Meet Emogene Johnson Vaughn - Class of 2020

Emogene is a native Virginian from the Northern Neck area. She came to Norfolk to attend college at Norfolk State University. Emogene received her Masters’ degree from the University of Tennessee and her doctorate from the University of Maryland. Emogene returned to Norfolk to teach at her alma mater and retired after 40+ years. Experiencing her new freedom, she finally had time to add new adventures to her life which included world and domestic traveling and master gardener training.

Emogene grew up in a rural farming community and always enjoyed the outdoors and nature. She worked on the farms of her grandfathers and she has always enjoyed planting and caring for flowers, hobbies of her mother and both grandmothers. Her childhood experiences continued to linger in her desire to be outdoors, to observe nature, and to learn more about gardening…this was what sparked her interest in becoming a Master Gardener.

The coronavirus lockdown came just two weeks before the completion of the master gardening classes. With a positive willingness to shift in learning style and the greater use of technology, lectures and project presentations via Zoom, and the electronic submission of the final exam, the completion of classroom training became possible with a high degree of quality and efficiency. However, the virus severely halted and slowed down the completion of intern hours. The latter part of 2021 allowed more progress for participating in approved master gardening internship projects.

To attain her internship hours, Emogene participated in a variety of activities ranging from educational Zoom presentations on different topics to tree identification and garden preparation, planting, and harvesting. These activities primarily centered around the Significant Tree Program and the square foot garden at the Fred Heutte Center. As a certified Master Gardener, she has planned to continue focusing on these projects as well as exploring other activities to broaden her experiences and knowledge.

Emogene comes from a blended family of 10 siblings. She has two children, two grandchildren and looks forward to welcoming her third grandchild in April.

When you see Emogene, please give her a shout-out and welcome her to the Norfolk Master Gardener organization.