2008

 

January February March

April May June

July August September

October November December

 

Useful Links and Information (See Calendar of Events below)

Andre Viette Farm and Nursery www.Viette.com

Virginia Garden Week www.VAGardenWeek.org/

Wintergreen Nature Foundation www.twnf.org

Ivy Creek Natural Area avenue.org/icf

Monticello www.monticello.org

Monticello Garden Center Calendar http://www.monticello.org/grounds/saturdays.html 

Maymont Garden Center  www.maymont.org

Nature Camp http://www.naturecamp.net

Piedmont Environmental Council http://www.pecva.org/

United States Botanic Garden www.usbg.gov 

Albemarle County Extension Service
To become involved with the next Albemarle County Master Gardener program in January, call the Virginia Cooperative Extension at (434) 984-0727.  This program consists of a series of lectures on topics such as botany and landscape design, as well as 50 hours of community service.  This year the program cost is $175.00, which pays for books and horticulture magazine subscriptions.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, a government organization, offers educational programs in areas such as agiculture, natural resources, family and nutrition.

Horticulture Help Desk
The Horticulture Help Desk is staffed weekly by Piedmont Master Gardener volunteers to answer your questions about garden topics related to horticulture. If you need help, call The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 804-984-0727.

Nellie Hough Memorial Gardening Course 2008
To Be Announced

 

January

Charlottesville and State

  

 

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February

Charlottesville and State

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March

Charlottesville and State

March 6, 13, 20, 27
Piedmont Master Gardener Association
Spring Garden Lecture Series
Speakers:
March 6th: "Monarch Butterflies" - Nancy Newman, Outreach Educator, Virginia Museum of Natural History
March 13th: "Moss Gardening" - Norie Burnet, Master Gardener and Educator
March 20th: "Water-Wise Gardening" - Mike Andruczyk, Cooperative Extension Horticulture Agent, Chesapeake Bay
March 27th: "Landscaping Your Home Beautifully and Wisely" - Marc McVicker, Conservationist, Horticulturalist and Landscape Designer
Location: Albemarle County Office Bldg, Room A, 5th Street Extended, Charlottesville, VA
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $8/lecture, $25 for entire series, pre-registration strongly advised
Website: www.piedmontmastergardeners.org
For information call 434-872-4580

March 11
Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Where Have All the Bees Gone?
Speaker: Davis Hackenberg
Sponsor: Ballyshannon Fund,
Forum at Piedmont Virginia Community College
Honeybees are the thermometer of the environment. If honeybees are having a problem surviving, what could this mean for people? A little more than a year ago, a mysterious ailment destroyed nearly three-quarters of the hives owned by veteran commercial beekeeper David Hackenberg. This was a major blow for his business which includes the sale of honey and a traveling pollination business. Hackenberg, a former president of the American Beekeeping Federation and member of the National Honey Board wiil speak about bees and what needs to be done to find the answers to this problem.
Place: PVCC Main Building Auditorium
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Admission Free

March 15
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Apple Grafting Workshop
Skill at grafting is the true mark of gardening expertise, and it is one of the most satisfying of the horticultural arts. But it's also easy to learn and fun to do. Nurseryman Tom Burford will lead us through this two-hour workshop designed for the novice propagator. Participants will learn the basic bench graft for apple trees. Bring only your thin-bladed pocketknife (the secret is a sharp knife) and a pair of hand pruners. Leave with your own grafted apple tree.
Reservations required; call 434-984-9822.
Place: Tufton Farm
Time:9:30 a.m.
Fee: $10.
For more information, www.monticello.org

March 22
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Starting a Vineyard
Gabriele Rausse, Monticello's Associate Director of Gardens and Grounds and the Dean of Virginia wine-makers, will lead this workshop in the Monticello vineyards. He'll discuss the basic principles of grape growing -- varietal and site selection, trellis systems, soil preparation, propagation, planting, pruning, pest control, and harvesting -- and provide beginning grape growers a foundation in serious viticulture. Reservations required. Call (434) 984-9822. Meets at the Monticello Garden Shop's temporary location, 9:30 a.m. $10.
Reservations required; call 434-984-9822.
Place:Monticello Garden Shop's Temporary Location
Time:9:30 a.m.
Fee: $10.
For more information, www.monticello.org

