Gardening Talks and Workshops
Gardening Talks
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.
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.
2026 Gardening Talks and Workshops
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.
Recording
Handout
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.
Recording
March 14, 2026
An interactive, hands-on Propagation Workshop
Mastering the Seed: From Packet to Plant
from 9:00 - 12:30, arrive no earlier than 8:45.
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.
Event is full. Please join us in one of our Gardening Talks via Zoom.
Handouts 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
Handout 4
March 23, 2026
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases of Virginia
Speaker: Holly D Gaff, PhD, ODU Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences, 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.
Zoom, 7-8 pm ( Zoom link will be active the evening of the presenation)
April 27, 2026
Stingers, Snakes and Scars: An ER Doctor's Guide
Speaker: Dr. Richard Tomasheski MD, Emergency Physicians of Tidewater
Zoom, 7-8 pm
May 18, 2026
Sip to Heal: the Historical use of Herbal Teas
Speaker: Elaine Bright-Mullings, VCE, Virginia Beach Master Gardeners
Zoom, 7-8pm
September 21, 2026
Fall Gardening at the Historic Francis Land House
Speaker: Lynn Goodman Francois & Jayme Gruden, VCE , Virginia Beach Master Gardeners
Zoom, 7-8pm
October 19, 2026
Engineering Your Backyard Ecosystem
Speaker: Danielle Bisson, VCE ,Virginia Beach Master Gardner
Zoom, 7-8pm
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
Zoom, 7-8pm
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.
Recording
Handout
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.
Recording
March 14, 2026
An interactive, hands-on Propagation Workshop
Mastering the Seed: From Packet to Plant
from 9:00 - 12:30, arrive no earlier than 8:45.
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.
Event is full. Please join us in one of our Gardening Talks via Zoom.
Handouts 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
Handout 4
March 23, 2026
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases of Virginia
Speaker: Holly D Gaff, PhD, ODU Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences, 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.
Zoom, 7-8 pm ( Zoom link will be active the evening of the presenation)
April 27, 2026
Stingers, Snakes and Scars: An ER Doctor's Guide
Speaker: Dr. Richard Tomasheski MD, Emergency Physicians of Tidewater
Zoom, 7-8 pm
May 18, 2026
Sip to Heal: the Historical use of Herbal Teas
Speaker: Elaine Bright-Mullings, VCE, Virginia Beach Master Gardeners
Zoom, 7-8pm
September 21, 2026
Fall Gardening at the Historic Francis Land House
Speaker: Lynn Goodman Francois & Jayme Gruden, VCE , Virginia Beach Master Gardeners
Zoom, 7-8pm
October 19, 2026
Engineering Your Backyard Ecosystem
Speaker: Danielle Bisson, VCE ,Virginia Beach Master Gardner
Zoom, 7-8pm
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
Zoom, 7-8pm
