Chesapeake Master Gardener

The Chesapeake Master Gardener program is a partnership between Virginia Cooperative Extension and dedicated volunteers who are passionate about sharing their gardening knowledge with the community. We strive to be a valuable resource for residents of Chesapeake, providing educational opportunities, practical advice, and hands-on experience to help people cultivate beautiful and healthy gardens. Our mission is to empower individuals to become more knowledgeable and confident gardeners while promoting sustainable gardening practices that benefit our environment and communities.

Our Services

Chesapeake Master Gardeners offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of our community. We believe in providing practical, evidence-based information to help gardeners succeed. Our expertise encompasses various aspects of horticulture, including:

• Educational Workshops and Classes: We conduct a variety of workshops and classes throughout the year, covering topics such as vegetable gardening, pruning, soil health, pest control, composting, and more. These workshops are designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate thriving gardens.
• Green Thumb Classes: This specialized series of classes focuses on helping novice gardeners develop a strong foundation in gardening principles. We guide participants through the fundamentals of plant care, soil management, watering techniques, and garden design.

• Plant Sale: Our annual plant sale is a popular event where we offer a wide selection of healthy, locally-grown plants at affordable prices. Proceeds from the plant sale support our educational programs and outreach initiatives.

• Volunteer Opportunities: We actively engage our community through volunteer opportunities. Volunteers assist with various projects, including maintaining demonstration gardens, providing assistance at workshops, and contributing to educational materials.
• Community Garden Support: We work with local community gardens to provide expertise and guidance on garden planning, maintenance, and program development.
• Speaker Series:

We offer a Speaker Bureau that provides free presentations on various gardening topics to community groups.

Our expert Master Gardeners share their knowledge and experience, engaging audiences with informative and entertaining talks.

Grow Native & Green Initiatives

Cheseake Master Gardeners are dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible gardening practices. We advocate for the use of native plants, which are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and maintenance. We also encourage practices such as composting, water conservation, and integrated pest management to minimize environmental impact. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our own operations, and we strive to minimize our ecological footprint.