VNLA 2019 Field Day and Summer Tour

Over 100 people took time away from their busy schedules and gathered at Eastern Shore Nursery in Melfa, Virginia for this annual event.

In the garden at Eyre Hall

It was a great day! Under the shade of a large tent there were enlightening talks, a lively panel discussion and the ever informative Craig Regelbrugge sharing the latest news on his end.

Nursery tours on tractor-pulled hay wagons were very popular. Eastern Shore’s fruit tree production area was particularly impressive. What fun to ride through their thousands of fruit trees just a few feet above foliage level.

New vendors this year included Ernst Seeds, Laufer Insurance Solutions and Vienna Botanicals. Thanks to all who came to show and tell about their products!

Inside the greenhouse at Tankard Nurseries

After Field Day, most folks headed over to the Island House Restaurant and enjoyed gorgeous waterside views, socializing and delicious food. There were some delectable crab cakes, shrimp and ham biscuits to be had.

Tour day brought everyone to David’s Nursery, Eyre Hall and Tankard’s Nursery.

Gardener Tour at Eyre Hall

David’s Nursery outdid themselves with a knock out tour of their impressive nursery and immaculate blocks of plants.

The gardener of historic Eyre Hall led us through the gardens filled with ancient boxwoods, crepe myrtles and magnolias. It was very interesting to see the restored ruin of one of the few Orangeries in the United States.

Tankard’s Nursery rounded out the day with digging demonstrations, potting demonstrations, and, a tour of their “small” 4.2-acre greenhouse with retractable roof and sides used to speed and extend the growing cycle.

Many thanks to Eastern Shore Nursery for hosting this year’s event!