Christine Putnam, a leading voice for environmental stewardship and sustainability in our community, has been named the 2025 Master Gardener of the Year by the Piedmont Master Gardeners. Part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Piedmont Master Gardeners are...
The Piedmont Master Gardeners Association provides science-based horticulture and gardening information to the community of Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville.
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Christmas Tree Recycling Starts Dec. 26
Upcoming PMG Events
RESCHEDULED: Garden Basics on Starting Plants from Seeds, Plus a Seed Swap
Due to a forecast of heavy snow on January 24, this Garden Basics program has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 31. In this session, you will learn basic seed-starting techniques… Read More »RESCHEDULED: Garden Basics on 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
Weeds in the Garden: PMG Speakers Bureau at The Center at Belvedere
The plants we DO NOT want are among a gardener's biggest challenges. Piedmont Master Gardeners will help you win the “weed war” with advice and help on the following topics:… Read More »Weeds in the Garden: PMG Speakers Bureau at The Center at Belvedere
The Center at Belvedere,
540 Belvedere Boulevard
Charlottesville, VA United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA United States
Garden Basics: 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 Basics: 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
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Please bear with us as we restore photos and finish the update to our archived newsletters and blog posts.
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A Lifetime of Learning
Enjoy our latest articles below
Timely Topics
Get Cooking During National Pepper Month
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...
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...
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...
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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.
