Fred Heutte Garden, Where Community Grows
Norfolk, Virginia’s Fred Heutte Garden’s mission is to honor Fred Heutte’s legacy of horticultural education by making the garden founded in his honor a living classroom for all. We maintain a free public urban garden open from dawn to dusk and are committed to building community through the shared experience of gardening, offering hands-on opportunities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and environmental stewardship. With a focus on outreach, we provide low to no-cost programs for Norfolk’s citizens of all ages—ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and connect through the beauty and resilience of nature.
Upcoming Events at the Fred
Click on the image to reserve your spot. No reservations required to join us Saturdays for Team Fred.
Team Fred meets every Saturday morning to care for and grow 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 garden tools and gloves. Throughout the winter months, our work continues outdoors in the gardens and indoors as well. Volunteers may help with seasonal garden maintenance, planting, mulching, and winter prep, as well as light indoor projects like paint touch-ups and organizing our horticultural library. Fred Heutte Garden is 100% volunteer-maintained, and we truly can’t do this work without you. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or brand new, there’s a role for every skill level and every bit of bandwidth. Together, we make a difference—one Saturday at a time.
Join us for an engaging and provocative evening with Philip Riske as he explores the philosophy behind gardening in his talk, “All things in moderation…but sometimes unhinged.” With the playful subtitle, “Never give up a great plant just because somebody said ‘That’s not native,’” this talk invites gardeners to think more expansively about plant choice, design, and ecological responsibility. Phillip will share his perspective on balancing native plants with non-natives, championing plants that perform beautifully, support ecosystems, and spark delight—even if they don’t always fit neatly into rigid categories. Drawing on his work at Hermitage Museum and Gardens, expect thoughtful commentary on current gardening debates, practical insights from years of professional experience, and plenty of encouragement to trust your instincts and cultivate what you truly love. This talk is ideal for gardeners who are curious, questioning, and passionate—whether you’re a staunch native-plant advocate, an experimental plant collector, or someone simply trying to make sense of conflicting advice. As always, Fred Talks are community-focused, welcoming, and designed to spark conversation long after the evening ends. Space is limited so be sure to save your seats!
Once Upon A Garden – February Join us for a cozy, creative morning at Once Upon A Garden as we dive into the wonderful world of acorns. We’ll begin by reading a selection of charming children’s books all about acorns, trees, and the magic of small beginnings. Then it’s time to get hands-on as children create their own acorn folks, complete with wee little beds—a sweet craft that sparks imagination, storytelling, and a love of nature. Saturday, February 21st at 10:00 AM at Fred Heutte Garden. Once Upon A Garden is always FREE and open to all children, but registration is required so we can be sure to have enough supplies for everyone. Come read, create, and celebrate the tiny treasures that grow into mighty things—we can’t wait to see you there.
Vickie Shufer is an American naturalist, herbalist, and foraging expert known for her extensive work teaching people how to identify, harvest, and use wild plants for food, medicine, and wellness. With more than forty years of experience in the world of plants and outdoor education, she brings both practical skill and deep botanical knowledge to her writing and programs. Shufer holds a Master’s Degree in Therapeutic Herbalism and a Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Recreation with an emphasis on ethnobotany. Over the years she has led foraging and wilderness programs, taught classes on edible and medicinal plants, and worked as a naturalist and field instructor at nature parks and ecological events. She is founder and owner of Wild Woods Farm, a certified native plant nursery in northeastern North Carolina and Virginia Beach that grows and sells native and medicinal plants, offers outdoor education programs, and produces herbal products. Her work there centers on helping others connect with nature through hands-on experiences with plants. Join us on Sunday, February 22nd at noon to learn about this fascinating work and create your own special herbal blend. Class fee is only $20.
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 at Fred Heutte Garden, participants will learn the history, aesthetics, and practical techniques behind this elegant living art form. During the workshop, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of creating two beautiful kokedama—from soil blending and plant selection to shaping, wrapping, and binding with moss and twine. Along the way, we’ll explore design choices for both display and care, including tabletop and hanging options, watering methods, and long-term maintenance to keep your kokedama thriving. This class is designed for all skill levels and emphasizes slowing down, working with your hands, and connecting with plants in a mindful, creative way. You’ll leave not only with two finished kokedama to take home, but also with clear instructions and trusted resources so you can confidently create more on your own. All materials are provided. Come ready to get your hands a little dirty, learn a beautiful craft, and enjoy a calm, creative afternoon in the garden. The class fee is $55. Space is limited so book now!
Team Fred is the heartbeat of Fred Heutte Garden—a dedicated group of volunteers whose work makes a real, visible difference across Norfolk. Every path you walk, bed you admire, program you attend, and child you see discovering the garden exists because Team Fred shows up. We meet year-round, rain or shine. When the weather is beautiful, we’re outdoors planting, pruning, mulching, watering, weeding, and improving the gardens that serve as a free, public green space for the entire city. When it’s cold or rainy, the work continues indoors—organizing and expanding the horticultural library, painting and maintaining the historic building, prepping materials for children’s programs, and supporting the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the Fred running. This isn’t just garden maintenance—it’s community building. Fred Heutte Garden is 100% volunteer-maintained, and Team Fred’s collective effort supports free education, children’s programming, community partnerships, and a welcoming place for all Norfolk residents to learn, gather, and connect with nature. Whether you come for an hour or stay the whole morning, whether you’re an experienced gardener or brand new, your time matters here. Team Fred proves every week that when neighbors come together, they can create something lasting, beautiful, and deeply meaningful for the city of Norfolk.
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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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