A free public garden in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, Fred Heutte Garden is a living classroom where community grows. Through hands-on, no-cost or low-cost programs for all ages, we inspire curiosity, creativity, and environmental stewardship—the garden is open daily from dawn to dusk.
On Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, gardeners, families, neighbors, and plant lovers from across Hampton Roads are invited to explore the garden, learn practical skills, and discover plants that thrive in our region’s climate.
Fred Fair is more than a traditional plant sale. It is a celebration of the role gardens play in building a healthier and more resilient city.
At the heart of the celebration is the Spring Plant Sale, where Fred Heutte Garden will offer a wide variety of plants well suited to our region.
Fred Fair will also feature native plant nurseries, offering species that have evolved in our region and play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems.
The fair also brings together area nonprofit organizations focused on sustainability, horticulture, conservation, and community engagement. These organizations will share ideas, resources, and programs that help residents become better stewards of the environment.
Families will find plenty to enjoy as well. The Children’s Zone will feature engaging activities designed to introduce young visitors to the natural world. Through Make and Take crafts and hands-on projects, children will explore themes such as pollinators, plants, and the importance of caring for our environment.
Beyond the plants and programs, Fred Fair offers the simple pleasure of spending time in one of Norfolk’s most beloved green spaces.
Visitors will be pleased to know that parking is plentiful, making it easy to stop by for a quick plant purchase or spend time exploring everything Fred Fair has to offer.
Fred Fair reflects the mission of Fred Heutte Garden—to serve as a living classroom where residents can learn about horticulture, sustainability, and the many ways plants enrich our lives. By bringing together growers, educators, nonprofits, and families, the event highlights how thoughtful gardening can support pollinators, strengthen urban ecosystems, and help communities adapt to a changing climate.
Join us on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Fred Heutte Garden t Keep an eye on our upcoming events for the full day’s schedule of workshops, demonstrations, and activities coming soon.
Most events below require registration, including free ones
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Most events below require registration, including free ones /
Upcoming Events
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TEAM FRED VOLUNTEERS EVERY SATURDAY 9AM-12
Team Fred meets every Saturday morning to volunteer at the gardens we all love. Join us at 9:00 AM and stay for an hour—or stay the whole morning. Every bit of help matters. No tools? No problem. We provide everything you need, including gloves. Throughout the winter months, our work continues. Volunteers may help with garden maintenance and winter prep, as well as light indoor projects. Fred Heutte Garden is 100% volunteer-maintained, and we can’t do this work without you. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or brand new, there’s a role for every skil level.
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LEARN TO MAKE KOKEDAMA
SATURDAY, MARCH 07, 2026 12 NOON AT FRED HEUTTE GARDEN
Step into the serene, tactile world of kokedama, the Japanese art of growing plants in hand-formed moss balls. In this immersive, hands-on craft class, participants will learn the history, aesthetics, and practical techniques behind this elegant living art form. During the workshop, you’ll be creating two beautiful kokedama. All materials are provided. Come ready to get your hands a little dirty, learn a beautiful craft, and enjoy a calm, creative afternoon. The class fee is $55. Space is limited.
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RAIN GARDENS FRED TALK WITH DR. LAURIE FOX, PHD
Friday, March 13, 2026 6:30 PM
We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Laurie Fox to the Fred for an engaging, practical talk on Rain Gardens—what they are, why they matter, and how they can transform our landscapes and neighborhoods. Dr. Fox is a passionate educator and advocate for sustainable landscapes and water stewardship. With a background that bridges science, ecology, and hands-on community education, she has spent years helping people understand how smart garden design can work with nature rather than against it. Her talks are known for being approachable, informative, and empowering—whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to think about what happens to rain once it hits your yard.
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March ONCE UPON A GARDEN
Saturday, March 21st, 10 AM
Joe us for storytime with beautifully illustrated books that introduce children to meadows—those magical in-between places full of grasses, flowers, insects, and hidden life. After reading, children will get hands-on creating their own mini meadow to take home, a playful and tactile craft that encourages creativity, fine motor skills, and curiosity about how plants grow together in nature.
We’ll also head out into the garden for gentle exploration, giving kids space to notice textures, colors, movement, and early signs of spring. This kind of open-ended outdoor discovery is especially wonderful for young children
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Fred's Spring Clean
Come help us paint the interior doors, clean baseboards, organize the kitchen, repair drywall and other housekeeping chores. We rely on volunteers and would love to see YOU there! Saturday March 28th, 9am-12. Thank you!!
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Urban Trees and a Tree Walk with Steven Traylor, City Forester
In his Fred Talk, “Trees for an Urban Garden,” Steven will discuss how trees function within small urban landscapes and how gardeners can choose and care for trees that thrive in compact spaces. He will explore topics such as selecting appropriate species for urban conditions, balancing shade and sunlight in garden design, supporting pollinators and wildlife, and ensuring trees remain healthy in challenging environments like compacted soils and limited rooting space.
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VISIT
Explore the Fred and see what’s new as we refresh the garden, support education initiatives, host classes, workshops and symposia and promote community and sustainability. The Garden is open 365 days a year from dawn ‘til dusk.
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VOLUNTEER
We rely on volunteers to help maintain our vegetable and display gardens. Our volunteers help beautify our plantings and vegetable plot to ensure a good harvest to meet our contribution goals to community food banks. No experience is necessary to volunteer!
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SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS
Donations support gardening education, the costs of planting and maintaining our green space, programming and other operations of our beloved community garden. Donations are tax deductible and every bit of support makes a difference!
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RENT THE FRED
Have your next event at the Fred! The Fred is available to rent, for weddings, parties, memorials and other social happenings. Rental includes the building and grounds and tables and chairs and supports the Fred Heutte Foundation’s mission.
Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, Fred Heutte Garden offers a serene escape for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike. This beautiful public garden is dedicated to sustainability, best gardening practices, and the cultivation of native plants. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through meticulously maintained gardens while learning about eco-friendly horticulture.
In addition to its scenic beauty, the center hosts a variety of classes, seminars, and volunteer opportunities throughout the week. These programs provide hands-on experiences for gardeners and volunteers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, and emphasize environmentally conscious methods.
Whether you're looking to expand your gardening knowledge, get involved in community efforts, or simply enjoy natural beauty in an oasis of calm in a busy urban neighborhood, the Fred Heutte Center Gardens is a must-visit destination.
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