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. Read more here...
Colonial Williamsburg Demonstration Garden and Public Tours
Colonial Williamsburg has three educational gardens maintained by Master Gardener volunteers: the Catherine Orr Garden, the Governor’s Palace Herb Garden, and the Shields Tavern Garden. These gardens, located in the Historic Area, nurture plants from the 18th Century. Purposes of the Colonial Williamsburg Learning Gardens project include demonstrating historical, sustainable horticultural practices and maintaining heirloom fruit, vegetable, herb, and flower varieties through cultivation and seed-saving. Public education by Master Gardeners is provided directly through the Meet the Gardener program, which offers weekly guided tours of the Orr Garden, interaction with the public during scheduled workdays, and the use of plant markers in the gardens. Public education provided by Colonial Williamsburg is supported by providing produce to demonstration kitchens and plant material used/demonstrated at historic trade sites. Produce is also donated to the House of Mercy for community distribution through their food bank.
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 15,000 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. Read more here...
Williamsburg Botanical Garden
The Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum 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. Every year, the Garden welcomes thousands of visitors who come to appreciate its beauty.
The Garden is located in Freedom Park at 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg and is open year-round from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. Admission is free and open to the public.
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.