The many benefits of becoming a Norfolk Master Gardener Volunteer are: 

Ø      Sharing your horticultural knowledge with friends and neighbors

Ø      Promote environmental landscaping by helping homeowners reduce chemical use and protect our water sheds and wetlands

Ø      Assist in beautifying your community and your neighborhoods

Ø      Teaching youth about good gardening practices thru our schools and community centers

Ø      Learn science-based information from university professionals

Ø      Attend ongoing horticultural classes, workshops and lectures

Ø      Meeting new friends and sharing knowledge with fellow gardeners

To become a Norfolk Master Gardener Association member, a person must be either a resident of the City of Norfolk, Virginia, or an employee of the City of Norfolk, Virginia, or the Commonwealth of Virginia and engaged in a horticultural occupation in the City of Norfolk, Virginia.

 

You can apply at our VCE Norfolk Master Gardeners Main office or click on the following form to apply and submit your application online:

 

VCE Norfolk Master Gardener Online Application Form  

 

2008 Course Fee:    Home gardener or city employee $100       Professional $200

 

The 2008 10-week training program began the first week in February 2008.  Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30 am to noon at the Norfolk Botanical Garden.  Applications are being accepted for the 2009 class.

 

To view the 2008 Class schedule (click here) revised 2/10/08

 

The course fee is for the training materials which include the Master Gardener Volunteer Handbook and educational handouts for the classroom portion of the training. Costs are different for Home gardeners, horticulture industry professionals and city employees due to their volunteer commitment hours. Partial scholarships are available.

 

Applicants accepted into the program must complete a 10 week training course sponsored by the VCE. These classes are normally held in the first quarter of the year. Dates and costs will be confirmed upon acceptance.

 

Upon completion of the class hours and an open book test, trainees will begin their internship as a Norfolk Master Gardener Volunteer (NMGV). The intern has to complete 50 hours of work on NMGV approved projects during the next year.

 

Once the internship period and hours have been completed, Master Gardener Volunteer status has been achieved.

 

To maintain your NMGV status, each year you must complete a minimum of 20 volunteer hours working on NMG projects and attend 8 hours of educational training classes.

 

Volunteering, learning and teaching are such a great reward and so much fun while doing something you enjoy.

Happy Gardening!