EMGs in Action
š¦ 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 22ā23. 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.
šø 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 weāre 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.
šA 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 Gardenerā Volunteers and Extension staff, participants explored simple ways to support pollinatorsāboth in the classroom and out in the gardenāmaking this workshop a meaningful and memorable summer experience.
šæPlant 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 āPrivate Plant Hospitalā and generously sharing his expertise, Rex embodies the dedication and compassion that strengthen our Master Gardener community.
šµBlueberries & Beyond at Castle Hayne
As part of our Field Trip Fridays program, 20 Extension Master Gardeners visited the worldās top public blueberry breeding station in Castle Hayne to learn about cultivar research and pest resistanceābefore ending the day with some blueberry picking of their own.
š±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!
āØBright 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.
š” 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 homeownerās needs while protecting the environment.
š”Wilson Gardens & Whirligigs
Our Field Trip Fridays crew explored Wilsonās Botanical and Rose Gardens plus the whimsical Whirligig Park, gaining inspiration for our gardensāand maybe even a custom whirligig of our own!
š ļøCreative 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.
šExploring 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.
šCalm 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.
š·ļøBehind the Labels, Ahead of the Curve: Honoring Joanne Peck
Joanne has transformed one of the Botanical Gardenās 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.
š ļøQuiet 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.