The Master Gardeners participate in a variety of volunteer programs in the community.
The Teaching Garden – our outdoor classroom located in Bristow that is used for monthly classes (“Saturday in the Garden”) and educational tours to teach best practices for landscapes. Importantly, used for hands-on training for MG veterans during the growing season. For more information click on Teaching Garden link above.
Sustainable Vegetable Gardening Series of classes – a popular winter series of classes on organic vegetable gardening for the home gardener. This series continues with our Saturday in the Garden programs at the Teaching Garden.
Plant a Row for the Hungry– MGVs and Vulcan Quarry (Manassas) employees collect and deliver over 100,000 lbs of produce annually from Farmers’ Market vendors at the Dale City and Manassas Farmers’ Markets to needy families through food local food pantries.
Clinics – MGVs answer customers’ questions with research based information at garden centers and Farmers’ Markets
Extension Horticulture Help Desk– Hotline staffed by Master Gardener Volunteers to answer plant, insect and wildlife questions, posed by citizens of the Prince William area – Monday – Friday for 3 hours shifts daily. Mastergardener@pwcgov.org 703-792-7747
BEST Landscapes/Lawns – A Virginia Healthy Lawn Program – MGVs teach turf fertilization, maintenance practices, and timing that prevents problems and protect local waterways too for a fee of $25. A certified nutrient plan, with excellent explanation of techniques for each homeowner is provided. For more information see the BEST Lawns link under “Our Programs” For an application or questions 703-792-7747 or BESTLawns@pwcgov.org
Community Classes and “Saturday in the Garden“- many free classes are offered during each year on sustainable landscaping to homeowners. Saturday in the Garden classes are held monthly at the Teaching Garden – April – October. Sign up for classes or events. or see our “Calendar” on this website.
Community and School Garden Support – Staff and Master Gardener Volunteers provide annual in-service training for teachers in PWC, Manassas and Manassas Park, in cooperation with PWCPS. Site visits to schools or community organizations are offered, followed with a written report. Master Gardeners provide mentor-ship for educators and community organizations. In 2016-2017 MGPW offered grants for new and existing school and community gardens.
Wildlife Sanctuary Certification Program – site visits by Master Gardener Volunteers trained to evaluate properties and meet with homeowners about how to make landscapes more wildlife friendly. For more information see the Wildlife Sanctuary Certification link under “Our Programs”
YES Team (Youth Education Services) Master Gardeners teach children and accompanying adults lessons on soil, horticulture and environmental stewardship through Prince William Public Library System’s Summer Quest Reading Program and Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District’s Meaningful Watershed Experiences and Farm Field Days. Periodically Master Gardener Volunteers are featured speakers at other events, such as Scouts, school and community garden programs and at our Teaching Garden.
Neighborhood Plant Experts – Master Gardeners serve their in their neighborhoods to answer questions with research based information.
Storm water Site visits – Staff and MGV offer site visits to business and non- profits to provide landscaping solutions to minimize erosion and property damage due to storm water. This service is followed with a written report to the client.
To find out more about any of these programs, contact us at mastergardener@pwcgov.org.