Home and Garden Information Center

09/10/2026

Today kicks off the last weekend for the 2026 Maryland State Fair! There's still plenty to see in The Learning Garden. Bring the kids by for a scavenger hunt or potato digging, and pick up some seeds to grow at home.

09/04/2026

No need to panic! If you thought the registration window for the Maryland Native Plant Society's Fall Conference had closed, surprise—it's still open for 2 more days! You now have until 9/5/2026 to snag your ticket.

Calling all native plant enthusiasts and Chesapeake Bay protectors! Whether you're a budding eco-warrior or just curious to learn, this event is for you! Grab a buddy and sign up today—only 30 spots left!

For details and to explore the fun fieldtrips and workshops, head over to
http://mdflora.org/fall-conference

We hope to see you there!
PS - We heard there might be some native plant giveaways!

Maryland Native Plant Society Plant Science University of Maryland Extension

09/04/2026

Volunteer of the Season Spotlight!

Meet Mason McClew (& Libby!) from Allegany County!

Since joining the Master Gardener program in 2024, Mason has contributed 179 hours of service, transforming the Demonstration Garden with native plants, helping at community events, and always jumping in wherever he’s needed.

His curiosity, creativity, generosity, and passion for sustainable gardening make him an incredible part of the Master Gardener community. And we can’t forget Libby, his unofficial Master Gardener who even has her own miniature badge!

Congratulations, Mason, and thank you for all you do!

Allegany County Master Gardeners

09/04/2026

Go Sue!!! Congrats!

It's Bay-Wise Wednesday! Congratulations to Sue, whose yard has achieved Bay-Wise certification.

Nestled within the beautiful Middle River watershed, this exceptional waterfront property offers stunning views and a deep connection to the natural environment. Visitors are welcomed by a vibrant Monarch garden, alive with the gentle movement of butterflies and the busy hum of pollinators.

The property reflects a thoughtful commitment to environmental stewardship and follows the eight Keystone habits for creating a healthy, resilient, Bay-Wise garden. Organic yard and kitchen waste are recycled, helping to enrich the soil naturally and reduce waste.

Through the efforts of the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, a beautiful rain garden has been installed on the property and is filled with a diverse variety of native plants. Water conservation is also an important part of the property's landscape practices, with rain barrels capturing valuable rainfall and strategically selected native plants helping to conserve water while supporting local wildlife.

Protecting the waterways and shorelines surrounding this beautiful property remains a top priority. Through thoughtful gardening practices, native plantings, water conservation, and a commitment to reducing environmental impacts, this waterfront home serves as a wonderful example of how homeowners can create a beautiful landscape while helping to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay watershed for generations to come.

09/02/2026

Master Gardener, Erica Smith let's us know that some plants deserve a secind chance before we cross them off our plant inventory.

Last month I blogged about giving up on plants. This month, I’m encouraging you to give some of them a second chance. Dinner from my bountiful peppers! Photo: Erica Smith Specifically, I’m talking …

09/01/2026

Last call to register for the Maryland Native Plant Society’s 2026 Conference and plant sale! Registration ends on September 3! You don’t want to miss this!

09/01/2026

Hello September! What happened to the summer?
Here are some early fall gardening tips to get you outside enjoying (somewhat) cooler weather!

For an accessible version and more detailed lists with links visit the Monthly Garden Tips section in our bio.

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/september-gardening-tips-and-tasks/

09/01/2026

REMINDER!
Join us for tomorrow's Natives at Noon Webinar: Saving Ash for Future Forests with Todd Bitner of Cornell Botanic gardens.

visit: go.umd.edu/NANWebinarSeries
to register.

08/28/2026

Our Master Gardener project at Sandy Point State Park was featured in the latest edition of UMD's Momentum Magazine! Check out the article at the link below:

https://view.publitas.com/agnr-university-of-maryland/momentum-summer-fall-2026/page/6-7

Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners, University of Maryland Extension

08/26/2026

Fall veggie gardening is approaching and the best tool in your shed is ROW COVER! It's essential for excluding pests and extending the growing season in cooler weather.

Visit our updated page "Vegetable Garden Weather and Pest Protection" at go.umd.edu/row-cover for tips on enhancing your garden for a bountiful harvest!

go.umd.edu/row-cover