VCE Loudoun Master Gardeners

05/29/2026

How will Loudoun County meet growing energy demands while protecting the natural resources that make our county special?

Join the 2026 Energy & Environment Forum: “Powering Loudoun” TOMORROW, Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Academies of Loudoun (42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg).

The forum will feature a keynote address from the Chair of Virginia’s State Corporation Commission, offering insights into energy policy, utility regulation, and the challenges facing Virginia’s electric grid. Attendees will also hear from experts representing industry, environmental organizations, utilities, and local government during panel discussions focused on meeting Loudoun’s growing energy needs and balancing energy development with environmental stewardship. The event concludes with a community town hall where residents can share their perspectives on Loudoun’s energy and environmental future.

This free event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and engage in the conversation about the future of energy and sustainability in Loudoun County. Learn more at -

The Loudoun County Environmental Commission hosts an annual forum for the community to explore a variety of topics related to energy and the environment.

05/26/2026

Over the last two weeks, Master Gardener volunteers in the demonstration garden at Ida Lee Park have been hard at work preparing for the summer growing season and keeping the gardens looking their best!

In the vegetable garden, beds were prepared for summer planting, trellises and supports were installed for climbing crops, squash was transplanted, potatoes were hilled, cucumber and pole bean areas were readied, and pathways, and several beds received needed weeding and maintenance.

Throughout the ornamental areas, volunteers completed general cleanup and weeding, edged the west border, pruned freeze-damaged boxwoods, cleaned up the pollinator bed, repainted the children’s garden steppingstones, refreshed the rain barrel screens, and weeded around the water cabana and bird garden.

We also had a few exciting signs of wildlife in the garden — a bird’s nest discovered in the pollinator bed was carefully left undisturbed, and the bluebird house near the bird garden is now occupied!

Thank you to all the volunteers who continue to help maintain and improve the demo garden each week.

05/16/2026

What if the future of plant health care isn’t about doing more, but diagnosing better?

The tree care industry is shifting toward a more intentional, diagnostic approach to PHC, focusing on soil health, root causes and long-term tree preservation instead of quick fixes. From advanced diagnostics to smarter workflows, arborists across the industry are redefining what proactive care looks like.

Read how leading professionals are changing the conversation around PHC and why this shift could mean stronger outcomes for trees, clients and businesses alike - https://hubs.li/Q04gkwsV0

05/14/2026

Important message about how to properly water during a drought.

Many portions of Virginia are still experiencing a severe drought with another week of hot dry weather on the horizon! If you are not under water restrictions or if you harvest rain water in a rain barrel, you might be watering your landscape this week.

Ensure that water goes to your plant's roots and is not lost to evaporation by watering deeply at the base of your plant, avoiding sprinklers, and applying sufficient water to thoroughly soak into the soil (not just a little sprinkle on the surface!).

Learn more here: https://go.vt.edu/uo6yw

Image text: Water early: Irrigate in the morning when temperatures are cooler to reduce loss from evaporation.

Target the roots: Apply water directly at the base of the plant.

Avoid sprinklers: Sprinklers are prone to water loss from wind drift and evaporation. Studies estimate that 20 to 30 percent of water applied via daytime sprinklers is lost before it reaches the roots.

Water deeply: Ensure moisture reaches the entire root ball rather than just the surface.

Learn more: https://go.vt.edu/uo6yw

05/07/2026

Much of our area experienced freeze or frost damage following the cold overnight temperatures from April 19–21. Damaged plants may still show blackened, scorched, or wilted leaves and buds — especially on young or newly planted ornamentals.

Frost damage can vary across your property. Lower areas often collect colder air, while higher slopes may have stayed a bit warmer during the freeze event.

The good news, many woody plants and perennials can recover with time. Experts from the University of Maryland recommend being patient before heavy pruning or replacing plants. Some perennials may regrow from the crown or roots, and woody plants often push out new growth from older stems.

