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
Join us Friday, October 10th at 6:30 PM for a free Fred Talk on Landscaping with Maintenance in Mind, presented by Laurie Fox, PhD. Register for this free event by clicking on the image. See you soon!
Join us Saturday October 18th during the Coffee and Tea Expo for a fun storytime, make and take and garden exploration. This event is free, fun and educational. Please register by clicking on the image so we have enough craft supplies. See you soon!!!
Join us Saturday October 25th at 12 noon for a two hour workshop on creating Cyanotypes. Professional photographer Eleise Theuer will teach you how to do this magical process and give you lots of tips and tricks to enhance your creations. You'll leave with several completed pieces and a list of instructions and resources to continue creating! Click on the image to reserve your spot.
Every single Saturday, year round, Team Fred works on the Garden from 9-12 noon. As a completely volunteer maintained and planted garden we rely on our Norfolk Community to help us shine. Bring your own gloves and tools or borrow ours. Stay all morning or just an hour. No gardening experience needed, we have tasks for every inclination, or just come keep us company : ) No registration needed.
Once Upon a Garden — Join us at Fred Heutte Garden on Saturday, November 15th at 10 AM for story time, a make-and-take garden craft, and a guided exploration of our demonstration beds designed just for kids. Free and open to all; registration required. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Join Norfolk Master Gardener Paul Ziegler to learn the basics in establishing a square foot garden. This high yield garden process is perfect for urban gardeners with limited space. Norfolk Master Gardeners Square Foot Garden at the Fred has been under cultivation for many years, and donates almost 2,000 pounds of produce to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia yearly. Come learn from a Square Foot Gardening Expert! Saturday, October 25th from 10am to about 11:30 am. Register by clicking on the image. THIS IS A FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAM.
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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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