VCE/Newport News Master Gardeners Association

06/25/2026

Flies = Unsung Pollinator Heroes!

Although we might find them annoying when we're outside enjoying a picnic flies help pollinate early, shady, or funky flowers in Virginia’s forests, wetlands, and meadows. They're key allies for native plant health!

In Virginia, if you're a fan of pawpaw fruit thank a fly for pollinating the flowers for you.

Not all pollinators buzz — some hum!

Check our linktr.ee/nnmga for more reading!

06/24/2026

Did you know? Beetles were the first pollinators—long before bees!

In Virginia, they help pollinate native plants like magnolias, spicebush, and pawpaws.
They might be messy, but they’re essential! What makes them so messy you might ask? They eat pollen, defecate, and roll around in flowers, spreading pollen as a result.

06/23/2026

Ready to make a difference? Join our Extension Master Gardener Training Course and meet new people who share your gardening passion. Apply now! Link in bio or visit nnmastergardeners.org

We volunteer at Atlantic View Post Acute offering hort therapy activities weekly.

Application period: Closes 7/8/26 or until full. Space is limited, so apply early!
Become a Master Gardener and make a difference in your community! Apply for our comprehensive virtual training course in Newport News:
Training dates: 8/12 - 11/18/26
Weekly Wednesday evening online Zoom classes (7-8:30 pm)
Reading assignments with online open-book quizzes
Some Saturday hands-on trainings
Course fee: $185 (includes digital training manual and background check fee)
Apply online at: nnmastergardeners.org, Send questions to: [email protected]

About Us
The Extension Master Gardener program, part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, shares research-based horticulture information with the public. We educate on a variety of topics, such as native plants, pollinator habitats, home landscaping, vegetable gardening, and turf management.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Newport News Extension Office at 757-591-4838/TDD* during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

06/23/2026

Pollinator week continues!

Did you know hummingbirds are key pollinators in Virginia?

The ruby-throated hummingbird visits hundreds of flowers a day—like bee balm and cardinal flower—spreading pollen as it sips nectar from deep blooms.

These tiny powerhouses help native plants thrive and support healthy ecosystems!

06/22/2026

Did you know butterflies, skippers, and moths help pollinate plants across Virginia?
Butterflies and skippers visit colorful blooms by day, sipping nectar and spreading pollen along the way.

Moths take the night shift, pollinating evening bloomers like primrose and yucca.
They may not be as efficient as bees, but they’re vital to keeping our ecosystems buzzing with life by diversify pollination—especially for native plants adapted to their habits and schedules!

06/22/2026

It's Pollinator Week! Follow us each day as we focus on some important pollinators and the role they play in our ecosystem.

Resources available via our linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/nnmga

06/17/2026

Our grass is getting mighty crispy. Even though we live in an urban area it’s still good practice to be mindful when mowing.

06/16/2026

Transform your love for gardening into community impact! Apply for our Extension Master Gardener Training Course today. Link in bio or visit nnmastergardeners.org

Master Gardeners offer educational workshops where our community learns more about best practices, and can ask questions.

Application period ends 7/8/26 or until full. Space is limited, so apply early!

Become a Master Gardener and make a difference in your community! Apply for our comprehensive virtual training course in Newport News:
Training dates: 8/12 - 11/18/26
Weekly Wednesday evening online Zoom classes (7-8:30 pm)
Reading assignments with online open-book quizzes
Some Saturday hands-on trainings
Course fee: $185 (includes digital training manual & background check fee)
Apply online at: nnmastergardeners.org, Send questions to: [email protected]

About Us
The Extension Master Gardener program, part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, shares research-based horticulture information with the public. We educate on a variety of topics, such as native plants, pollinator habitats, home landscaping, vegetable gardening, and turf management.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Newport News Extension Office at 757-591-4838/TDD* during business hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event. *TDD number is (800) 828-1120.

06/11/2026

We often sell heuchera at our plant sales, have you seen this unique bee visit yours? They only visit our native coral bells, none of the hybrid varieties. Another reason it is so important to plant native if possible.

This is Colletes aestivalis a rare native bee! Also called the alumroot cellophane bee, this little lady is a Heuchera specialist, which means she only collects pollen from a specific species (or few species) to feed her larvae.
You probably know Heuchera or coral bells--they are planted everywhere! Unfortunately, this bee does not get pollen from hybrid species. If you want to add coral bells to your garden, consider finding Heuchera americana, the native species.
The bee specimen in this photo was collected in Rockingham County, VA