March 29
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Pruning and Propagating Historic Roses
Old roses possess a grace, charm, and beauty unique among cultivated garden plants. Join CHP horticulturist, Dennis Whetzel, for a workshop devoted to the practical care of these plants, and the ways to start your own through cuttings or from seeds. Learn as you go in the diverse venue of the gardens at Tufton Farm. Bring your hand pruners and a pair of gloves.
Reservations required; call 434-984-9822.
Place: Tufton Farm
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Fee: $10
For more information, www.monticello.org

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April                        

Charlottesville and State

April 1-3
Daffodil Flower Show
Garden Club of Northern Neck
Whitestone Church of the Nazarene

April 19-22
Historic Garden Week
Charlottesville/Albemarle Area
For more information, click here

April 19-26
Historic Garden Week in Virginia
For more information, click here

April 5 , 12 , 19
Spring Wildflower Walks
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
These three-hour hikes through the woodlands of Monticello to the Rivanna River are a perennial favorite of hikers and native plant enthusiasts alike. Learn and enjoy the botanical treasures of early spring: trout lilies, Virginia blue bells, spring beauties, and more. Be prepared for a strenuous trek, uphill climbs, and an intimate view of the wild Monticello, particularly the lovely plant communities along the river. Walks will be led by Peggy Cornett, Peter Hatch, Dr. Linda Johnson, Kate Meyer, and Kristin Taverna. Place: Meets at the Garden Shop's temporary location.
Time: Two sessions each Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Reservations required; For more information: 434-984-9822 or www.monticello.org
Fee: $10.

April 12, 2008
"Through the Garden Gate"--a series of monthly tours from April to September of private informal gardens in the greater Charlottesville area
Sponsor: Piedmont Garden Club
"Grand View"
648 Dry Bridge Road
Ivy, Virginia
Owner, Jay Y. Gillenwater
In 1978, the Gillenwaters purchased thirty-seven acres of woods on a hilltop with views of the Blue Ridge and Ragged mountains. In the 1700s, the land had been an apple and peach orchard owned by the Meriwether Lewis family. Initially, gardens were developed around the house, trees were cut to open up mountain views, and five acres around the house were planted with azaleas and rhododendrons. In 1984, oriental gardens were developed in front of the house using large boulders of soapstone from Schuyler, Virginia. In both 1986 and 1987, the Gillenwaters obtained 400 rhododendrons from the Hachmann nursery in Germany. In 1988, the first greenhouses were started and presently there are eight greenhouses on the property. In 1988, a two acre pond was added. Finally, in 2006, the Gillenwaters purchased an additional 4.2 acres of land across the road and developed gardens with a stream, waterfall and a pond.
Garden is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $5 per person
Directions: 1-64 west to exit 114. Turn left on Rt.637 (Dick Woods Road) and proceed for 1.7 miles. Turn right on Rt. 708 (Dry Bridge Road) and follow for 1.5 miles. House and nursery are on the left.
From Charlottesville the house can also be reached by taking 250 west; turn left on Rt. 676 (Tilman Road). Go 1 block and turn right on Rt. 738 (Morgantown Road). Go 1 block and turn left on Rt. 708 (Dry Bridge Road). Stay left past the top of the hill. The house is on the west side of the road. Parking is in the driveway across the road or at the nursery.

April 22
Thomas Jefferson, Gardener
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
In honor of Historic Garden Week, Peter Hatch, Monticello's Director of Gardens and Grounds, will present an illustrated lecture discussing the themes that defined Thomas Jefferson's passion for horticulture. He’ll also compare the various garden recreations that have taken place at Monticello and review the evolution of fruits, flowers, and vegetables in American gardens. A tour of the Monticello gardens and landscape will follow.
Place:Monticello Visitors Center
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Fee: No charge or registration required, but space is limited.
For More Information: www.monticello.org, 434-984-9822

