Photo by Linda Cornish Blank
A vintage wheelbarrow holds houseplants.
Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV) will be hosting their annual Fall Fest for the first time at Duncan Library Garden on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “We are extremely excited about this location,” said this year’s MGNV president, Cindy Robertson, who also serves as a co-coordinator for the garden. “Duncan is our newest demonstration garden and sits in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood, a vibrant, walkable community full of life.”
The Fall Fest will have something for everyone. New this year is a focus on houseplants. “Extension Master Gardeners are often associated with soil health, native plants/trees, and growing vegetables, but we want to share our knowledge of houseplants, too,” Cindy said. “If you search the term “houseplants” on our website, you will get over 1,700 hits!” You can also narrow down your search by selecting the category “houseplants” to access our houseplant articles.
Photo courtesy of Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
An "Ask a Master Gardener" poster.
The Fall Fest will feature a plant sale that has both indoor and outdoor plants, presentations about plant care, and resources regarding all types of gardening, indoor or out.
Nature By Design, a commercial seller of native outdoor plants, will have a wide selection of plants available.
And free trees will be available too! Perennial favorite, the Small Trees Make Big Canopies program, will give away saplings and expert advice on growing them.
The Roaming Stone Tool Sharpener will be on hand to safely sharpen your garden and kitchen tools while you enjoy Fall Fest offerings. Try your luck with a raffle featuring fabulous home and garden items, or purchase some handcrafted pottery.
You can also enjoy creating something for free! Learn how to harvest seeds from a variety of native plants, and then decorate your seed envelope—a great party favor, stocking stuffer, or Halloween handout. Another table will teach guests how to create sustainable air fresheners using essential oils.
Families with kids of all ages will enjoy learning how easy it is to grow microgreens with members of our award-winning Youth Education Program. A kids’ craft station will feature leaf rubbings, solar paper leaf art, and nature-themed creations, offering fun ways to learn. Kids can also enjoy a pollinator scavenger hunt and special indoor presentations, including a hands-on activity from noon to 1 p.m. entitled, “Bee” a Friend to Bees by Designing a Pollinator Garden!
Our popular “Ask a Master Gardener” table will be staffed and ready to offer advice. There will also be presentations throughout the day on topics ranging from keeping our favorite houseplants happy to “keystone” plants that support our environment. Be sure to check our website for an updated listing of presentation topics and times.
Don’t worry about coming with an empty stomach! Pick up a meal at the Flavor of Mexico food truck.
Photo courtesy of Cindy Robertson
Pies galore, baked by Cindy Robertson
And don’t miss the Master Gardener Bake Sale, which will feature baked goods made from our own harvests, including rosemary shortbread, pies, and zucchini bread.
Please bring a canned food to support Alexandria’s Alive! food pantry and help them reach their goal of donating 50,000 meals to our Alexandria neighbors in need.
As stated by MGNV’s president, “The Fall Fest will be a perfect way to help us celebrate our 40thanniversary of growing gardens and gardeners. Please join us!”
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 11, 2025, at the James M. Duncan Branch of Alexandria Public Library, 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301. Proceeds fund the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation.
