BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Brunswick County Botanical Garden is located adjacent to the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Building (Building N) at the Brunswick County Complex in Bolivia. The 1.3 acre garden was developed and is maintained by BCMGVA members and County Extension Service staff.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Brunswick County Master Gardener Volunteers provide an ever-changing number of services to the community. We may be found giving educational seminars at local libraries, community centers, service group meetings and garden club gatherings. Our members serve as leaders of Junior Master Gardener clubs, bring educational programs to county schools and write gardening columns for local newspapers. We also deliver and pick up soil testing kits from distribution points throughout the county.
DAY IN THE YARD
Our DIY Course is a six week instructional program designed to give participants the tools needed to become successful gardeners in our unique coastal ecosystem. Topics include soils & fertilizers, turf grass, annuals & perennials, diseases & insects and vegetables. The course is given at numerous times and places throughout Brunswick County and involves a fee. If a dozen or more people show interest we will present the course at private community centers.
FARMERS MARKETS
BCMGVA staff informational and diagnostic booths at the Leland, Shallotte and Southport Farmers Markets. Bring us your gardening questions or problems, pick up educational materials and soil test kits or just stop by to say hello.
INFO LINE
The Brunswick County Garden Info Line can be reached at 910-256-2610 and is usually staffed by Master Gardener Volunteers weekdays from 9 a.m. - noon & 1 - 4 p.m.. Walk-ins are also welcome. We are located in the Cooperative Extension Building (Building N) at the Brunswick County Complex in Bolivia.
LIFE ON THE FARM
The highlight of the year for many Master Gardener Volunteers is the annual Life On The Farm program. Created by 4H staff, in conjunction with the Brunswick County Schools, the program brings the county's third grade classes (one school at a time) to Funston Farms for a day of learning and fun. Onsite classes, taught by Master Gardener Volunteers, give the children an understanding of where and how their food is produced. The student favorite is always the hay ride tour of all the farm facilities.
PLANT SALES
The BCMGVA plant sales have become a traditional part of Brunswick County life. Held in April and May, the sales offer perennial trees and shrubs, as well as annual plants and vegetables. A combination of items propagated on site, along with specimens brought in from multiple sources, give residents a chance to purchase bargain priced plants known to succeed in our climate.
JUVENILE RESTITUTION
Master Gardener Volunteers work with juvenile offenders from 10 to 16 years of age. The youngsters are sent to work with the Master Gardeners by the Juvenile Courts, peer councils for offenses committed at school or other referrals. Those who come from Juvenile Court are required to work to pay off fines levied by the Court. The juveniles, supervised by Master Gardener Volunteers, work within the greenhouses or out in the gardens. The hours are from 8 AM to 12 noon on Saturdays.
Copyright BCMGVA 2012 Created by F. Mina 04/18/2012