Meet Denise Alsina-Mayo
Denise was born in New York and attended the Academy of Mount St. Ursula and Fordham University. In 1977, she moved to Virginia Beach when her previous husband became stationed in the Hampton Roads area. They raised two daughters, and she worked in the furniture industry which led her to travel much of the United States and abroad in many positions as interior designer, furniture store manager, sales representative, consultant and furniture designer. After 42 wonderful years, she has retired and is very happily at home with her two standard poodles, Louie and Logan.
Due to her culture and background, she has always planted herbs for cooking Mediterranean cuisine. After taking a culinary course during COVID, she decided she wanted to take more control of her ingredients in order to prepare her dishes and serve the highest quality of foods. Learning about the NMG program, her interests were piqued and she decided to apply for the Class of 2026. She found the classes a bit challenging at times, but she was up for the task and thankfully completed the program.
She attended classes at the Hermitage Museum which helped her gravitate to the Hermitage Garden Docent Program and the Norfolk Botanical Garden Butterfly House, the Dunes of East Beach, and the East Ocean View Children’s Garden. She found that participating in the various community events and meeting residents throughout Norfolk was very exciting. She stated that she could never have imagined the impact Norfolk Master Gardeners have on the community as time is donated and newfound knowledge in gardening. New friends sharing ideas, comments, plants and foods from the garden have all contributed to the enriched experiences she has enjoyed this year.
Denise states that one of the most gratifying elements is sharing her new passion with her two grown daughters so that they can enrich her three grandchildren with information about flowers, edibles and bugs! Her husband Rick, of 35 years, has also enjoyed the many benefits this year as they relax in the evenings in their expanded garden haven at home.’’
When Denise is not participating in NMG projects she leads a book club, knits, prepares gourmet meals from around the world and entertains family, neighbors and friends. She states it has been a great year and she is proud to be a Norfolk Master Gardener.
When you see Denise please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.
