What do we do? Where will you see us? We conduct many educational programs and projects in our community, such as…
RESEARCH & DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
On the grounds of Clayton Nature Study Center. Originally part of the Beautiful Garden Plant Introduction Program, this garden has been renamed and repurposed. It is used to educate our community on gardening techniques and plants that will thrive in our area with a focus on native plants. Master Gardeners conduct tours of the garden, located at 1844 Woods Road in Bedford. It is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-5:00PM and available for tours, seminars, and demonstrations. Are you interested in a guided walking tour or a group meeting at the Claytor Nature Study Center, followed by a walking tour? Please call 540 587-6740 or e-mail cnsc@lynchburg.edu to make a reservation.
INFORMATION BOOTHS
Volunteers respond to questions concerning horticulture and gardening, provide free educational materials, and promote the Master Gardener program.
Regular event locations and dates are listed below. Stop by to say hello!
SPRING SUMMER FALL- Forest Farmers Market: Outdoor Market venue, located behind the Forest Public Library. A Bedford Extension Master Gardener information table is available on most Market Saturdays. Changing seasonal topics and interactive presentations. Children’s Saturdays are presented occasionally, focusing on a hands-on, educational activity.
APRIL – Apple Blossom Festival: Annual spring festival at Gross’ Orchard, a family owned and operated orchard which has been in business since before the turn of the century. Their specialities are mountain grown peaches and apples. The festival features crafts, jams, cider, games, rides, auction, entertainment, and apple butter making. Master Gardener volunteers operate an information booth, providing educational materials, respond to questions relating to horticulture and gardening, as well as training opportunities. Free event. www.grossorchards.com 540-586-2436 2nd Saturday in April
APRIL- Spring Plant Sale: Bedford Area Extension Master Gardeners volunteers sell many types of plants and gardening accessories, and also provide “Help Desk” information in response to general horticultural questions. Location: Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) Bedford Center, 1633 Venture Blvd, Bedford. Last Saturday in April
MAY- Moneta Herb Festival: Held at Moneta Farm and Home Center. Master Gardeners host an information booth here. BAMGA Volunteers provide educational materials, respond to questions relating to horticulture and gardening, and provide information relative to the Master Gardener Training Program and BAMGA membership. Herb plants are featured and discounted during this event. Foods featuring the “herb of the year” are prepared for sampling, and handouts with recipes and general cultivation info are available. www.monetafhc.com 540-297-5558 First Saturday in May
SEPTEMBER- Bedford Centerfest: One of the regions’s largest street festivals. At Centerfest, Master Gardener volunteers operate an information booth, providing educational materials, respond to questions relating to horticulture and gardening, as well as training opportunities. Centerfest offers a wide variety of activities – including artisans and craftspeople from around the state displaying their wares. Children’s activities abound, and local organizations share useful information with visitors. FREE event. 540-586-2148. 3rd Saturday in September
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER- Bedford County Fair: Experience the best Bedford County has to offer! Free admissions, parking and entertainment at the fair. Join us at the Glenwood Center in Huddelston, VA for a family friendly good time. This year the fair will be four days and feature many attractions. Master Gardener volunteers operate a children’s activity table. We invite everyone over to our information booth. We’ll be busy providing educational materials, respond to questions relating to horticulture and gardening, as well as training opportunities. The County Fair is a FREE event. http://www.bedfordcofair.com Last weekend in September
SEMINARS AND PRESENTATIONS
- Speakers Bureau: From time to time, local civic groups, garden clubs, organizations and other community groups request a speaker on gardening topics for various events and/or functions. The Speakers Bureau Coordinator maintains a current list of Master Gardeners who are qualified (in subject matter and in public speaking) and willing to serve as guest speakers for such events or functions. Year-round
- Seminars at Bedford Public Libraries: In cooperation with the Bedford Public County Library System, Bedford Area Extension Master Gardener members present educational gardening seminars at all six Bedford libraries. These seminars are open to the public. Topics vary according to local needs and interest. Generally free of charge. Presentation dates vary. www.BPLS.org
- “Grow The Good Life” Spring Seminars: For everyone in the community!!! A full day of education on various horticultural topics. These seminars are presented by specialists in the various horticultural content fields. Held on a Saturday in February or March.
HELP DESK
- Master Gardeners aid in serving the horticultural needs of our community by assisting the local VCE agent in responding to inquiries received from local residents pertaining to pests, diseases, lawns and gardening, or questions of a general nature regarding horticulture. All responses and recommendations are researched and/or provided based on the PMG (Pest Management Guide), Extension Service resources, local VCE Agent, USDA resources or other qualified sources. How to contact us? Visit the Bedford Extension office, call us at (540)586-7675 or email the Help Desk @ bedfordmg@vt.edu. Year-round.
SPRING PLANT SALES
- Master Gardener volunteers donate plants from their gardens or from commercial growers for sale to the general public. Any funds collected that exceed costs are donated to support the community efforts and outreach of the VCE Master Gardener program. At the sale event, Master Gardener volunteers provide education in response to general horticultural questions as well as to questions regarding the care of specific plants. Each plant is accompanied by an informational description and care guide. Location: usually at Bedford CVCC Campus. Last Saturday in April
THERAPEUTIC GARDENING
- At various Bedford area nursing home locations. This program is designed to improve – through gardening – the quality of life for a vulnerable population. The program includes mini-workshops, raised beds, and container gardens. The goal is to have the Nursing Home personnel sustain the program with ongoing assistance from Bedford Extension Master Gardeners for the educational component. Year-round
VICTORY GARDEN at D-DAY MEMORIAL
- Master Gardeners assist Bedford’s 4H & ANR Extension Agent with horticulture training for school groups at the D-Day Memorial. Volunteers share knowledge, enthusiasm and love of plants and the environment. Students learn about Victory gardens… and then plant and maintain their own! In turn, volunteers benefit by watching the sense of wonder through a child’s eye as the children learn, sow, grow and harvest together. Spring through Early Summer.
COURSES
- Horticulture for the Home Gardener
- Master Gardener Training Class
-BEDFORD EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS-
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. An equal opportunity affirmative action employer. If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance or accommodation, please notify Scott Baker at the Bedford Extension Office at 540-586-7675 (TDD number 800-828-1120) during business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.