Upcoming Gardening Events: September 2026

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. You can also reach them by emailing mastergardener@dconc.gov or by visiting the Durham County Cooperative Extension at 721 Foster Street, Durham, NC. The helpline and office are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Two women standing behind a table under a canopy with a sign that reads 'Ask a Master Gardener.' The table is decorated with flowers and gardening materials.

Look for the “Ask A Master Gardener” banner at our Public Events. (Image credit: Allie Mullin)

You’ll find Extension Master Gardener volunteers at the following September events ready for your questions:

  • Saturday, September 12, 10am – 2pm Briggs Garden Fall Plant Sale & Festival, 1314 S. Briggs Ave, Durham, NC 27707
  • Saturday, September 19, 8am – 12pm Durham Farmers Market, 501 Foster Street, Durham, NC 27701
  • Saturday, September 19, 10am – 7pm The Great Southeast Pollinator Census at the Museum of Natural Science’s BugFest, 11 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601
  • Friday, September 25, 3pm – 6pm Duke Gardens Members Plant Sale, Sarah P Duke Gardens, 420 Anderson St, Durham NC
  • Saturday, September 26, 9am – 12pm South Durham Farmers’ Market, 500 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC 27709
  • Saturday, September 26, 10am – 2pm Southside Church of Christ Community Health and Wellness Fair, 800 Elmira Ave, Durham, NC 27707

There will be a new training class beginning January 2027. Applications and Information sessions are now open. Learn more and register here. The following EMG information classes with be offered in September:

Tuesday, September 1st6 – 7pmOnline
Wednesday, September 16th10 – 11amIn Person
Thursday, September 24th6 – 7pmOnline
Saturday, September 26th10 – 11amIn Person

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. Learn more and register here.

There will be a virtual EMFV information session held Wednesday, September 23, 6pm – 7pm.

Five individuals standing together in a garden, surrounded by various potted plants and seedlings, smiling for the camera.

An abundance of brassicas and herbs for sale at the Briggs Ave Plant Sale. (Image credit: Allie Mullin)

Tuesday, September 15, 7pm – 8:30pm Virtual. “Most Delicious Poisons” with Dr. Noah Whiteman. Read here for more information on registering and attending. $10 session fee for non-members or $25 for annual membership.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

There are several programs offered in September including Plant Meditation and Sculpture, Plant Propagation, and Botanical Embroidery.

JC Raulston Arboretum

The Arboretum offers a series of online programs every Wednesday at 3 pm. All Midweek Programs are free and require pre-registration.

  • September 2: “More Plants You’ll Fall For” Mark Weathington and Dennis Carey
  • September 9: “PLT Premiere: Top Ten Plants for the Next 50 Years” Mark Weathington and Eileen Gahan
  • September 16: “Golden Plants” Mark Weathington and Greg Paige
  • September 23: “Not Another Yellow Composite” Evan Villani
  • September 30: “Horticulture Hour: Live Q&A with the JCRA Team” Horticulture Staff

Durham County Library

  • Tuesday, September 8, 3:30pm – 4:30pm Garden Club for Kids (Ages 7-12) at Children’s Programming Room, Southwest Regional Library, 3605 Shannon Rd, Durham, NC 27707. Registration required.

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Edited by Astrid Cook-Dail, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

Upcoming Garden Events for September 2024

(Image credit: Allie Mullin)

Ask A Master Gardener

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. Durham County Master Gardener volunteers are available to provide answers using research-based information about plants and plant problems. They come prepared with a variety of gardening handouts, seeds for planting, and even some games for children!

You’ll find Master Gardener volunteers at the following community events ready for your questions: 

September 7: Briggs Avenue Community Garden Fall Festival and Plant Sale, 9 am-3 pm (see below)

September 14: Duke Gardens Fall Plant Sale, 8-11am (see below)

September 21: Durham Farmer’s Market at Central Park, 8 am-12 Noon 

September 21: North Durham Farmer’s Market, 12 Noon-4 pm

September 28: South Durham Farmer’s Market, 8 am-12 Noon (now located at Hub RTP, 500 Park Offices Dr., Durham)

Briggs Avenue Community Garden

Durham County Public Library

(Image credit: Melinda Heigel)

Butterflies & Moths: Discover your love of Leps! Saturday, September 21, 10-11 am. Durham County Main Library. Admission is free. Please check website. Registration required; spaces limited. https://durhamcountylibrary.libcal.com/calendar?cid=14288&t=d&d=0000-00-00&cal=14288&inc=0

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Tips for Fall Planting (virtual program). Tuesday, September 3, Noon-1 pm.
An online program with Bobby Mottern, director of horticulture at Duke Gardens.
Free; registration required. More details via this link.

Duke Gardens Fall Public Plant Sale. Saturday, September 14, 8-11 am.* Find an array of plants ideal for the Central NC region, including Duke Gardens plants, trees, shrubs, vines, bulbs and air plants, as well as expert gardening advice from Duke Gardens’ staff and Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteers. (*Garden member preview Friday, September 13, 4-6 pm)

Beginning Birding for Adults, Friday, September 27, 8-9 am.
With Liani Yirka, education program coordinator for Duke Gardens and experienced birder. 
Free; registration required. Parking fees apply. More details via this link.

North Carolina Botanical Garden

Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Native Ferns: Diversity, Identification, and Use in the Garden. Thursday, September 12, 12 Noon-1pm. NC Cooperative Extension agent Matt Jones helps you learn about native ferns and the best species for the home garden. Virtual and in-person attendance options. Free, registration required. Register Here.

(Image credit: FrondJaknousePublic Domain Mark 1.0)

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