Ghent Square at the Fred Huette Center
1000 Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk, VA
Ghent Square at the Fred Huette Center
1000 Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Master Gardener program?
It is a program offered through land-grant universities to provide intensive research-based horticultural training to adults. Master Gardeners serve as volunteer educators in their communities giving talks, creating gardens, conducting research, and volunteering for horticulture projects. The program is part of a Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) partnership with Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Master Gardeners are official representatives of city or county extension offices.
Who is eligible to apply to be a Norfolk Master Gardener trainee?
Adult residents of Norfolk interested in learning more about horticulture, the joys of gardening, and volunteering in the community are eligible to apply for the Norfolk Master Gardener training class.
How do you apply for the training program?
Norfolk Master Gardeners schedule an annual Information Session in the fall. This session outlines the basic requirements of the class including the cost, dates and times of classes and subsequent volunteer requirements. The application for the class is online; the online link is provided during the Information Session.
What is the selection process?
After submitting your application, you will be contacted to schedule a brief interview to address any questions that you might have and to help us learn more about your goals for becoming a Master Gardener.
What is involved in the training?
Trainees must complete a 50-hour in-person training program. Training classes are held once a year usually in the late winter-early spring timeframe with classes meeting two times a week for 3 hours each. Each class will focus on a different topic such as vegetable gardening, native plants, pruning, etc. After completing the required classes, participants must pass an exam. They then must complete an additional 50 volunteer hours working on approved VCE Master Gardener projects.
What are the benefits of becoming a Norfolk Master Gardener?
Master Gardeners gain knowledge about horticulture and gardening while enjoying camaraderie with fellow gardeners. They make an impact on their community by sharing their knowledge and empowering citizens to grow and maintain sustainable, healthy gardens and landscapes. Master Gardeners can choose from a wide variety of volunteer projects that suit their interests and available time.
