Through VCE, Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute thousands of hours annually to community education programs in Virginia Beach. We maintain nine demonstration gardens, including two historical gardens and one children’s garden that illustrate the wide variety of plants that grow well in our area as well as overall garden care. We operate four Ask-A-Master Gardener locations at farmers’ markets and local garden centers, Seed Carts at six public libraries and field a wide range of gardening questions through the Extension Master Gardener Help Desk at the Virginia Beach VCE office. Through our Growing Together initiative we offer a variety of educational programs, presentations and workshops at Rec Centers, Garden Clubs and through Zoom. We support horticulture therapy at a retirement home and work alongside 2 nd grade students and teachers to meet SOL’s across Virginia Beach through our Ready, Set, Grow! program. In addition, both our Spring Plant Sale and Fall Garden Festival offer additional opportunities to educate the public and share our love of gardening!

History:

In 1982 Master Gardeners from Virginia Beach formed an association that would support the work of the Extension Master Gardener program, foster community among Master Gardeners and provide continuing education.  VBMG was incorporated and registered with the State of Virginia in 1982 and operates with a 501(c) (3) status.  In 2026, VBMG has 312 members, 248 of whom are active Master Gardeners, 20 are interns and the rest are our Emeritus members. Our volunteers have become a central part of VCE’s efforts to provide residents of Virginia Beach with up-to-date, reliable, researched based information about gardening practices that protect the environment and promote sustainability.