April 24
Monticello's Center for Historic Plants
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Peggy Cornett, Director of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, will survey the historic horticultural collections of this unique program to preserve the plants of the past. Peggy will help celebrate Historic Garden Week in Virginia with a combination illustrated lecture and tour of the Center's Tufton Farm nursery. 2 p.m., Monticello Visitors Center.
Place: Monticello Visitors Center
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Fee: No charge or registration required, and plants will be offered.
For More Information: www.monticello.org, 434-984-9822

April 26
Vegetable Garden Workshop
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Learn the fundamentals of vegetable gardening from a seasoned pro, Monticello Vegetable Gardener Rob Brown, a market gardener for 30 years and the anchor of the Charlottesville Farmer’s Market. Rob will review the basic principles of soil preparation, varietal selection, planting, pest control, fertilization, and harvesting. Participants will then visit the Monticello Kitchen Garden for on-site instruction.
Place: Meets at the Monticello Garden Shop's temporary location,
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Fee: $10
For more information: www.monticello.org, 434-984-9822

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May

Charlottesville and State

May 10
"Through the Garden Gate"--A series of monthly tours from April to September of private informal gardens in the greater Charlottesville area.
Sponsor: Piedmont Master Gardeners
Home of Barbara and Rick Bowie
3201 Shannon Drive
Keswick, VA
Enter through an antique wrought iron gate, circa early 1900's, into a garden which is a beautiful mix of old established plants and shrubs such as the espaliered pyrocantha, the beautifully shaped Japanese Red Maple and deep purple clematis, all over 30 years old, to the dwarf Japanese Green Maple planted last fall in its own rock-lined raised garden. Enjoy the streams and waterfall in the water garden. Throughout the garden you can find interesting accent pieces made from "found" items mixed in with pieces of modern metal art. Many of the plantings are transplants from New England and the Midwest which bring the Bowies fond memories of old friends and past homes. Over the past two years, the gardens have been completely reshaped and redesigned to allow them to be used and enjoyed by family and friends. All four generations of the Bowie clan gather regularly to visit, enjoy a game of badminton or croquet on the enclosed lawns, swim or watch the fish in the water garden. There is always time to stroll around the grounds to see the latest things in bloom. While wandering, enjoy the "quiet area"--a niche on the edge of the woods designed for contemplation or quiet talk.
Garden is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $5 per person
Directions: From 1-64, take 250 east for 1.5 miles to the stoplight at North Milton Drive (Rt. 729) and 250. Stay on 250. After 500 yards, turn right into Shadwell Estates (Rt. 709--Shadwell Road). Follow the signs. Please park on the right side of Shadwell Road or Shannon Drive

May 10
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Parkway Children's Nature Walk
Twigs, leaves, animal tracks; big trees and little flowers; the five senses: all parents want their kids to open up to the wonders of the natural world. Parkway Manager, Jason Stevens, an experienced educator with a wide-eyed sensitivity to the curious details of nature, will lead this fun and engaging hike along Saunders-Monticello trail. Reservations required. Meets at the Parkway Lower Trailhead, 9:30 a.m. $10.
For More Information or Reservations: 434- 984-9822

May 17
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Montalto Trek
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation recently purchased what locals called "Brown’s Mountain," but what Jefferson named Montalto, or "high mountain." Join Peter Hatch for a strenuous, 1,000-foot-vertical hike, the long way up (but the short way down). We’ll walk through mature hardwood to learn forest dynamics, then break into cleared pastureland with unobstructed views of Albemarle County, the Blue Ridge mountains, and, of course, Monticello. Only from Montalto can one understand the geographic scope of Jefferson’s property and farms. A 2.5-hour trek only for the fittest. Reservations required. Meets at the Thomas Jefferson Parkway Lower Trailhead, 9:30 a.m. $10.
For More Information or Reservations: 434- 984-9822

