March Library Lecture: Starting Plants from Seed and Seed Swap

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

Bluebird House Workshop (3/9/2024)

Image Wikimedia Commons

You might think February is for the birds–and you are right–bluebirds! Bluebirds start to search for nesting locations this month. It’s time to put up your bluebird houses and invite them to your garden. In this workshop, you can build a bluebird house to take home.

Target ages: Adults and Children 5 years old and up. Must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

Cost: $25

Please note: Space is limited, so register now to save your seat.

Saturday, March 9, 2024
10:00-12:00 noon
Portsmouth VCE office grounds-outside (Rain Date 3/16)
105 Utah Street, Portsmouth

757-393-5314

Please note we do not accept credit/debit cards. Please enclose your check or money order made payable to PMGA (Portsmouth Master Gardeners Association) with your form. You may drop your registration and payment off at the Portsmouth Extension Office between 9AM and 5PM Monday through Friday at the address above.

February Garden Talk: Principles of Healthy Pruning

Should I prune in the fall, or in the spring before or after shrubs flower? How much can I cut back an overgrown bush? How can I get my flowering shrub to have more flowers? These and many more questions will be answered during this lecture which will cover how and when to prune deciduous shrubs and small trees in your landscape.

BONUS: Learn how not to commit “Crepe Murder” when pruning

Presented in conjunction with the PMG Tree Stewards.

Date: February 21st, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Churchland Branch Library

gardening gloves and tools
Photo by Susana MaRo on Pexels.com

Download Flier HERE

January Garden Talk: Holiday Cacti

Did you receive a Christmas Cactus during the holiday season? Are you SURE it is a Christmas Cactus and not a Thanksgiving Cactus? Join us at our January Library Lecture to find out and learn about how to care for and get them to bloom again. We will also talk about the elusive Easter cactus!

Date: January 17th, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Churchland Branch Library

Download Flier HERE

December Garden Talk: Holiday Plants & Spices

red flower in close up shot
Photo by Jeffry Surianto on Pexels.com

Spice Up your Holiday! – History of Seasonal Spices and Holiday Plants
Tis the season- to add spice to your life!
This lecture will cover history, legends and uses of the most popular culinary holiday spices. We will add some holiday history – “Is the Norfolk Island Pine really from Norfolk?” Where did the poinsettia originate? These combined lectures will talk about the history of some of our common holiday plants and spices used to decorate this season.

brown food
Photo by Public Domain Pictures on Pexels.com

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 13 , 2023
Time: 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Place: Portsmouth Public Library
Churchland Branch
4934 High Street West
Portsmouth, VA 23703

Download Flier HERE