On May 15, 2024, at the Portsmouth Public Library-Western Branch, Master Garden Volunteers Dr. Hajirah Abdus-Salaam and Mrs. Sandra Warren presented a Library Talk entitled “Tender Loving Care for Roses – TLC.”  They shared that the ”Rose” is considered the most beautiful flower in the world, which is why it’s called the “Queen of the Garden.”It’s one of the most popular flowers worldwide, and it comes in many different types, sizes, and colors. The presenters shared information on types of rose bushes, choosing a location, size, fertilization, and pruning for the beautiful rose bush.  They also shared their symbolic meanings.  The red rose – love and romance, the white rose, innocence and purity, the pink rose, grace and gratitude, the orange rose, enthusiasm and passion and the yellow rose represents friendship and loyalty. The information was well received, and below is a picture of the six (6) recipients that received a miniature rose bush and a colorful pot.  These were gifts from the presenters.  
On the far left is Mrs. Sandra Warren and on the far right is Dr. Hajirah Abdus-Salaam. The Rose Bush winners were the first three people and the last three people that arrived.  They were chosen for their eagerness, tenacity, and determination to come and hear the lecture on Roses.  “Everyone Please Take Time to Smell the Roses” 
Submitted by: Dr. Hajirah Abdus-Salaam

Free gardening lecture on the importance of pollinators in your garden. We may take them and other pollinators like butterflies and bees for granted, however, they are vital to stable, healthy food supplies. It is our pollinators that are the key to the varied, colorful and nutritious diets we need. Bees are perfectly adapted to pollination, helping plants grow, breed and produce food. Join us for this fascinating lecture on pollinators!

Date Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Time 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Place Portsmouth Public Library
Churchland Branch
4934 High Street West

Download Flier HERE

As strange as it may seem for an area surrounded by water, drought is becoming a topic of interest in Hampton Roads. Many localities are seeing an increase in the number of days of drought and you may be feeling the pinch if you are irrigating your lawn and gardens. Planting drought-tolerant plants, especially natives, can help your wallet and the environment. In this lecture, we will discuss the characteristics of drought-tolerant plants as well as outline different plants for special areas.

Date Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Time 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Place Portsmouth Public Library
Churchland Branch
4934 High Street West

Download Flier HERE

Roses are Queen of the Garden Let’s get your roses off to a great start by giving
them TLC – “Tender-Loving-Care.” Learn tips for growing, fertilizing, and pruning
your beautiful plants. Discover why they are considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. Get to know the rose varieties and which ones grow better in your area. Come and join us to find out how to care for the “Queen” of your garden named “Rose!”

Date Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Time 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Place Portsmouth Public Library
Churchland Branch
4934 High Street West

Download Flier HERE