Meet Judy Davis - Class of 2022

Judy is originally from upstate New York and grew up in New York and Pennsylvania. Her husband is a retired naval officer so they moved in and out of Norfolk during his career and decided to make Norfolk their home after his retirement. Judy retired in 2020 after 40 years in education (20 at the college level and the last 15 years at Norfolk Collegiate as a teacher and curriculum director).

Judy’s mother and grandparents were avid gardeners, so she grew up gardening. Judy and her husband continued that tradition through their many Navy moves, gardening in containers or raised beds in a variety of apartments, houses and military housing. Judy wanted to become a master gardener to learn more about the science of horticulture and to combine her interest in gardening with her love of teaching and volunteer work.

Judy’s favorite part of the classes was the deep knowledge that all of the lecturers were able to share with the class. She felt that she gained so much knowledge every week and yet she felt there was so much more to learn. Judy thought the teaching team was extraordinary, smoothly transitioning from Zoom to hybrid and finally to in-person due to the pandemic.  She thought they did a good job of building community among the class members and for that reason the class has remained in touch with each other via Facebook and monthly get-togethers.

To attain her fifty hours Judy began working at the Potager Garden and helping with the Li’l Sprouts garden at St. Patrick Catholic School. She joined the group at the Fred Heutte Square Foot Garden, helped with the plant sale, the Hermitage Earth Day celebration and the Zoo’s Party for the Planet. She also participated in several Urban Ag projects, crape myrtle pruning events and the Dune Garden.

After completing her intern hours Judy has continued to be a part of the regular work group at the Potager Garden, Li’l Sprouts, Fred Heutte Square Foot Garden, crape myrtle pruning and the Dune Garden. She especially enjoys growing vegetables and working with children, but is also learning from projects like the Dune Garden, which was a totally new experience for her as a gardener.

Judy’s family includes her husband, two grown sons and daughters-in-law, three young granddaughters and a grandson due in August. They have an adorable grand-dog, Moxie, who is a Boston Terrier.

When Judy isn’t gardening, she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and playing Mah Jongg.

When you meet Judy, please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Master Gardener Association.