Spring to Green

The Danville Master Gardeners and Virginia Cooperative Extension present the Thirteenth (13th) annual Spring to Green

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Olde Dominion Agriculture Complex, Chatham, Virginia

SPEAKERS - VENDORS - SWAG BAGS

RAFFLE - DOOR PRIZES - FOOD AND DRINKS

Spend the day and leave with practical know-how and fresh inspiration

• Learn how to turn your yard into a pollinator paradise
• Master soil health and nutrient balance in your beds
• Discover simple ways to support native bees at home
• Add garden color that shines through winter

This Danville Master Gardener and VCE annual event is an educational conference focused on horticulture and sustainable gardening practices.

Get ready to immerse yourself in an education-filled day with 3 interesting speakers... shop a variety of vendors in our 'Vendor Market'... and have the opportunity to connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Join us for a celebration of all things green and blooming as we kick off the Spring season in style. Check in starts at 8 and opening remarks will be at 9. See you there!

A few things to remember:

• SWAG BAG will be given to each paid participant at registration
• MORNING SNACKS & LUNCH will be provided
• BRING A JACKET as this large space gets too cool for some
• PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CUP as we are trying to 'Be Green' and cut down on our carbon footprint by reducing disposable cups, etc. (If you bring your own cup, you will receive an additional door prize ticket!!!)

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the USDA, and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility .

Keynote Speaker, Peggy Singlemann - Host of PBS/VPM’s Virginia Home Grown since 2016, award-winning horticulturist, and former Maymont Director of Horticulture.

"Making Your Garden a Pollinator's Paradise" - Your garden will truly come to life when you move beyond the basics and focus on supporting its most essential visitors: pollinators. This program explores how to create a pollinator-friendly garden by fully understanding their needs. You'll learn practical strategies for attracting and sustaining bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping your garden thrive while contributing to the broader environment.and

"Lift the Winter Blues with More Color in the Garden" - Brighten your winter garden with this vibrant program showcasing native and non-native plants that add rich color and life to cold-season landscapes. Discover hardy blooms, evergreen textures, and unexpected hues that thrive in winter's chill. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this program will inspire you to create a cheerful, colorful oasis all winter long.

Jessica Driver - Virginia Cooperative Extension agent, Agricultural Inspector, biologist, naturalist, educator and advance level beekeeper.

"Shared Skies, Shared Struggles: Honey Bees and Native Bees in Peril" - Discover the intertwined stories of honey bees-brought to America by early settlers-and the over 400 native bee species that have always called Virginia home. We'll discover how both groups pollinate our food and wild landscapes, the unique traits of native bees, and the common challenges they both face. Most importantly, you'll leave with practical steps you can take-whether you garden, farm, or simply love the outdoors-to help protect these essential pollinators and ensure a thriving ecosystem for generations to come.

Elizabeth Tomlin, PhD - Principal Lecturer/UTLC Faculty Fellow, biology educator, homesteader, beekeeper and Master Gardener.

"Why you Might want to Soil your Undies" - The foundation for growing crops for food, fiber and fuel, soil is a critically important resource that is not renewable in our lifetimes. "4 the Soil" is an initiative of the Virginia Cooperative Extension to raise awareness of the need to preserve and protect our soils. In this talk we will discuss the four principles for maintaining healthy soil and the different ways in which soil health can be assessed.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Chatham.