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
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.
Zoom, 7-8 pm
Handout
February 23, 2026
Soil Health: The Foundation of a Thriving Ecosystem
Speaker: Greg Hammer, Soil Scientist, Virginia Soil Health Coalition, a specialist in soil health, as he digs deep into the fascinating world beneath our feet. 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.
Zoom, 7-8 pm
March 7, 2026
Propagation Workshop
Presenter: Deb Henry, VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener
Zoom, 7-8 pm
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
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 17, 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.
Zoom, 7-8 pm
Handout
February 23, 2026
Soil Health: The Foundation of a Thriving Ecosystem
Speaker: Greg Hammer, Soil Scientist, Virginia Soil Health Coalition, a specialist in soil health, as he digs deep into the fascinating world beneath our feet. 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.
Zoom, 7-8 pm
March 7, 2026
Propagation Workshop
Presenter: Deb Henry, VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardener
Zoom, 7-8 pm
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
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 17, 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
