Volunteer Story: The Northern Neck Master Gardeners

Northern Neck Master Gardeners

NPS / Andrew Therrien

The Northern Neck Master Gardeners are an all-volunteer group from the four Northern Neck counties plus Essex County. They are trained by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service to assist homeowners with their gardening queries.

These EMG’s and George Washington Birthplace National Monument have a long and happy history of collaboration going back more than 20 years. Over that time EMG volunteers have helped to refurbish and maintain the historic area’s large Colonial Kitchen Garden established in 1930 in the romanticized style of the “Colonial Revival Period.”

About ten years ago, the EMG’s created within this garden a “teaching garden” of eight herb beds to demonstrate what the Washington family would have needed and grown in 1732, the year of George’s birth there. At the site a rack card designed by EMG’s explains the different herbs used for the household, in cooking, as medicines, and as fabric dyes. The Washingtons relied on these essential plants for their health and comfort. We think that it is important - particularly for school-aged children - to understand the concept of self-sufficiency and the idea that in 1732, if you didn’t grow it, you didn’t have it!

Today there is a small group of six to eight faithful EMG’s who come twice monthly from spring to fall to pull weeds, replant, prune, and mulch the garden beds, with the help of Park Service employees. We also enjoy the beautiful scenery, the historic setting, and each other’s company. The group swells seasonally to help with the major spring and fall clean-ups.

"The birthplace of our first president is a national treasure, and we’re happy to be a small part of helping to maintain this beautiful and significant site."