Mountain Empire Master Gardeners

We provide hands-on public demonstrations to help local residents successfully manage their home orchards and landscapes. Recent events include community pruning workshops at the Matthews Living History Farm Museum, where volunteers teach proper tools, timing, and techniques for healthy fruit production. 

Our volunteers participate in local conservation and ecological restoration efforts focusing on native Appalachian plant species. Through targeted initiatives, we help identify, propagate, and protect native River Cane (Arundinaria gigantea) stands. This vital work helps stabilize regional streambanks, improves water quality in local watersheds, and restores critical wildlife habitats across our multi-county service area. 

We connect directly with our neighbors across Wythe, Bland, Carroll, and Grayson counties at local festivals and gatherings. Through interactive booths at events like the local farmers markets, our Master Gardeners answer specific plant clinics, pest management, and home gardening questions.