Pollinator Dye Plants in Waterwise High Tunnels
Friday, March 27, 2026 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
212 Spring Branch Road Waverly, Va 23899
This immersive workshop guides participants in designing a waterwise, drought-resilient garden while introducing a curated collection of pigment producing pollinator plants (native and non-natives that are non invasive), ideal for Virginia’s climate. Attendees will explore how species such as Butterfly Pea, Japanese Indigo, Purple Coneflower, Anise Hyssop, Lavender, Verbena, Salvias, and Purple Basil can be started early in a high tunnel to boost germination, extend the season, and strengthen pollinator habitat. The training emphasizes creating value-added dye gardens that generate income through teas, natural dyes, floriculture, crafts, herbal products, and cut-flower production. Participants leave with plant lists, high-tunnel strategies, and design concepts that support biodiversity, creative enterprise, and ecological stewardship.
For more information, contact Tabitha Bugg at 804.892.2997 or tbugg@vsu.edu.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.