Who are Master Gardeners?
Virginia Extension Master Gardeners are volunteer educators who work within their communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscaping management education and training. As an educational gardening program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Extension Master Gardeners bring the resources of Virginia’s land grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, to the people of the Commonwealth. Our local Extension Master Gardener volunteers impact their communities by sharing their knowledge and empowering citizens to grow and maintain sustainable, healthy gardens and landscapes. If you are interested in finding out more information about becoming an Extension Master Gardener, click here.
James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Association (JCCWMGA)
JCCWMGA is a volunteer-based nonprofit, 501(c)(3), affiliated with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Our mission is to deliver research-based gardening education and promote sustainable horticultural practices across the Virginia Middle Peninsula. Comprised of over 200 master gardener volunteers, the James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Association serves the gardening public in Williamsburg, New Kent, Charles City, Upper York, and James City Counties. Below are a few volunteer activities and outreach programs the James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Association is involved in.
Homeowner Help Desk
Located at the James City County VCE office, our Master Gardener-staffed Help Desk responds to local residents' questions on plant health, pest management, soil care, and more. For more information or to contact us with your questions about your garden. Click for more information
Demonstration/Learning Gardens
We manage nine gardens that highlight plants well-suited to our local environment. These sites showcase sustainable gardening practices and effective garden care. Our vegetable gardens also produce and donate fresh vegetables for local food banks and programs. Click for more information.
Community Education and Outreach
Our Master Gardeners host “Ask a Master Gardener” tables at local farmers markets, libraries, and community events—answering questions and sharing practical, research-backed gardening advice.
Seasonally, our Master Gardeners provide instructional clinics, visit homes and community groups, to teach eco-friendly techniques like effective plant pruning, native plant selection, or answer questions about effective turf and landscape management. On request, advanced master gardeners visit homeowners to answer questions about tree or water conservation concerns.
Youth & Therapy Programs
Our Master Gardeners support several school gardening initiatives and therapeutic horticulture programs in Williamsburg and James City County, offering hands-on learning opportunities for children. Click for more information.
Speakers Bureau.
Our Master Gardener Speakers Bureau offers free presentations to local community groups, garden clubs, and civic organizations on various gardening and horticultural topics. Each talk is led by experienced volunteers passionate about sharing practical, sustainable knowledge tailored to your audience's interests. Click for more information.
Annual Spring Plant Sale at Williamsburg Botanical Garden
Each spring, the James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardeners host their Annual Plant Sale at the beautiful Williamsburg Botanical Garden in Freedom Park. This popular event features a diverse selection of native and locally adapted plants, perfect for gardeners looking to support pollinators, enhance landscapes, or explore sustainable gardening practices. Master Gardeners are on hand to answer questions about plants and gardening.
All proceeds directly support the maintenance of our demonstration gardens, educational outreach initiatives, 4-H scholarships and other JCCWMG community programs. Plant sale purchase helps grow more than just plants—it helps grow knowledge, stewardship, and community.
Our Approach
All advice and information master gardener volunteers provide is unbiased and grounded in scientific research. We follow guidelines established by the Virginia Cooperative Extension to ensure accurate, trustworthy support for local gardeners. We partner with other regional conservation agencies, naturalist programs, and volunteer activities that share our passion for informing the public on ways to preserve the environment, nature and improve our ecosystem.
Impact Through Education
By providing accessible gardening knowledge, we empower individuals and communities to cultivate healthier landscapes and more resilient ecosystems. We support informed, environmentally sound choices from novice to seasoned growers.
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grow”
To learn more about James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardener Associations, the Extension Master Gardener program or how to become an Extension Master Gardener, click here.
Already a Master Gardener?
If you are already a Master Gardener from another unit or another state, contact us at [email protected], and you will be contacted with details on how to transfer to our unit.
Contact Us:
James City County/Williamsburg Master Gardeners
James City County Extension Office
3127 Forge Road, Toano, VA 23168
Phone: 757-564-2175
Email: [email protected]
Communications: [email protected]
Webmaster: [email protected]
Master Gardener Training: [email protected]