Gardening Talks and Workshops
The Gardening Talks and Workshops committee of the Virginia Beach Master Gardeners plans and hosts a series of lectures for the public each year. The one-hour lectures are currently being offered via Zoom. The lectures are not sequential, so you can attend all, or just your favorite topics. All talks are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
September 21, 2026
Fall Gardening at the Historic Francis Land House
Speaker: Lynn Goodman Francois & Jayme Gruden, VCE , Virginia Beach Master Gardeners
Join Veteran Master Gardeners Jayme Gruden and Lynn Goodman-Francois as they share their experience and knowledge of the vegetable garden as it moves from intensive summer gardening to hearty crops that will grow through the winter. Gain the knowledge needed to start or maximize your own fall garden at home. This event is perfect for learning how to extend your gardening experience successfully into the fall months.
October 19, 2026
Engineering Your Backyard Ecosystem
Speaker: Danielle Bisson, VCE ,Virginia Beach Master Gardner
Join Environmental Engineer Danielle Bisson, as she discusses how to "engineer" your backyard into a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife. This talk breaks down essential ecological components and provides practical steps to attract biodiversity, from pollinators to native birds. This event is for anyone seeking simple, practical advice on transforming their yard or patio into a vibrant, sustainable haven for local wildlife and biodiversity.
November 16, 2026
From the Wild to a Home Garden: Practical Tips for Growing Native Orchids
Speaker: Dr. Lisa Wallace, ODU Department of Biological Sciences
Join speaker Dr. Lisa Wallace, Professor of Botany at ODU, as she guides you on an exploration of Virginia’s many captivating, but little-known orchid species while providing practical tips for successful cultivation in your own outdoor garden. Participants will also learn how orchid gardening contributes to vital conservation efforts and the creation of beneficial local ecosystems. This event is ideal for seasoned gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike who wish to diversify their green spaces while supporting local biodiversity.
Past 2026 Talks
January 26, 2026
Native Trees and Shrubs for Virginia Beach
Speaker: Nicole Knudson owner of Lady Fern’s Native Plants in Norfolk, VA, will discuss specific tree and shrub species that are adapted to the local environment and beneficial to native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. Additionally, information will be provided on the Throwing Shade VA" Program, which offers a discount on eligible native plants purchased from participating local retailers through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry. This event is ideal for local homeowners and gardeners interested in sustainable landscaping.
February 23, 2026
Soil Health: The Foundation of a Thriving Ecosystem
Speaker: Summer Thomas, Ph.D. , Education and Outreach Specialist, Virginia Soil Health Coalition.
This presentation will unearth the critical role of healthy soil in supporting biodiversity, ensuring food security, and fighting climate change. You'll learn the key indicators of soil health and discover practical, sustainable management techniques that work in any garden or landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a home gardener, this talk offers valuable insights into cultivating clean water and a stable climate.
March 14, 2026
An interactive, hands-on Propagation Workshop
9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Mastering the Seed: From Packet to Plant
Presenter: Deb Henry, VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener
Expert Virginia Beach Master Gardener Deb Henry will lead this essential workshop, guiding you through the process of starting seeds indoors for our local Zone 8b climate. The session will dig into every step of the process—beginning with smart seed selection and ending with practical potting practice. You will learn how to perfectly time your planting for our April 15th frost date, master the four pillars of germination (water, oxygen, temperature, and light), and discover the "tomato hack" for growing stronger roots. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we will walk you through everything from choosing sterile soil to "hardening off" your seedlings for a successful move outdoors. You will stop relying on store-bought starts and gain the skills to grow vibrant, healthy plants from scratch! Gardening workshops are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. This workshop will be held in Room 125 at the Hampton Roads AREC (1444 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455). Don’t miss out! We have 30 spots available for this event. Bring garden gloves and wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty.
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March 23, 2026
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases of Virginia
Speaker: Holly D Gaff, PhD, ODU Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences
Join us as she provides a timely update on the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases throughout Virginia. Her talk will cover the ODU Tick Research Teams ongoing surveillance efforts, offering a localized view of tick populations in residential areas. Attendees will gain key insights into the risks present in "our backyards," with an open forum for all questions. This event is perfect for any Virginia resident who wants clear, reliable information about the ticks found in their own backyard.
April 27, 2026
Stingers, Snakes and Scars: An ER Doctor's Guide
Speaker: Dr. Richard Tomasheski MD, Emergency Physicians of Tidewater
Although gardening is generally peaceful, it is not without risks! From annoyances like poison ivy al the way up to life-threatening copperhead bites, Dr. T will teach you how to identify a myriad of backyard maladies as well as how to potentially treat them at home-and let you know when you might need to seek professional help. Dr. Richard Tomasheski is a n Emergency Medicine physician who has been practicing for 10 years between Houston and Hampton Roads (and gardening with his wife for about 7). He as a special interest in insect and snake envenomations and has received both local and national awards for excellence in teaching.
May 18, 2026
Sip to Heal: the Historical use of Herbal Teas
Speaker: Elaine Bright-Mullings, VCE, Virginia Beach Master Gardeners.
Join expert therapeutic herbalist Elaina Bright-Mullings on a journey through the roots of herbal healing. This presentation will explore how generations across Africa, the Caribbean, and North America have used simple plants to support wellness, nourish the soul, and connect to something deeper. She’ll discuss the health benefits of herbal teas, exploring familiar and lesser-known herbs like lemongrass, cerasee, ginger, and hibiscus. Discover not only what they do, but the stories they carry. This presentation is about tradition, memory, and the way healing moves through generations. This event is ideal for anyone interested in holistic wellness, gardening, and the cultural history of herbal teas from Africa, the Caribbean, and North America.