GardenFest Returns to Belle Grove June 7 with Plants, History, and Family Fun

GardenFest 2025 is just around the corner, and it promises a full day of gardening, learning, and family fun. Hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension and supported by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association (NSVMGA), the annual event will be held on Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Belle Grove Plantation in Middletown, Virginia.

Admission and parking are free, making GardenFest a great outing for all ages.

The event’s biggest draw is the popular Master Gardener Plant Sale, featuring a wide selection of native plants, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, and perennials. Plants are priced between $5 and $10, and proceeds support NSVMGA’s many free educational programs throughout the region. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own wagons, boxes, or totes, as none will be provided on-site.

Also returning this year is the “Second Hand Rose” sale, a rummage market offering gently used garden tools, household goods, and unique finds. Throughout the day, Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions, give advice, and share ideas for everything from container gardens to pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Families will find plenty to enjoy, including children’s activities, garden tool sharpening services, and a wide range of food and specialty vendors. Previous vendors have included local nurseries, handmade soap makers, alpaca farms, and conservation organizations — and this year is expected to be just as lively.

Visitors can also explore Belle Grove’s historic Manor House during GardenFest. Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cost $5 for ages 12 and up. Guests are invited to stroll the Teaching Garden, maintained by Master Gardener volunteers, where plants common to early 19th-century Virginia are on display. The garden is both educational and beautiful — a perfect place to take a break during the day’s events.

Now in its second decade at Belle Grove, GardenFest has become a beloved tradition across the Northern Shenandoah Valley. It serves as NSVMGA’s major annual fundraiser, helping to support local youth programs, horticulture scholarships, and free public education throughout Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, and Warren counties.

For updates and details, visit facebook.com/NSVMGA or nsvmga.org.

About NSVMGA:
The Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association is a group of trained volunteers who teach and promote environmentally sound gardening practices. Each year, they offer help desks, classes, school programs, and community outreach. The group is part of Virginia Cooperative Extension and has been serving the region since 1993.

About Belle Grove Plantation:
Belle Grove is a historic house museum located just south of Middletown. The home and grounds are part of the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park and include gardens designed by the Garden Club of Virginia. The site’s Teaching Garden will be open during GardenFest, showcasing plants that reflect the area’s agricultural past. Learn more at bellegrove.org.