EMGs in Action
🌎Where Rare and Remarkable Plants Thrive
As part of Field Trip Fridays, 12 EMGs explored the extraordinary Juniper Level Botanic Garden in Raleigh. This 10-acre garden is home to more than 27,000 plants—native perennials, rare exotics, and one-of-a-kind specimens from around the world. Designed with the philosophy of “drifts of one,” it offers beauty and discovery in every corner. Juniper Level has become one of the largest ex-situ plant collections in the world, dedicated to preserving biodiversity and sharing it with gardeners everywhere.
☁️Calm Spirit, Strong Results: Honoring Jean Klein
Jean Klein has brought a renewed energy to this fall’s plant sale. After learning the ropes from Vicki in the spring, she took charge of the fall plant sale and never looked back. Jean has brought a new energy to organizing and marketing the sale. In doing so, she’s set a new precedent for the level of communication with the myriads of people involved. Jean ensures everyone is heard and feels appreciated, she is a calm and gentle soul; always open to new ideas and adapts well to new challenges. Even though the sale is not 100% complete, it is for her tireless effort the past couple of months that she has earned the volunteer of the month for September.
🦋 Pollinator PLUS Workshop Buzzes for Great SE Pollinator Census
The Brunswick County Botanical Garden buzzed with energy as more than 2,900 pollinators were counted during our Pollinator PLUS Workshop, held August 22–23. From carpenter bees to butterflies, attendees gained hands-on training, participated in the census, and even took home pollinator-friendly plants to support their own gardens.
🌸 Quiet Force, Lasting Impact: Honoring Linda Swanson
For more than 15 years, Linda Swanson has been a dedicated and creative force in the Brunswick County Botanical Garden, and we’re proud to recognize her as our July 2025 Master Gardener of the Month. Energetic, thoughtful, and full of humor, Linda exemplifies the quiet strength that sustains our Master Gardener community.
🔵Blueberries & Beyond at Castle Hayne
As part of our Field Trip Fridays program, 20 Extension Master Gardeners visited the world’s top public blueberry breeding station in Castle Hayne to learn about cultivar research and pest resistance—before ending the day with some blueberry picking of their own.
🌱Ask an EMG
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers host Plant Clinics at the Southwest Branch Library on the first and third Thursdays from April through August. Have a gardening question? Need help identifying a plant, diagnosing a pest problem, or learning how to garden more sustainably? We are here to help!
🏡 Habitat for Humanity
EMGs and Extension staff pose outside with the new homeowner after installing custom-designed landscaping EMGs design and install gardens that feature drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly plants and require little maintenance. Working alongside Habitat volunteers, we make sure each yard reflects the homeowner’s needs while protecting the environment.
🌿Plant Healer, Garden Leader: Honoring Rex Wright
Since joining the Master Gardener Program in 2023, Rex Wright has brought knowledge, patience, and quiet strength to the Curbside Garden and beyond. Known for reviving struggling plants in his “Private Plant Hospital” and generously sharing his expertise, Rex embodies the dedication and compassion that strengthen our Master Gardener community.
🎡Wilson Gardens & Whirligigs
Our Field Trip Fridays crew explored Wilson’s Botanical and Rose Gardens plus the whimsical Whirligig Park, gaining inspiration for our gardens—and maybe even a custom whirligig of our own!
✨Bright Energy, Meaningful Voices: Honoring Kelly Vendetti
Kelly has brought bright energy and clear communication to her roles as Webmaster and Publicity Liaison, upgrading our website, streamlining outreach, and leading us into exciting new formats with her trademark positivity.
🚐Exploring the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden
As part of our Field Trip Fridays program, EMGs enjoyed a fascinating visit to the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden in Wilmington. This unique park, dedicated to the conservation of native carnivorous plants, offers one of the few protected public spaces where these rare species can be seen in their natural habitat.