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Meet Tensaie Fesshaye Class of 2019

Eileen Ballance, Class of 2015 • Mar 26, 2020

Tensaie received his certificate at the February 2020 Membership Meeting, thus becoming Norfolk’s newest Master Gardener.

Tensaie was born in Port Arthur, Texas, but when he was very young his family moved to Virginia Beach where he grew up. He attended Old Dominion University and received his degree in Biology. After graduation he accepted a seasonal position at Norfolk Botanical Garden while looking for full-time employment. During this time he was offered and accepted full-time employment as a Horticultural Assistant.

Tensaie heard about the Norfolk Master Gardener Program and the extra seats that were offered to Horticultural Assistants. Seeing an opportunity to learn more about horticulture, he accepted the offer and joined the 2019 Master Gardener Class. He believes that his work as a Norfolk Master Gardener will help him determine what career paths he would like to pursue in the future.

To attain his 50 hours, Tensaie volunteered in a variety of projects including Info Tables at Village Days and Taylor’s Do-It Center, setting up for the plant sale, Arbor Day (both preparing plants at the farm and distribution at the October event), Crape Myrtle Pruning, Jam’n Jamz, Legacy Grove Plantings and writing for the Germinator. He has joined the Communications Team and plans to research and write articles for the Germinator Blog.

Tensaie’s family circle includes his Mom, Dad, two sisters and the family dog, a Lhasa Apso named Vinney. When he is not working at the Norfolk Botanical Garden or participating in Norfolk Master Gardener projects, he gardens at home and maintains a collection of container plants, mostly succulents and trees. This year he plans to try his hand at growing container vegetables.

Be sure to introduce yourself to Tensaie when you see him, and welcome him to the Norfolk Master Gardener Volunteers.
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