An orange "Save the Date" circle is in the foreground of a flyer announcing the 2026 Garden Symposium, with a background of green and brown autumnal leaves.

Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association

General Admission

Lunch - Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich Boxed Lunch

Lunch - Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Boxed Lunch

Lunch - Mediterranean Veggie Boxed Lunch

NSVMGA
SYMPOSIUM @2026
107 N. Kent Street, 
Winchester, VA 22601



Join Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association for the 2026 Garden Symposium, a day filled with inspiration, education, and fresh ideas for gardeners of all experience levels!This year&rsquo;s theme, &ldquo;Planting Ideas &ndash; Harvesting Change,&rdquo; celebrates how the ideas we cultivate in our gardens can create meaningful change in our landscapes, communities, and environment. The symposium will feature three engaging guest speakers and a panel of local organizations who use community-power to make sustainable eco-friendly changes to our environment.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Robyn Puffenbarger &ndash; Bridgewater Professor and bird enthusiast, will share insights into birds and how to make our gardens more bird friendly</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Jack Monsted &ndash; Curator of the Blandy Native Plant Trail, will highlight native plants and how to incorporate and take care of pollinator meadows</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Kevin Rice &ndash; Entomologist with the Alson H. Smith Agricultural Research and Extension Center, will speak on insects and gardens</li></ul>Whether you&#39;re interested in native plants, wildlife, insects, sustainable gardening, or simply expanding your horticultural knowledge, this symposium offers something for everyone.

Join Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association for the 2026 Garden Symposium, a day filled with inspiration, education, and fresh ideas for gardeners of all experience levels!This year’s theme, “Planting Ideas – Harvesting Change,” celebrates how the ideas we cultivate in our gardens can create meaningful change in our landscapes, communities, and environment. The symposium will feature three engaging guest speakers and a panel of local organizations who use community-power to make sustainable eco-friendly changes to our environment.<ul><li>Robyn Puffenbarger – Bridgewater Professor and bird enthusiast, will share insights into birds and how to make our gardens more bird friendly</li><li>Jack Monsted – Curator of the Blandy Native Plant Trail, will highlight native plants and how to incorporate and take care of pollinator meadows</li><li>Kevin Rice – Entomologist with the Alson H. Smith Agricultural Research and Extension Center, will speak on insects and gardens</li></ul>Whether you're interested in native plants, wildlife, insects, sustainable gardening, or simply expanding your horticultural knowledge, this symposium offers something for everyone.

Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association

2026 Garden Symposium

173 Skirmisher Ln

General Admission

$65

Lunch - Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich Boxed Lunch

$15

Lunch - Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Boxed Lunch

$15

Lunch - Mediterranean Veggie Boxed Lunch

$15

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