December's Once Upon a Garden: A Little Holiday Magic!
Saturday, December 19 | 10 AM | Fred Heutte Garden
There's a little holiday magic happening at The Fred this December, and we can't wait to share it with our youngest gardeners!
Join us for a festive morning of storytelling, imagination, and hands-on creativity at December's Once Upon a Garden. We'll begin by reading two delightful holiday books together, then get busy making our very own whimsical woodland gnomes!
Using wooden pegs, colorful felt, fluffy woolly beards, and tiny noses, children will create charming little gnomes with tall, crooked hats and plenty of personality. No two will be alike! Each child will take home a one-of-a-kind holiday creation, along with some wonderful memories of a morning spent making things together.
Once Upon a Garden is designed to introduce young children to the joys of nature, gardening, creativity, and discovery through stories and engaging activities. Each month brings a new theme, a new project, and another opportunity for children to explore the world around them. We believe that some of the best learning happens when children are having fun, using their imaginations, and creating something with their own hands.
A Garden for Everyone
Fred Heutte Garden is Norfolk's free public urban garden, a special place dedicated to horticultural education, sustainability, and bringing people together through a shared love of nature.
Our garden is maintained entirely by volunteers, and we're committed to making its beauty, resources, and educational opportunities accessible to everyone in our community.
That's why Once Upon a Garden is always FREE. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore, create, learn, and discover, regardless of a family's ability to pay.
Donations are always appreciated, but never required. Contributions help us purchase books, craft materials, and supplies so we can continue offering imaginative, high-quality children's programming at no cost to families.
And there's even more excitement ahead! We're creating a new Children's Garden at The Fred, opening May 1, 2027. This dedicated space will give young gardeners opportunities to plant seeds, grow vegetables and flowers, discover pollinators, and experience the wonders of the natural world firsthand. It's part of our growing commitment to making The Fred a place where the next generation can develop a lifelong connection to nature.
Come Celebrate With Us!
Our December gathering promises to be a cheerful morning filled with stories, creativity, and a little holiday whimsy. We provide all the materials, so just bring your young makers and their imaginations!
Saturday, December 19 at 10 AM
Fred Heutte Garden
1000 Botetourt Gardens
Norfolk, VA 23507
Admission is FREE, but advance registration is required. Space is limited.
We look forward to welcoming you and your little ones to The Fred!
This Is Your Garden. Come Grow With Us!