EMGs in Action
🌸 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.
🐝A Buzzworthy Morning: Building Bee Hotels Together
Families gathered in July for a hands-on Bee Hotel Workshop that blended learning, creativity, and fun. Children worked alongside parents and grandparents to learn about native bees and why they matter, then painted and assembled their own bee hotels to take home.
With guidance from Master Gardener℠ Volunteers and Extension staff, participants explored simple ways to support pollinators—both in the classroom and out in the garden—making this workshop a meaningful and memorable summer experience.
🌿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.
🔵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!
✨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.
🏡 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.
🎡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!
🛠️Creative Vision, Tireless Service: Honoring Team Tullai
Michele and Mike Tullai bring unmatched creativity, dedication, and teamwork to our gardens and our community. From the Wine Bottle Wall to the Hoop House and countless behind-the-scenes projects, Team Tullai continues to inspire with their leadership, talent, and generous spirit.
🚐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.
🔎Calm Expertise, Lifelong Curiosity: Honoring Ron Austin
Ron brings a rare blend of calm expertise and genuine curiosity to our Master Gardener community. Whether guiding callers on the Hotline, assisting walk-ins, or researching plant problems, he shares his knowledge with patience, clarity, and a true passion for learning.
🏷️Behind the Labels, Ahead of the Curve: Honoring Joanne Peck
Joanne has transformed one of the Botanical Garden’s biggest challenges into a remarkable achievement. Her work redesigning the plant ID markers, building an accurate database, and organizing volunteers has brought clarity, beauty, and long-lasting value to all 18 Gardens.
🛠️Quiet Dedication, Enduring Legacy: Honoring Pat Naughton
Pat Naughton brought quiet dedication and steady craftsmanship to every corner of the Demonstration Garden. From hardscape projects to irrigation systems, his thoughtful work and willingness to teach others left a lasting impact. His legacy continues to grow in the gardens he helped shape and the volunteers he supported.