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...
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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Upcoming PMG Events
Garden Basics: When, Where and How to Prune—plus a tool checkup
Proper pruning can improve the health and structure of trees and shrubs. In this session, we will focus on: • the basics of structural pruning, • when to prune various… Read More »Garden Basics: When, Where and How to Prune—plus a tool checkup
Free
Find out moreTrinity Episcopal Church,
1118 Preston Avenue
Charlottesville, VA United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA United States
PMG Speakers Bureau: Adapting Your Garden to a Changing Climate
Unpredictable temperatures, new pests, flooding and drought, windy and stormy weather—how is the gardener to cope? By adopting sustainable practices, opting for wise plant choices and landscaping strategies, and continuing… Read More »PMG Speakers Bureau: Adapting Your Garden to a Changing Climate
The Center at Belvedere,
540 Belvedere Boulevard
Charlottesville, VA United States
+ Google MapCharlottesville, VA United States
Food Preservation Class
Join this hands-on class to learn food preservation skills from Virginia Cooperative Extension. The class will provide step-by-step instructions for safe and successful boiling water-bath canning. You will also learn… Read More »Food Preservation Class
Virginia Cooperative Extension,
460 Stagecoach Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
+ Google MapCharlottesville, Virginia 22902
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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
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...
World Nature Conservation Day: Ten Ways You Can Help Preserve Our Planet’s Precious Resources
World Nature Conservation Day is observed annually on July 28. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s natural environment and resources – our water, air, sunlight, soil, minerals and fuels. Although these resources...
Ask a Master Gardener
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...
Identifying, Preventing and Treating Termite Infestations
Question: Some of my neighbors in Central Virginia have reported termite damage on their properties. How can I tell if the insects I see are ants or termites? What measures can I take to prevent termite infestations? The Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes...
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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.
