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.
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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Join the Fred and Create Opportunity!
Become a Member of Fred Heutte Garden and help keep Norfolk's urban garden thriving. Your membership supports free Fred Talks, free children's programs, free educational workshops, volunteer initiatives, and the care of this beautiful public garden. As a member, you'll also receive reciprocal admission and benefits at more than 400 public gardens nationwide through the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program—making your membership an investment in both your local community and gardens across the country.
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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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August's Once Upon A Garden!
Once Upon A Garden returns to Fred Heutte Garden on Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 AM for another morning of stories, creativity, and outdoor fun!
We'll begin with a delightful story time before heading into the garden to paint and glitter colorful garden rocks. After our masterpieces are complete, children can enjoy exploring, playing, and discovering the beauty of the garden together.
This free family event is designed for Norfolk preschoolers and early elementary school aged children and requires advance registration. To help keep everyone safe and engaged, one supervising adult is required for every two children.
While the program is free to attend, donations are always appreciated.
Come join us for a magical morning of stories, art, and garden adventures—we can't wait to see you at The Fred!
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September' s Once Upon A Garden!
Once Upon A Garden returns to Fred Heutte Garden on Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 AM for a morning of imagination, creativity, and outdoor discovery!
We'll begin with a fun story time before creating beautiful Nature Boxes—special keepsake boxes that children can decorate and take home to store all of their favorite nature treasures. Whether it's a colorful leaf, an interesting feather, a smooth stone, a tiny shell, or a seedpod, every treasure deserves a special place. After the craft, we'll head into the garden for exploration and play.
Designed especially for Norfolk's preschoolers and early elementary-aged children, this family-friendly event is always free, but registration is required. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, one supervising adult is required for every two children.
While there is no cost to attend, donations are always appreciated. Your generosity helps us continue providing free, hands-on nature experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Come make memories, discover nature, and create a special place to keep your garden treasures. We can't wait to see you at The Fred!
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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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Community Partners
