Brickyard Landing Park - Riparian Buffer Demonstration Garden
Situated along the Chickahominy River in Toano at 990 Brickyard Road, the Brickyard Landing Park features a riparian buffer demonstration garden. It illustrates the power of community collaboration and environmental stewardship. The garden demonstrates how selecting native plants and thoughtful landscape design can safeguard local waterways and improve wildlife habitats. This project serves educational purposes and showcases practical approaches to ecological gardening that homeowners and the public can adopt to help with environmental conservation efforts. Read more here...
Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum and Tours
The Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum is a testament to the dedication and collaboration between the Master Gardener Tree Stewards and the staff of Colonial Williamsburg. Starting as a volunteer project, it has grown into a Level II Arboretum recognized by the prestigious Morton Arboretum's ArbNet program. The arboretum distinguishes itself as a unique botanical landmark in Virginia. JCCW Master Gardener Tree Stewards offer weekly guided tours that delve into the rich botanical diversity of the area with engaging talking points. A mapped tree tour route enriches the experience for visitors, highlighting the rich historical impact trees played in the local area.
Colonial Williamsburg Demonstration Garden and Public Tours
Colonial Williamsburg is home to two educational gardens, the Orr-Reid and Shields, which are maintained by Master Gardener volunteers. These gardens, situated in the Historic Area, nurture plants from the 18th Century. The Master Gardener volunteers focus on different garden sections, with the Vegetable and Herb team active on Friday mornings from mid-February to November, and the Flower and Herb team on Tuesday mornings from March to November. Additionally, trained Master Gardeners lead weekly "Meet the Gardener" tours in the Reid Garden from April to October. Come and visit with our Master Gardeners, and feel free to ask questions about colonial plants and gardens.
Historical Triangle Learning Garden
The Historic Triangle Learning Garden is an invaluable resource for the community, providing education on the cultivation of wide variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables using sustainable and organic methods. It offers community members the opportunity to learn and participate in organic vegetable gardening under the guidance of experienced Master Gardeners. A special section of the garden is dedicated to the FISH program, which plays a crucial role in providing food to those in need within the larger Williamsburg region. Nestled at 312 Waller Mill Road, the garden is conveniently located next to the former historic Triangle Community Services Center, making it easily accessible to all.
Hotwater Settlement - Freedom Park
The Free Black Settlement at Freedom Park at offers a unique glimpse into the past. It contains three reconstructed cabins, which serve as testament to the lives of the free African American families who resided there from 1804 to 1860. These structures have been rebuilt with meticulous attention to historical and archaeological evidence, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the daily realities of the settlement's inhabitants. Additionally, JCCW Master Gardener volunteers, in partnership with the James City County Parks and Recreation Department, maintain various trees and plants that were common food sources for the community in the 19th century. This living history site serves as both an educational tool and a tribute to the resilience and contributions of the early inhabitants, connecting visitors to the rich tapestry of American history.
Jamestown Settlement Cafe Garden
This Jamestown Settlement initiative, spearheaded by the JCCW Master Gardeners, is an example of integrating history, education, and horticulture. The creation of a native plant demonstration and herb garden serves as a living exhibit, showcasing the rich botanical heritage of our region while also contributing to the sustainability and culinary experiences at the visitors' center cafe. This project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Settlement but also offers a tangible connection to the past, demonstrating the practical uses of plants by early and Native Americans. The garden has become a focal point for learning and inspiration, encouraging visitors to consider the role of native flora in their own landscaping endeavors.
Native Plant Pollinator Garden at Veteran’s Park/Kidsburg
The Native Plant Pollinator Garden at Veteran’s Park/Kidsburg was established in 2021 by the James City Williamsburg Master Gardener Association. Volunteer Master Gardeners have transformed a one-acre plot of grass into a thriving habitat for native pollinators. Serving as more than a lively garden teeming with activity, its aim is to raise awareness of the pollinator crisis and to educate the community about biodiversity, the local ecosystem, and home-friendly landscaping practices that promote ecological health. Located at 3793 Ironbound Road, within Veterans Park, the Pollinator Garden is a collaborative effort between James City County Parks and Recreation, the Clean County Commission, and Extension Master Gardeners.
Water Wise Low Maintenance Garden
The demonstration garden at the James City County Human Services Center, 5249 Olde Town Road, Williamsburg, VA, serves as a shining example of sustainable gardening and active community involvement. Its focus on low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plants creates a picturesque landscape but also educates over 10,000 visitors annually on the importance of water conservation and soil health. The garden's outreach efforts are particularly noteworthy, as it provides information in both English and Spanish, using a whiteboard to display current blooms alongside their names, thus enhancing visitor engagement. Through the seamless integration of effective gardening techniques and community empowerment, this garden has become a beloved local asset and a symbol of environmental consciousness and conservation practices within the community.
Williamsburg Botanical Gardens
The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is a haven for plants that nurture pollinators and various wildlife. Its mission is to enlighten visitors on the significance of environmental preservation, the role of native plants, and the strategies to curb invasive species. Gardens such as the Perennial, Shade, Cottage, and Hummingbird, among others, exemplify sustainable gardening techniques typical to the Virginia Peninsula. The garden is home to over 150 types of woody plants and a variety of herbaceous species. The Pollinator Palace is a unique feature that offers nesting grounds for native bees. The Fairy Garden is designed to foster interaction between children and plants. The Therapy Garden is a special area that empowers individuals with disabilities to cultivate and consume their own vegetables. The Butterfly Garden and the Meadow are must-visit spots, especially in the late summer when they buzz with butterflies and other pollinating insects. The garden’s upkeep is the result of the tireless efforts of a dedicated team of Extension Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and other enthusiastic community members who maintain the gardens from April through October and beyond. Every year, the garden welcomes thousands of visitors who come to appreciate its beauty.