Meet Jeff Moore

Jeff was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Like so many others who come to Norfolk he came because of the U.S. Navy. Jeff liked the area and decided to stay and after 45 years, he considers Norfolk his home. He worked in aviation, specifically helicopters. While on active duty he attended classes on base for about two years through St. Leo University, but regrettably was unable to finish due to work and family responsibilities.

Jeff retired from City of Norfolk Bureau of Cemeteries. He began in maintenance but became a heavy equipment operator.

Jeff has always been interested in gardening and nature. His wife volunteers at the butterfly house at Norfolk Botanical Garden and he noticed the satisfaction she derived from working in that atmosphere. He met other Master Gardeners through her work at NBG. The idea of delving deeper into gardening and making a positive effect on the environment were determining factors in wanting to become a Master Gardener.

Jeff enjoyed the classes. It was the type of experience he was looking for. Having been unable to complete his earlier academic pursuits, the MG classes gave him a taste of what he wished he had been able to accomplish. He thought the curriculum was well put-together and seamlessly done.

In attaining his required fifty hours, he worked at the Ernie Morgan Eco Garden, Wyanoke Bird and Wildflower Sanctuary, Fred Heutte Square Foot Garden, the greenhouse, Seed Project and community outreach.

He plans to continue to work with the Ernie Morgan Center but wants to look at other projects.

Jeff’s wife is very involved with their church, St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Norfolk and he helps her with her projects. He and his wife belong to a book club at the church and he enjoys discussing the interesting books. In addition, he has a nice vegetable garden and a wildflower pollinator garden in his yard.

Jeff and his wife have been married for twelve years. He has a daughter and two grandchildren in Mississippi and a son in Richmond who is working on his master’s degree in public health at Virginia Commonwealth University. He adopted a cat that came to him as a stray and wouldn’t leave. He named her Missy.



When you see Jeff, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome him to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.