Upcoming Events
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TEAM FRED VOLUNTEERS EVERY SATURDAY 9AM-12
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. 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. Together, we make a difference—one Saturday at a time.
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June's Once Upon A Garden, Free children's event!
Join us at Fred Heutte Garden for June's Once Upon A Garden as we explore the fascinating world of bees! We'll read bee-themed stories, learn why these important pollinators help our gardens thrive, and enjoy a fun bee-inspired craft to take home. Afterward, we'll head into the garden to look for bees and the flowers they love. This free program is perfect for young nature lovers and their grown-ups. Registration is appreciated.
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Free Fred Talk with Norfolk Park Ranger Brandon Whippo
Join Norfolk Park Ranger Brandon Whippo for a fascinating look at Norfolk’s natural resources, local wildlife, and the efforts underway to protect them. Learn about the challenges facing our natural spaces, discover how Norfolk Park Rangers support conservation across the city, and find out how you can help preserve the places and wildlife that make Norfolk special. This free Fred Talk is perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in becoming a better steward of Norfolk’s environment. Registration is appreciated.
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July Fred Talk, Elizabeth River Project's Luisa Black
Join us at Fred Heutte Garden for an inspiring and timely Fred Talk with Luísa Black Ellis, Director of Resilience & Community Engagement for the Elizabeth River Project, as she explores how gardeners can create beautiful, thriving landscapes that are prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.
Luísa Black Ellis leads resilience initiatives for the Elizabeth River Project, helping communities throughout Hampton Roads adapt to sea level rise and climate change through practical, accessible solutions. She has been instrumental in the development of the award-winning Ryan Resilience Lab in Norfolk, a nationally recognized living demonstration site that showcases how homeowners, businesses, and communities can live successfully with water while creating healthier, more sustainable landscapes. Her work focuses on connecting people with the tools and knowledge they need to build resilience at both the household and community level.
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July's Once Upon A Garden
We’re going to explore, read books and make a fairy garden! This fun craft is charming and creates the perfect space for garden fairies to live! Join us Saturday July 18th at 10AM for this very special children’s craft and garden experience. As always, it’s completely free but please sign up so we have enough materials on hand for everyone to make a Fairy Garden. Once Upon A Garden is rain or shine at The Fred.
Fred Talk: Gardening Myths Debunked
Join us for a Fred Talk on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Fred Heutte Garden with Alexandra Cantwell, Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Senior Director of Adult Education. Her talk, “Garden Myths Debunked,” will take a practical look at some of the most common pieces of garden “wisdom” we all hear—what’s true, what’s outdated, and what really works in a Tidewater garden.
Come ready to rethink old rules, ask questions, and leave with clear, confidence-building tips you can put to work right away—whether you’re a brand-new gardener or have been growing for years.
All Fred Talks are Free! but you must register here.
November's Once Upon A Garden
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. Register Here
Cyanotype Workshop at the Fred
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! Register Here.
Square Foot Gardening Presentation with Norfolk Master Garden Paul Ziegler
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 Here. THIS IS A FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAM.
October’s Once Upon A Garden
Join us at the Fred on October 18th at 10AM for Once Upon A Garden. This free, fun children’s activity is sure to make nature lovers happy. We enjoy storytime, a garden make and take and garden exploration. For children of all ages. An adult must accompany the children. The event is free but registration is suggested so we have enough materials on hand for the littles!
October’s Fred Talk: Garden Design with Maintenance in Mind, Laurie Fox, PhD.
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 10 at 6:30 PM when Fred Heutte Garden hosts Dr. Laurie Fox, PhD, for her Fred Talk Presentation “Garden Design with Maintenance in Mind.” Dr. Fox will share expert insights on creating landscapes that are both beautiful and easier to maintain—ideal for busy gardeners who still want thriving, sustainable spaces. This event is free and open to the public, with donations appreciated……..
Team Fred Volunteers Every Saturday
Join Team Fred on Saturdays
Roll up your sleeves with Team Fred at Fred Heutte Garden every Saturday, 9:00–11:30 AM. No gardening experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to pitch in. We work side-by-side on seasonal projects, learn as we go, and enjoy the camaraderie of growing something beautiful together.
What to expect
Friendly, hands-on tasks suited for all skill levels
Quick tips from experienced volunteers
A welcoming pace—come as you are and stay as long as you can
What to bring
Your favorite gloves or tools if you have them—otherwise, we’re happy to supply everything you need
Comfortable clothes and closed toed shoes
Meet us at Fred Heutte Garden, 1000 Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk. Questions or interested in bringing a group? Contact us at garden@fredheutte.com. We can’t wait to grow with you.
Event One
Celebrate the season with us at the Fred Heutte Garden Plant Sale and Fall Festival! This family-friendly event features a wide variety of plants perfect for fall planting, including perennials, pansies, fruiting plants, and pumpkins. Local native plant nurseries and community nonprofits will be on hand to share expertise, resources, and ideas on sustainability and gardening. Enjoy garden tours, hands-on gardening information, and a lively kids’ zone with fun activities for children. With a focus on ecology, community, and the beauty of the season, the Fall Festival at Fred Heutte Garden is the perfect way to connect with neighbors, support local growers, and bring home plants that will thrive in your garden.