May 2021 Newsletter

UVM Extension

Community Horticulture

Gardening, Citizen Science, Volunteering & Stewardship in Vermont

May| 2021| Newsletter

Upcoming Events

See what's happening this month

Classes for Everyone

See what's happening this month

Volunteer Projects

Resources here...

Volunteering Guidelines

More info here...

Save the Date for the 2021 Annual Conference!

November 5 &6, 2021

What's New?

Dear Volunteers & Supporters,

Welcome to a new gardening season! We hope that 2021 builds on the huge level of gardening interest and enthusiasim we saw last year.

Several new and exciting volunteer projects have recently launched. One of these is the Pollinator Working Group. The group's goal is to raise awareness about the importance of pollinator protection and pesticide reduction. If you are interested in learning more please contact, Cindy Heath.

Master Gardener Educators are currently in the middle of a 6-week educational series called “Learn to Grow Vegetables,” which features 10 short videos produced by UMAINE Extension followed by live Q & A sessions with Master Gardener educators, UVM faculty, and guests. To learn more go to classes for everyone.

In other news, the Master Gardener Helpline has undergone some new and exciting changes this spring. We are now using a remote system called, "Ask Extension," and we are currently looking for more volunteers to help out this season. Volunteers can now help to answer questions remotely from anywhere in the state.

Growing Up in the Garden

School gardens are nothing new. The first recorded school garden program in Europe was in 1811 and the first of the American school gardens was in 1891. Victory Gardens in the United States School Garden Army (USSGA) became popular during WWI. The goal was to incorporate an agriculture curriculum into public school education. At that time, the schools grew relief gardens during the Great Depression and they were used to raise the spirits of the local citizens and nourish the students and their families.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Lisa Chouinard.

It's hard to believe but the 2021 students are wrapping up the Master Gardener Course in just a few more weeks. With the pandemic restrictions loosening up, we are looking forward to the hands-on classes this summer at the Hort Farm. Be sure to check our website for scheduling updates.

This spring a group of Master Gardeners has been hard at work planning the annual conference. They have put together an amazing lineup of speakers. Be sure to read more about the 2021 Annual Conference on our website.

With gratitude for your continued dedication and support.

Happy Gardening!

~Ann, Beret, Lisa, Cindy

UVM Resources

Webinar addresses garden insects & diseases

It's tool time!

The Fantastic Chanticleer Gardens

Curious if that insect in your garden is friend or foe? Or what disease may be affecting the leaves of your favorite landscape plant?

Spring is a good time to clean and sharpen garden tools to keep them in working order.

Chanticleer, a garden estate in Wayne, Pennsylvania, offers visitors a number of themed gardens to explore, as well as strategically placed chairs and benches to sit and relax.

Volunteer Updates

Remembering

Mary Ann Castimore and Daryle Thomas

We lost two very special volunteers in 2020. Mary Ann Castimore passed away on December 26, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Daryle Thomas passed away on December 17, 2020. To find out more about Daryle and Maryann click on read more, then click on their names in the list.

Master Gardener Helpline

Due to UVM's COVID restrictions, our office is currently closed to the public. Ten of our dedicated Master Gardener volunteers are answering emails from home. If you have questions please fill out our online form and they will respond within 7-14 business days.

Visit our website

Search For Excellence Award

The David Gibby Search for Excellence (SFE) Awards recognize the outstanding volunteer work of Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) & Volunteer Coordinators throughout the United States, Canada, and South Korea.

Learn more

Partner Spotlights

2021 Vermont Organics Recycling Summit

Grow, Eat...COMPOST...

Repeat

Monday-Friday

May 3-7, 2021

Free

Program Details

Registration is now open for the 2021 International Master Gardener Conference

September 12-17, 2021.

Open to members of the public, Master Gardeners, and Extension specialists.

Registration is $150, with small additional fees for add-on workshops and t-shirts.

Learn more

Vermont Victory

Gardens Continues in 2021

Would you like to help others grow more food?

The COVID pandemic revealed the extent of hunger in Vermont. Before it started, more than 70,000 Vermonters were already accessing local, state, and federal food programs due to food insecurity. Please consider joining Vermont Victory Gardens this year and help us alleviate hunger in Vermont.

Learn More

We need your help to keep growing.

Please consider making a small donation today!