A few key tips:
- Wait before replacement or pruning. Avoid immediate pruning of damaged foliage.
- Watch perennials for regrowth from the crown or roots.
- Allow older stems to send out new growth before pruning back to healthy wood.
- Water plants as necessary to allow better regrowth and lessen plant stress, especially during this ongoing drought.
- Monitor plant fertility. Consider fertilizing if needed to help plants regrow new shoots and leaves.

While the damage may look severe now, many plants are more resilient than they appear.

05/06/2026

Discover the Importance of Pollinators - Honeybees!

Pollinators are essential to the health of our local ecosystems and food systems here in Loudoun County. Join the Loudoun County Master Gardeners at Sweet Run State Park for “Powerful Pollinators,” an educational presentation focused on the vital role honeybees play in supporting our gardens, orchards, and wild landscapes.

Whether you’re a home gardener, landowner, or simply interested in honeybees, this is an excellent opportunity to learn how bees support us.

Where:
Program Location: Interpretive Center
Main Park Address: Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro, VA 20132.

When:
May 9, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Learn more and register here:

Join us for a special pollinator program celebrating the remarkable honeybee, led by Master Gardener Joe Guirreri. Discover how honeybees support our gardens, orchards, and wild landscapes and explore the vital role these tiny workers play in sustaining healthy ecosystems. This engaging, family-frie...

05/05/2026

Let’s hope we get at least a little rain tomorrow!

You have probably heard that Virginia is experiencing drought. Most of the state is officially classified as experiencing "severe drought" with a small section of south central Virginia in an "extreme drought."
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality monitors our drought conditions and is meeting regularly to assess the situation. You can view their data monitoring groundwater and streamflow here: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity/drought

From the most recent drought report: "Recent precipitation has been below normal throughout the Commonwealth, especially in the central and southern regions of the state. Soil moisture conditions are much below normal statewide, with significant drying occurring during the past two weeks. Streamflow levels are well below normal, with numerous stream gages in the Dan, New, and Rappahannock River basins setting provisional single-day record lows. Groundwater levels have declined across the Commonwealth and are much below normal in northern areas of the state, along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and around the City of Roanoke. In addition to significantly warmer than normal temperatures, most of the Commonwealth is forecasted to see less than a tenth of an inch of rain in the next week.

DEQ is working with local governments, public water works, and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed. Localities and residents that are supplied water from the Potomac River should consult the Metropolitan Washington Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan for specific triggers and actions to be taken. All Virginians are encouraged to conserve water supplies by minimizing water use, monitoring drought conditions, and detecting and repairing leaks."

05/02/2026

What’s Bugging Your Garden? Let’s Find Out TODAY!

Come listen to one of our very own Loudoun County Master Gardeners speak about good and bad bugs today from 3:30-4:30pm at Sweet Run State Park!

Not all insects in your garden are pests, some are actually your best allies. Join us for an engaging and educational program, “What’s Bugging Your Garden? Good Bug or Bad Bug?”, where you’ll learn how to tell the difference and make smarter, more sustainable gardening decisions.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, understanding the role of insects is key to a healthy, thriving garden.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a Master Gardener and take your gardening knowledge to the next level!

Get full event details here: https://shorturl.at/q3mIG

Not all bugs are created equal! Join us for an engaging and informative program exploring the difference between beneficial insects and those that can cause damage in the garden. Learn how to recognize common garden insects, understand the important roles they play, and discover simple ways to suppo...

05/02/2026

Have a gardening question? Our Master Gardeners are out today at Lowes in Sterling, the Leesburg Farmers Market, and the Southern States in Purcellville.

- Leesburg Farmers Market – Virginia Village Shopping Center, Catoctin Circle SE. – 8AM to noon.
- Sterling, Lowes at Dulles Crossing Plaza – 9AM to 1PM.
- Purcellville, Southern States, 261 N 21st St – 9AM to 1PM.

Our Master Gardeners will be at these locations, at these exact times, every Saturday through the end of October. So come with your questions and we’ll be happy to answer them.

04/24/2026

Closing out the week of thanks for our exceptional VCE Loudoun Master Gardener Volunteers, we thank you for your passion and commitment to making the environment a better place for us and future generations. Happy National Volunteer Week!