Decorative logos for Garden Smart newsletter


Sign up to receive Frederick County Garden Smart. This free publication, issued 4 to 6 times a year, describes upcoming Master Gardener seminars and events, and gives you links to gardening tips and resources. To subscribe, send an email to fgardenersnews@gmail.com. 

 

Decorative logo - Where Gardeners Bloom with picture of gardening supplies and plants.


We offer dozens of free seminars geared to both beginning and advanced gardeners. These cover a wide range of gardening topics, reflecting our program areas: food gardening, Bay-Wise gardening, pollinator-friendly gardening, youth gardening, therapeutic gardening, and landscape gardening.

Most sessions are scheduled for Saturday mornings, 10 a.m. to noon, at the University of MD Extension office, 330 Montevue Lane. Registration is requested and opens 3 weeks prior to each seminar; walk-ins are welcome if there is room. Look for updated information on the Frederick County Master Gardener Facebook page.

Events and Seminars

Events

Date and Time

Title of Event

Description of Event

5/6/26
10 AM-11 AM		Story Time in the GardenFor young children accompanied by an adult Rain date: Wednesday, May 13, 10-11 am
5/14/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required
5/30/26
9:30 AM-1:30 PM		Annual EarthfestFamily friendly activities and displays by MGs and other groups at the Extension Building
6/3/26
10 AM-11 AM		Story Time in the GardenFor young children accompanied by an adult Rain date: Wednesday, June 10, 10-11 am
6/11/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required
7/1/26
10 AM-11 AM		Story Time in the GardenFor young children accompanied by an adult Rain date: Wednesday, July 8, 10-11 am
7/9/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required
8/5/26
10 AM-11 AM		Story Time in the GardenFor young children accompanied by an adult Rain date: Wednesday, August 12, 10-11 am
8/13/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required
9/2/26
10 AM-11 AM		Story Time in the GardenFor young children accompanied by an adult Rain date: Wednesday, September 9, 10-11 am
9/10/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required
9/18/26The Great Frederick FairMG's at the Great Frederick Fair
10/7/26
10 AM-11 AM		Story Time in the GardenFor young children accompanied by an adult Rain date: Wednesday, October 14, 10-11 am
10/8/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required
11/12/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required
12/10/26
6:30-7:30 PM		Cultivation Lecture SeriesNo Registration Required

Seminars - January through June

Date and Time

Title and 
Registration Link

Description

5/2/26
9 AM-12 PM		Growing Up WildGUW prepares educators to teach young children by building on their sense of wonder about nature through a wide range of activities and experiences. See https:// bit.ly/FishWildlifeGrowingWild for details. Participants will receive a certificate, a guide, and (if needed) approved credits.
5/2/26
1 PM-3 PM		Mindfulness in the GardenExperience the healing power of the garden and plants. We will discuss the benefits of nature to your wellbeing; take a walk in the mediation garden for mindfulness activities; learn about mala beads; and make a mala bracelet to take home.
5/9/26
10 AM-12 PM		Pollinators Love HerbsPre-registration required; limited to 24 adults. Find out how herbs support our endangered pollinators. Think parsley, dill and butterflies! We will guide you in planting and decorating your own mini-garden. Materials will be provided but bring your gardening gloves.
6/13/26
10 AM-12 PM		Summer Veggie GardenJoin us in the Demonstration Garden for a hands-on experience planting the home garden. Learn about seeds and transplants, planting techniques, planting for pollinators, and basic IPM (integrated pest management).
6/13/26
1 PM-3 PM		Make a Hypertufa Bowl or TroughRemember playing with mud pies? Hypertufa is an artificial stone made of materials mixed with Portland cement but much lighter. This more naturallooking garden pot can still withstand harsh weather conditions. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Cost: $15 payable at registration. Pre-registration is required; class is limited to 12 participants
6/27/26
10 AM-12 PM		Growing Fruits & Vegetables in ContainersEven in the limited space of a deck, porch, patio, or balcony, you can create your own produce garden! See how to grow vegetables, herbs, and small fruits in a variety of containers. Learn how to select the proper plants for different size containers, to group plants by their needs, and to. elevate containers to provide easy access without stooping and bending.
6/27/26
1 PM-3 PM		Bug Me: The Importance of Insects in Your GardenInsects are often seen as pests, but many are essential to a healthy garden. In this seminar, you’ll learn how beneficial insects support pollination, pest control, and overall garden health.

