4 PM there is a demo at https://info.plantsmap.com/help/live-demo-sessions/ Join a session to learn about hundreds of plants and open a brand new aspect to your own garden! |
https://info.plantsmap.com/help/live-demo-sessions/
2017 March Meeting
|
|
MGACRA's March meeting was filled with organic farming insight and advice from Lawrence Latané of Blenheim Organic Gardens. His presentation was illustrated by Becky Latané's photos of their organic farm. Some of the organic, sustainable farming practices encouraged were: Including plants that support beneficial insects and wildlife and reduces harmful pests; Companion planting as a natural way to help plants grow better and increase yield; Cover crops that build soil, break up hard soil, provide organic matter, and reduce weeds; and planting native flowers borders that bring in pollinators. For more information visit their website: Blenheimorganicgardens.org |
