Category Archives: Garden Talks

Monthly talks on horticulture topics.

June Garden Talk: Drought Tolerant Plants

Posted on by

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.

close up of a butterfly sitting on a flower
Photo by Brent Alan on Pexels.com

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

May Garden Talk: Outstanding Roses Culture & Care

Posted on by

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!”

close up of pink roses bush
Photo by Мария Сусоева on Pexels.com

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

Spring Open Garden and Plant Sale

Posted on by

Spring Open Garden & Plant Sale

Join us Saturday, May 4th, for our biggest event of the spring!
We will be open from 9 AM – 1 PM with:

  • Annuals, perennials, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs
  • Bring your wagon to carry your treasures!
  • Have ailing plants? The Plant Doctors will be on-site to answer questions.
  • Soil testing information available
  • Receive information on how to become a Master Gardener
  • Stroll through the gardens and visit our Bee and Chicken booths.

Date Saturday, May 4, 2024
Time 9AM – 1PM
Place VCE Portsmouth Office
105 Utah Street

CASH, CHECK, and CHARGE CARDS ACCEPTED

Download Flier HERE

April Garden Talk: Starting a Vegetable Garden (and Sneak Peek at our Spring Plant Sale)

Posted on by

A gardening lecture on how to start a vegetable garden. Whether starting a vegetable garden from scratch or for a new season with an existing garden, we will discuss techniques to get the most from your vegetable garden. We will also give a preview of some of the unique and interesting plants that we will have available at our May open garden plant sale. You don’t want to miss it!

Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels.com

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

Download Flier HERE

March Library Lecture: Starting Plants from Seed and Seed Swap

Posted on by

Learn how and when to start new vegetables and flowers from seed! We will discuss the cultural conditions necessary for starting new plants from seed and how to transplant them into the garden later. We will also offer tips and suggestions for germinating unusual or difficult seeds….and bring your extra seed packets and exchange them for new ones.

close up shot of seedlings on a seedling tray
Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels.com

Date Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Place Portsmouth Public Library
Churchland Branch
4934 High Street West

Download Flier HERE