The Patrick County Master Gardeners celebrated a successful 2023. Multiple Educational Programs were presented at the Learning Garden, Blue Ridge Regional Library., Landmark, STEP, Farmers Market, WHEO, Streamside Trees in the Classroom. as well as schools in Patrick and Henry counties, educational articles were written for The Enterprise, and a seed library was maintained at the library.
Gardens were built and maintained on Main Street Stuart, Books. Blooms and Bugs Garden children’s garden at the library, STEP garden Stuart, Landmark sensory garden. Reynolds Homestead and Farmers Market herb gardens and gardens at Meadows of Dan Elementary School. Master Gardeners are also working on a Native Plant Trail in Fairy Stone State Park.
Two plant sales were held, and the group also participated in the Mistletoe Market, Monsters on Mainstreet and Festival of Lights.
More than $5,000 was donated back to the community to a scholarship and community nonprofit organizations including the Blue Ridge Library, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Girl Scout Troop 342, PAWs, Special Olympics, PC Alzheimer’s Group LLC, and Christmas Cheer.
The following Master Gardeners received lifetime volunteer milestone awards for 250 hours: Sylvia Cummings, Ed Coleman. Robin Reichert and Dee Nolan; Janice Woods was recognized for 500 hours, and Norma Bozenmayer for 1,000 hours.
The Master Gardener training course was completed by Carrie Ingals, Angie Dribben. Hannah Vinova and Kristine Adel.
Rita Browning and Kristine Adel completed all the requirements to become Master Gardeners and were awarded their green aprons and badges.
If interested in becoming a Master gardener, or to get on our email list, email mgpcva@gmail.com.
Mark your calendar for the following dates next year:
January 27 and Feb 10 – educational programs will be presented at the library at 11 a.m. and the group’s annual Gardening Symposium will be held at Patrick and Henry Community College Stuart on March 9.
The Master Gardeners would like to thank the community for your support of our programs and wish you a safe and happy 2024.
