Host Janet Michael sits down (virtually) with Candace DeLong, Frederick County Extension Agent, and Master Gardeners Carolyn Sinclair and Jeff Wingate (class of 2025) to talk all things GardenFest — the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners' biggest event of the year.

Event Details

• What: GardenFest 2026
• When: Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Parking opens at 7:00 AM)
• Where: Belle Grove Plantation, Middletown, VA
• Admission: FREE
• Rain or shine

What's at GardenFest

🌿 Plants

• 2,100+ plants from Master Gardeners across all five valley counties (Page, Clarke, Shenandoah, Frederick, and Warren)
• 237+ varieties including a strong focus on native plants, trees, and shrubs
• Plants: $6 | Trees & Shrubs: $12
• Payment: cash, check, or credit card
• Full plant list available in advance at nsvmga.org

🎓 Education

• Ask a Master Gardener tent — bring your plant questions
• NEW: 15-minute mini-workshops on pruning, vegetable growing, preserving your harvest, flower arranging, and tool sharpening — each with a raffle ticket for attendees
• Kids' programming focused on horticulture and planting
• Presentation on the box tree moth

🛒 Vendors & Food

• 36 vendors including retail, nonprofits, and food trucks
• Food: Cousins Maine Lobster, Sexy Mexi, A Taste of the Philippines, Cotton Candy Princess truck, baked goods, coffee & hot chocolate
• Tool sharpening drop-off service

🎁 Extras

• Raffle gift baskets (some with 19+ items) donated by vendors
• Silent auction at the Secondhand Rose tent (proceeds support Master Gardener programs)

Pro Tips from the Guests

• Arrive early — people line up before 8 AM, and popular plants (especially peonies) go fast
• Bring a wagon or wheeled cart; boxes will be available on-site
• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Bring cash for raffles, the silent auction, and the Secondhand Rose tent
• Leave pets at home
• No need to prep — just come with your plant wish list

About the Master Gardener Program

The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners are part of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Volunteers complete 50 hours of intensive horticultural training and give back a minimum of 50 hours of community service — though most give far more. GardenFest is their primary annual fundraiser, supporting educational programs across all five counties year-round, including seed exchanges, plant clinics, library kids' programs, and Ask the Master Gardener desks.

Links & Resources

• Plant list & event info: nsvmga.org
• Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners Facebook page
• Frederick County Extension Office — call for more details: (540) 665-5699