Members' Journal

Garden Club Programs

Water Gardening - Liz Dunn
As a VCE Master Gardener, I have given programs on Water Gardening to local Garden Clubs. Basic information is given for both Tub Water Gardening as well as In-Ground Water Gardening with a focus on ways that the water garden can become the focal point for backyard conservation. I discuss how the water garden can look wonderful in a drought (by simply topping off your water garden with a hose every week or so) or in rainy seasons (water plants look great when other perennials suffer with too much water). Handouts include such things as a Backyard Conservation booklet provided by the local Soil and Water Conservation District, planting instructions for many aquatic plants, and my own suggestions for getting the most out of your water feature.

Habitat for Humanity Project - Nan Colvin

The Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners has landscaped the last two homes built by the Farmville Area Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization whose mission is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness by making decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. It builds adequate, affordable houses in partnership with homeowners, volunteers, and donors. Houses are sold to the homeowner at no profit and with no-interest mortgages.

A landscape plan for each house which included drive way with a turn-around area, front entrance walk, foundation plantings and trees was designed by our members. The installation work involved the homeowners, as well as, volunteers who were taught correct planting techniques by master gardeners. Many of the plants were donated from the gardens of members, and others were purchased with Master Gardener funds.

Descriptions and care needed for each of the plants in the landscape plan was complied into a notebook for each homeowner. Additional general care information from Virginia Cooperative Extension publications was also included.

It is hoped that this work of landscaping the new Habitat for Humanity homes and helping the families learn proper care and maintenance of their landscapes will continue in the years to come.

Field Trips

Lavender Fields, May 17, 2005 - Carolyn Wells

Alice Metts and Mary Lee Dimmie with a new friend in front of the gift shop.

last updated on 3/12/07