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