May 24
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Center for Historic Plants Open House Lectures
Michael Twitty, will deliver the Lynn Richmond Memorial Lecture honoring Monticello’s former Vegetable Gardener: “Growing Home, The African Virginian Presence in Historic Gardens and Food.” Mr. Twitty will celebrate the historical traditions that bring together African American gardens and good food, two topics that engaged the passions of Lynn Richmond. At 10:30 our friend Douglas Seidel will discuss “The Legacy of Léonie Bell” on the 10th anniversary of the installation of the Léonie Bell Rose Garden at CHP’s Tufton Farm. Ms. Bell was one of the great rosarians of the 20th century. Meets at the Jefferson Libary. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. (but pre-registration is encouraged); the program lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Boxed lunches are available by request for those attending the Open House at CHP by calling (434) 984-9822. $10
For More Information or Reservations: 434- 984-9822

May 24
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Center for Historic Plants Open House
The 16th annual open house at Tufton Farm will feature the rose, iris, and Dianthus collections in full bloom, and informal tours of the CHP nursery. Doug Seidel and CHP's assistant nursery manager, Dennis Whetzel, will conduct an informal workshop on propagation and identification of old and found roses. The public is encouraged to bring their mystery roses for the experts to identify. Refreshments will be served, gift plants distributed, and roses, iris, and selected perennials will be offered for sale to our special guests from the horticultural community. Call (434) 984-9816 for further information. Noon to 4 p.m. Free.

May 31
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Painting and Sketching in the Garden
Join Debbie Donley, Monticello’s Flower Gardener and a professional artist, for this painting workshop in the flower and vegetable gardens of Monticello. She will demonstrate both simple line drawing with pen and ink and basic water color techniques. Participants will be encouraged to examine and portray the botanical details of the flowers and vegetables. All materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own for this morning-long workshop. Meets at the Monticello Garden Shop's temporary location, 9:30 a.m. Reservations required. $10
For More Information or Reservations: 434- 984-9822

 

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June

Charlottesville and State

June 7
Saturdays in the Garden
Sponsor: Monticello
Edible Plants in the Ornamental Garden
Few vegetable gardeners tend their gardens solely for the edible harvests; some like the process of gardening itself while others reap the functional beauty of their efforts. So many edible plants have striking ornamental qualities – whether a happy growth habit, contrasting foliage, curious texture, or colorful flowers. Maggie Stemann Thompson will discuss and illustrate her favorite edible plants that can contribute visual vitality to the flower garden. A walk through the Monticello Kitchen Garden will reveal some of these beauties on site. Reservations required. Meets at Monticello Garden Shop's temporary location, 9:30 a.m.; 2.5 hours. $10.
For More Information or Reservations: 434- 984-9822

June 14
"Through the Garden Gate"-a series of monthly tours from April to September of private informal gardens in the greater Charlottesville area.
Sponsored by Albemarle Garden Club
Home of Karen and Lem Lilleleht
2984 Mechum Banks Drive
Charlottesville, Virginia
This garden in the woods contains a number of beds using native and exotic plants in a variety of microclimates, with no lawn grass. The garden is designed to be pleasing from inside the hose as well as from outside. There is a play area for grandchildren built by the owners in a natural setting, from which a path leads down to the river and a children's labyrinth in the meadow. This garden is an ongoing adventure.
Garden is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost:$5 per person
Directions: Go west on Barracks/Garth Road, past Foxfield, to Decca Lane; left on Decca to Mechum Banks Drive, right to the fourth house on the right
Alternate route: Go west on Rt. 250 (Ivy Rd) to Owensville Rd; right on Owensville 1.9 miles past Tilman Rd. to Decca Lane, left on Decca, a bit over a mile, to Mechum Banks Dr., left to the fourth house on the right.

June 14
"Through the Garden Gate"--a series of monthly tours from April to September of private informal gardens in the greater Charlottesville area.
Sponsored by Albemarle Garden Club
Home of Carolyn and Bill Achenbach
3024 Mechum Banks Drive
Charlottesville,
For the past fifteen years, Carolyn and Bill Achenbach have tried to create a personal, park-like setting, incorporating the extensive mountain view at its outer perimeter and articulating various degrees of formality within a woodland patch. Paths of Terra stone meander through trees underplanted with native shrubs and woodland plants, specimen ornamentals and blankets of bulbs and wildflowers, perennials and ground covers. Gold fish and lily ponds punctuate both the front and the back woodlands, while a walled perennial bed straddles the sun-lit back yard. Boxwood enclose a back patio, while more informal seating and benches dot the property for the visitor's enjoyment.
Garden is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $5 per person
Directions: Go west on Barracks/Garth Road, past Foxfield, to Decca Lane; left on Decca to Mechum Banks; right to the very end of Mechum Banks, continuing past the cul de sac or west on 250 (Ivy Road) to Owensville Road 1.9 miles, past Tilman to Decca Lane; left on Decca, a bit over a mile, to Mechum Banks; left to the very end of Mechum Banks, continuing past the cul de sac

