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

  • Fall Fred Fair, October 10th from 10-3

    Fall Fred Fair is back—and you won’t want to miss it! Join us at Fred Heutte Garden on Saturday, October 10, from 10 AM–3 PM for a beautiful fall day filled with plants, community, and fun for the whole family. Shop our fall plant sale featuring gorgeous pansies, snapdragons, perennials, fruiting plants, and more—all at amazing prices and ready to give your garden a spectacular autumn boost. Meet local plant societies and gardening experts, discover the terrific work being done by area nonprofits, and spend the day exploring one of Norfolk’s most beautiful hidden gems. And bring the kids! Our Kid Zone will be packed with giant bubbles, a huge play parachute, crafts, garden-inspired activities, and plenty of room to have fun. Whether you’re a serious gardener, a bargain-hunting plant lover, looking for a great family outing, or simply want to enjoy a fall day surrounded by flowers and friends, Fall Fred Fair has something for everyone. Come for the plants, stay for the fun, and celebrate fall with us at Fred Heutte Garden!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • November's Once Upon A Garden

    Join us for a wonderful November morning outdoors at Fred Heutte Garden! We’ll read two great books together, explore the garden, and get creative making our own tabletop turkeys from pinecones and colorful feathers—perfect to take home for Thanksgiving.

    Once Upon a Garden is designed especially for preschool and early elementary-age children. The program is completely free, but registration is required. Please plan for one adult for every three children attending.

    Because our programs often have a waiting list, registered families must arrive by 10:15 AM. After 10:15, unclaimed spaces will be offered to children on the waiting list.

    Come read, explore, create, and enjoy a beautiful fall morning in the garden. We can’t wait to see you!

  • Free Fred Talk, Taking the Mystery out of Composting with Cameron Kania

    Composting doesn’t have to be complicated, messy, or mysterious. Join us at Fred Heutte Garden for a free Fred Talk with Cameron Kania, founder and owner of Tidewater Compost, and learn how food scraps and other organic materials can be transformed into something every garden needs: rich, healthy soil.

    Cameron will take the mystery out of composting, explaining what composting actually is, what can and can’t go into compost, how the process works, and how compost improves soil and supports healthier gardens. Whether you’re interested in starting a compost pile at home, wondering what to do if you don’t have the space for one, or simply want to understand why keeping food waste out of the landfill matters, this is a great place to start.

    A Virginia Beach native and longtime home gardener, Cameron Kania founded Tidewater Compost in 2022 after his interest in gardening, soil building, and sustainability led him to look more closely at composting options in Hampton Roads. With a professional background in financial analysis, Cameron took an unconventional path into the composting world, turning a personal passion into the region’s first residential and commercial food-waste recycling and composting company.

    And there’s a special connection to the Fred: Fred Heutte Garden is a Tidewater Compost drop-off location, making it easier for our community to keep food scraps out of the waste stream and put them back to work building healthy soil.

    Come with your questions! This practical, approachable Fred Talk is for experienced gardeners, composting beginners, and anyone who has ever looked at a banana peel and wondered, “Couldn’t I be doing something better with this?”

    The talk is free, but registration is required.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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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