Seminars - July through December

Date and Time

Title and
Registration Link

Description

7/18/26
10 AM-12 PM		BumblebeesBumblebees are the Teddy Bears of the insect world. These fuzzy non-aggressive creatures are critical for pollination of many crops and flowers. Unfortunately their population has steadily declined due to loss of habitat, unwise use of pesticides, climate change, and disease. Come learn about the bees and what you can do to help their survival.
7/25/26
10 AM-12 PM		Growing Herbs Here & ThereLearn about the variety of both annual & perennial herbs you can grow in-ground and/or in containers. See how you can plant an herb garden as well as merge herb plantings into your flower and vegetable beds. Take a look at how herbs are grown throughout our demonstration garden, including in our clever herb spiral.
8/1/26
10 AM-12 PM		Getting Little Feet WetFor educators who work with children from 3 to 6 years old. Adults only. Limited to 25 participants. Getting Little Feet Wet is designed to help educators of young children teach about water in fun, age appropriate ways using interactive, hands-on activities for young learners to explore different aspects of water—from water properties to water sounds. For more info see www.projectwet.org.
8/8/26
10 AM-12 PM		Make & Take Mini-Garden (for1st to 12th graders)Design and plant a decorated miniature garden to take home! Plants and decorations will be provided but bring your gardening gloves. Pre-registration is required since class is limited to 15 children. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free for children. Adults may plant their own mini garden for $5; note it on the registration and pay (cash or check) at class.
8/8/26
1 PM-3 PM		Fall Season Vegetable GardeningBegin to plant now for a harvest in the fall. Find out what to plant and when to plant it. Discover the benefits of making and using row covers.
9/12/26
10 AM-12 PM		Pawpaws, a Little Known TreasureDiscover a native gem you can grow right in your own backyard! Find out how and why to grow this large, tasty fruit—and how native plants can help your entire garden thrive. Tour the pawpaw patch in our Demo Garden.
10/17/26
10 AM-12 PM		The Natural GardenNative plants are under significant stress, and insect populations have plummeted over the past decade. Consequently, the numbers of birds and other animals that rely on native plants and insects for food have also declined. In this seminar, we’ll explore the changes you can implement in your garden to support native species and foster a healthy environment.
10/17/26
1 PM-3 PM		Right Plant, Right Place: Design FundamentalsUse basic design principles in your flower gardening to add interest and increase impact! Learn about basic landscape design concepts that can be easily applied to any garden—including shape, color, texture, framing, rhythm, focal points, and other considerations.
10/24/26
10 AM-12 PM		Houseplants and WellnessHaving indoor plants just makes us feel better. Learn about the therapeutic benefits of houseplants. Identify plants that can make for a healthier indoor environment and which are right for you.
12/5/26
10 AM-12 PM		Propagating Native PlantsNative perennials are a wonderful addition to any landscape! Find out about the benefits of native perennials and why they’re essential for pollinators and wildlife. Join us to learn how to propagate various natives and expand your garden, then take a few plants home. Class size is limited to 15 participants.

Did you know we have a peaceful and educational spot right here in Frederick where you can take your children and show them how to tune into nature at its finest? Pack a snack and visit the Children's Garden, located at the far end of the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden for Story Time in the Garden! Try visiting the gardens several times during they year: you are guaranteed to see something different at teach visit.

Frederick County Master Gardeners 2026 Story Time in the Garden flyer.png
2026 Story Time in the Garden - Free Event, no reservations required. This is an outside event, please dress appropriately. Master Gardeners will read a short story and offer activities appropriate for young children. Wednesdays 10-11 am: May 6, June 3, July 1, Aug 5, Sep 2, Oct 7. Rain dates May 13, Jun 10, July 8, Aug 12, Sep 9, Oct 14.