Community Calendar

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, The Center at Belvedere will host “What Makes a Species Invasive?”, a free presentation by the Piedmont Master Gardeners. Invasive species like tree-of-heaven, Japanese stiltgrass, autumn olive and Asian bittersweet create serious problems in ecosystems. Plant invaders contribute to the decline of native flora and fauna; decrease soil, water, and air quality; and have detrimental economic and human health impacts. Soil scientist and Master Gardener Linda Blum will describe why some plants become invasive and the factors that contribute to their spread. The program is open to all. To register, visit https://thecentercville.org/calendar/event/140534/3.

George’s Flowers, the Roanoke Valley’s premier floral studio since 1981, invites guests back for the third installment of its signature workshop series, “Petals & Potions,” on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. inside the stylish tasting room at Well Hung Vineyards.
Following two sold-out sessions in August and September, October’s master class will bring a festive and spooky vibe to the evening. Guests are encouraged to arrive in costume for a chance to win a $50 George’s Flowers gift card for Best Costume—as voted on by fellow attendees.
This month’s design project is a spook-tacular Halloween arrangement, featuring:
• A dramatic glass skull vessel
• An eerie green light that glows through the water
• Roses and assorted boo-tiful, ghoulish stems
• All supplies and professional instruction to craft a hauntingly beautiful centerpiece
What Your $75 Ticket Includes:
• All flowers, accessories, glass skull, and glowing green light for your arrangement
• Step-by-step instruction from a George’s Flowers master designer
• Use of professional tools & supplies
• A curated flight of Well Hung wines (21+ only)
• Your completed Halloween arrangement to take home
• Entry into the Best Costume Contest for a chance to win a $50 George’s Flowers gift card
“Each Petals & Potions class is about creativity, community, and fun,” said George Clements, founder of George’s Flowers. “We’re especially excited to bring a spooky spirit to October’s workshop—where guests will leave with a Halloween centerpiece they designed themselves.”
Event Details:
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 • 6 – 8 p.m.
Venue: Well Hung Vineyards Tasting Room, 402 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA
Tickets: $75 per person — reserve at georgesflowers.com/occasions/design-classes/

At 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18, the Piedmont Master Gardeners will present “Tiny Indoor Gardens for Winter Green Thumbs—Easy, Nutritious Microgreens and Sprouts.” The free Garden Basics session will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1118 Preston Ave. in Charlottesville. The hands-on class will offer simple and inexpensive ways to grow microgreens and sprouts—small but mighty nutrition powerhouses that are especially welcome in the winter months. Register at https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/events/ to reserve a place in the class. Registration closes at 5 p.m. October 17 or when the class is full. The Garden Basics series is a partnership with the Bread & Roses ministry at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Everyone’s favorite astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson, will be in Charlottesville, VA to deliver a talk titled “Delusions of Space Enthusiasts.” The NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal recipient; graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University; and holder of 21 honorary doctoral degrees will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at John Paul Jones Arena.