June 18-19
GCV Lily Show
Sponsor: Winchester-Clarke Garden Club

 

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July

Charlottesville and State

July 12
"Through the Garden Gate"-a series of monthly tours from April to September of private informal gardens in the greater Charlottesville area.
Sponsor: Monticello Garden Club
Home of Lew Weber
2186 Woodburn Road
Charlottesville, VA
Lew Weber's gardens are on a 5 and a half acre parcel of land. The front yard is framed by American and English boxwoods with one of the largest specimen of White Oaks in Albemarle County. The driveway is lined with "Burning Bushes". Planting of trees include Atlanta Cedars, White and Red Redbuds, Beech. Weeping Willows, a Catawba tree with a carved face on it, Japanese Maples, Stewartias, and many more.
Many cactus plants fill two gardens. Seven varieties of Witch Hazel and four types of yucca are just a few of the many variety of plants. A fenced garden for cut flowers is surrounded by roses and clematis. Numerous meadow gardens are found at the back of the property with cornflowers, irises, grasses, crape myrtle, dogwood bushes, hellebores, pussy willows, and many more. A climbing wisteria covers a crow's nest and a pergola. A wonderful pitcher plant garden fronts one of the two ponds. The yard is full of wonderful creations such as painted driftwood, totems made out of stovepipes, painted rocks, and other whimsical objects. A beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a pine forest and other trees outline the back of the property.
Garden is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $5 per person
Directions: Take 29 North to Rio Road (near Fashion Square Mall), turn left (west) on Rio Road. Turn right onto Woodburn Road which is the second road on the right. Go .8 of a mile; house is on the left, with a rock fence and small sign the says "Weber, 2186. If you come to a water tower, you have gone 2 blocks too far. Turn in the driveway of the house and drive to the back for parking in the field.


 

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August

Charlottesville and State

 

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September

Charlottesville and State

September 13
"Through the Garden Gate:--a series of monthly tours from April to September of private informal gardens in the greater Charlottesville area.
Sponsor: Piedmont Master Gardeners
Home of Ted Peters
108 Warren Lane
Charlottesville, VA
"Fleurjolie" is a lovely garden started by Gladys Peters in 1964. She was inspired by Warren Cloud's garden next door. For 35 years, she designed, improved and maintained the garden. Gladys' son, Ted Peters, assisted his mother with some aspects of the garden and now maintains it himself full time. "Fleurjolie" is on an acre of land which contains azaleas, rhododendrons, conifers, crape myrtle, boxwoods, and many other shrubs. Ted also has a number of perennials and seven dahlia beds. There are a stream,a pond and even a waterfall in years with sufficient rain. Paths run through these gardens with many areas landscaped with uncommon plants. If the deer allow, there should be some colorful dahlia beds in full bloom. Each visitor will get to vote for his or her favorite dahlia bloom. Visitors will also be offered a hardy potted begonia, "Evansiana", from the garden. This plant does well in almost any place in a garden, including shade. Additional plants will be given away as gate prizes.
Garden is open from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost: $5 per person
Directions: From the 250 Bypass take Meadowbrook Heights Road. Go north through the stop sign at Grove Road. Turn right after 1/10th of a mile at Warren Lane (just before the white picket fence). 108 Warren Lane, a white cape cod house, is the second house on the right. Park on Warren Lane or Meadowbrook Heights Road.

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October

Charlottesville and State

 

October 3-4
GCV Rose Show
Sponsor: Middle Peninsula Garden Club

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November

Charlottesville and State


 

 

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December

Charlottesville and State

 

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