Join Dr. Tim Durham, Horticulture professor at Ferrum College for his 2 hour talk covering plant diseases (virus, bacteria, fungi) and some abiotic symptoms as well. Link: https://youtu.be/kY_zHyQCSMg
Share the Spare Celebrating 10th Anniversary
The 2021 season of Share the Spare will begin Saturday June 5th at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. Photo: Lynn Brammer, Project Leader
In 2010 the NRVMGers initiated a program at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. A master gardener booth was set up to encourage those shopping the market to consider purchasing an extra item (or two) of produce to donate to our booth’s basket. It was an experiment to see how we could support and supplement our food pantries with locally grown fresh produce.
Through the generosity of our community, we have proven we can do big things when we work together towards a common goal. Literally tons of produce have been put on the plates and tables of our local friends and neighbors in the 10 years of Share the Spare.
In addition to engaging with the market goers about our mission of produce collection, we also get a chance to share our passion for successful, sustainable growing. With encouragement from the market manager, we take advantage of the opportunity to function as a Plant Clinic as well. Our table is full of soil test kits, planting charts, seeds to share and resource information.
During last seasons hiatus the New River Valley Glean Team stepped up and served in our place. Discussions with their leaders led us to offer an invitation to collaborate with the NRVMG in the upcoming season. The glean team secures garden sites in the area in order to plant produce for harvesting, strictly for the purpose of donated to those in the underserved areas of our community.
We are looking forward to another successful season at the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market and hope you will join us – Sharing Your Spare!
2021 NRVMGA Plant Sale – It’s a Wrap!
Neither blustery winds nor chilling temperatures could dampen the enthusiasm of the NRV Master Gardeners Association volunteers as they pulled off their May 8th Plant Sale and Plant Clinic. Thanks to the support of our local communities and generous donors, the NRVMGA raised $5,214! These proceeds will be used for its Community Grant Program which awards grants based on merit to any educational, care-giving, or community-based organization seeking to educate, involve, and/or improve quality of life for participants through a gardening -related project.
A special thanks to the following donors for their support of this event: 2021 Plant Sale Donors
2021 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (June 5-13)
Tickets are currently on sale for The Pennsylvania Horticulture Society’s (PHS) annual Philadelphia Flower Show on June 5-13, 2021. The nation’s largest and longest-running (started in 1829), horticultural event will move outdoors for the first time in its history. This year’s theme: “HABITAT: Nature’s Masterpiece” will explore the beauty of life through nature’s kaleidoscope lens” and will feature breathtaking displays by premier floral and landscape designers and educational activities for all levels of gardening enthusiasts. Tickets are limited and time/day based to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and allow social distancing. To order tickets or for further information: https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show