Our Story
Who are we?
The Extension Master Gardenerā Volunteer Association of Brunswick County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to education, service, and community engagement through gardening. Our mission is to support and strengthen the Extension Master Gardener program by enhancing the skills of our volunteers, fostering communication and collaboration, and raising funds to sustain our projects. We work to increase public awareness of the value of horticulture, provide educational opportunities, and promote environmentally responsible gardening practices. Through workshops, training, and outreach events, we share knowledge, inspire community connections, and help cultivate gardens that bring beauty, sustainability, and learning to Brunswick County.
Key Activities
The Extension Master Gardenerā Volunteers in Brunswick County are active across a wide range of programs and community initiatives. At the heart of their work is the Brunswick County Botanical Garden, where volunteers not only maintain the grounds but also host plant sales and seasonal public events that welcome the community into the garden. Through the popular āAsk an EMGā program, volunteers share their knowledge directly with residents, answering questions and offering practical gardening advice. Their outreach also extends beyond the garden gates, with partnerships such as Habitat for Humanity, where EMGs contribute their expertise to create sustainable landscapes, and through community service and restitution programs that offer meaningful engagement. Enrichment continues with Field Trip Fridays, which provide inspiration and learning from regional gardens, and through a steady calendar of educational opportunitiesāranging from workshops like Plants and Pathogens to monthly sessions that keep both volunteers and the public informed and growing.
šš¾ Click here to view a slideshow of recent EMG activities and see these programs in action.
Become a Master Gardener
The Extension Master Gardenerā Volunteers of Brunswick County are committed to excellence through education, lifelong learning, and strong leadership. Volunteers expand their knowledge of horticultural science while teaching sustainable gardening practices, helping residents solve landscaping challenges, and sharing their passion for plants. Their work promotes environmental stewardship, protects water quality, and reduces fertilizer and pesticide pollutantsāmaking a real difference in our community.
If youāre ready to grow your skills and give back, consider joining the next Master Gardener Training Class. Learn more here.
Become part of a network of Brunswick County residents who are making a differenceāone garden at a time!
Meet the Board
President: Kathleen Boggess
Vice President: Patricia Petrella
Treasurer: Barbara Dearry
Recording Secretary: Jeanette Whalen-Simpko
Botanical Garden Chair: Joanne Peck
Botanical Garden Vice-Chair: David Kirk
