November is National Pepper Month, a time to celebrate the diverse world of peppers. Hot and sweet peppers are important ingredients in many international cuisines. Many chefs, and culinary enthusiasts use this month to explore recipes (see a great one below), spice...
The Piedmont Master Gardeners Association provides science-based horticulture and gardening information to the community of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville.
Resources
Events
Programs
Christmas Tree Recycling Starts Dec. 26
Upcoming PMG Events
Starting Plants from Seeds—Plus a Seed Swap!
Starting flowers and vegetables from seed is inexpensive and satisfying, but a lot can go wrong. In this Garden Basics session, you will improve your success rates by learning basic… Read More »Starting Plants from Seeds—Plus a Seed Swap!
Free
Find out moreJames Monroe’s Highland,
2050 James Monroe Parkway
Charlottesville, VA 22902 United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA 22902 United States
Garden Soil Preparation: Laying the Foundation for Success
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, understanding the art and science of soil preparation is essential for yielding vibrant, productive crops. In this Garden… Read More »Garden Soil Preparation: Laying the Foundation for Success
Free
Find out moreJames Monroe’s Highland,
2050 James Monroe Parkway
Charlottesville, VA 22902 United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA 22902 United States
Be Your Own Florist: Get Started Growing Cut Flowers
Growing flowers for cutting can bring beauty into your garden and into your home. In this Garden Basics class, learn how to get started, whether you want to create a… Read More »Be Your Own Florist: Get Started Growing Cut Flowers
Free
Find out moreTrinity Episcopal Church,
1118 Preston Avenue
Charlottesville, VA United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA United States
Get our monthly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox
Join us in The Garden Shed
Please Excuse Our Work-in-Progress
Please bear with us as we restore photos and finish the update to our archived newsletters and blog posts.
While some photos are missing, article content is still available in past issues and posts.
A Lifetime of Learning
Enjoy our latest articles below
Timely Topics
Join Us to Share Your Love of Gardening
If you would like to deepen your knowledge of horticulture and gardening and would enjoy sharing that knowledge with others, then consider becoming an Extension Master Gardener volunteer educator. We are now accepting applications for the 2026 training class for...
Now’s the Time to Plant Your Fall Garden
Summer is slipping away, but there’s plenty of growing season yet to come in the vegetable garden, thanks in part to a changing climate. Taking advantage of it just requires some careful plant selection. The goal is to reap harvests up until and even after the first...
Ask a Master Gardener
Using Dutch White Clover in Lawns
Question: I am interested in alternatives to a traditional grass lawn. Is overseeding with Dutch white clover a good option? by Melissa Otoya, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern Since the mid-nineteenth century, Americans have prized highly manicured, weed-free grass...
Propagating Hostas and Other Perennials by Division
Question: I would like to propagate my favorite hosta, and am unsure about the timing and technique. What methods are recommended for this type of perennial plant? By Rachel Campbell, Piedmont Master Gardener Intern Hostas are a very popular perennial because of the...
Best Practices for Tree Planting
Question: I was gifted a flowering dogwood tree (Cornus florida) from my family recently. It is 6 feet tall and the root ball is wrapped in burlap. What are best planting practices to ensure my new tree survives and thrives? By Melissa Otoya, Piedmont Master Gardener...
Contact Our Help Desk
Get Involved
Meet Our Partners
Alert: Invasive Plants, Insects, and Diseases
Vascular Streak Dieback: Threat to Redbuds and Dogwoods
You may wonder why you haven’t seen many flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) or Eastern Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) in local nurseries lately. This is likely due to concern about Vascular Streak Dieback, a fungal infection attacking these and other trees.
Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a potentially serious pest of grapes, peaches, hops and a variety of other crops, is now widespread in the Charlottesville-Albemarle County area. It is no longer necessary to report sightings to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Also, the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine is no longer in effect. Click this button to learn more about this pest and VCE’s management recommendations.
Red Imported Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) entered Virginia in 1989 and were first reported in Albemarle County in November 2024. They swarm and attack aggressively when their colony is disturbed, posing a danger to humans and livestock. They also damage agricultural crops and can girdle young trees with their hills. For now, Charlottesville and Albemarle County remain outside the state’s recently expanded fire ant quarantine area. Click here to learn more about this invasive species and how to identify it.
