The Ask a Master Gardener Program is an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions about gardening and learn more about the NC State Extension Master GardenerSM program. Volunteers are available to provide answers using research-based information about plants and plant problems. You can reach the Extension Master Gardener volunteers in Durham County by calling (919) 560-0528. The helpline and office are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can also reach them by emailing mastergardener@dconc.gov or by visiting the Durham County Cooperative Extension at 721 Foster Street, Durham, NC.
An EMG will also be at the following events in August:
August 1, 1-3pm. SW Regional Library Plant Swap 3605 Shannon Rd., Durham, NC 27707.
Aug 15th, 8 a.m. – noon Durham Farmer’s Market 501 Foster Street, Durham, NC 27701.
August 22, 9 am-12pm-The Great Southeast Pollinator Census.
Become a Master Gardener!
There will be a new training class beginning January 2027. Applications and Information sessions are now open. Learn more and register: https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/news/learn-more-about-becoming-an-extension-master-gardener-volunteer/. The following EMG information classes with be offered in August:
| Monday, August 24th | 2 – 3pm | In Person |
| Friday, August 28th | 2 – 3pm | In Person |
Interested in learning more about our sister program, the NC State Extension Master Food volunteers of Durham County?
Extension Master Food volunteers share their talents, skills, and commitment to service with Durham County residents. With a focus on healthy and tasty foods, EMFVs support and augment the nutrition and cooking programs at the Durham Cooperative Extension. They also learn to lead their own cooking demonstrations in the community. There will be a training session for a new cohort of EMFVs coming in winter 2026. Interested in learning more? Sign up for an August or September information session here: https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/…/durham-county-extension…/ or contact Leslie McClellan at lmcclellan@dconc.gov or 919-630-8299.
Durham Garden Forum
Aug 11th 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (on-line)-How to Love a Forest by Ethan Tapper, forester and bestselling author. For more information: https://durhammastergardeners.com/durham-garden-forum/
Learn with our Community Partners
Sarah P. Dukes Gardens
There are several programs offered in August including seed starting, Chinese tea tasting, and botanical bitters.
JC Raulston Arboretum
The Arboretum offers a series of online programs every Wednesday at 3 pm.
August 5: “Top 5 – Most Influential Gardens” (Mark Weathington and Bryce Lane)
August 12: PLT Premiere: “Trees That Make Great Shade” (Greg Paige)
August 19: “Fast Fillers for Shade” (Tim Alderton and Greg Paige)
August 26: “Ginkgos!” (Evan Villani)
Durham Community Library
Shortlink: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-7Qa
Edited by: Martha Keehner Engelke