Meet Linda Weiss

Linda was born in Richmond, but moved to Norfolk when she was 5 years old, so she considers herself a native of Hampton Roads.

Linda attended ODU for undergraduate and graduate degrees in Clinical Laboratory Science. She holds credentials as a Specialist in Public Health and Medical Microbiology. Linda was Senior Director of the Quality Control Laboratory and retired from LifeNet Health in March of 2020, as a Quality and Compliance Manager. She thinks it is quite ironic that a Microbiologist would retire at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic!

Linda has been interested in gardening for many years, first with perennials and later with vegetable gardening. She wanted to become a Master Gardener, but couldn’t complete the program until retirement. She believes becoming a Master Gardener is an excellent way to give back to the community that has given her many opportunities and a wonderful life in Norfolk.

Linda thought the information in the classes was exceptional. She believed that the training team was dedicated to ensuring success for the Class of 2023. She very quickly felt that she was becoming part of a special group of people.

 To complete her 50 hours Linda participated in the plant sale, Resilience, Weyanoke, Fred Heutte Square Foot Garden, Potager Garden at NBG, the Zoo Garden and the East Ocean View Children’s Garden. She also enjoys supporting her mentor, who leads the Brock Cancer Center Garden Therapy Group. Going forward she plans to continue participating in these projects as well as joining the Speakers Bureau. She is already scheduled to team with another NMG to give a talk on Composting in January, 2024.

Linda has many interests including cooking, reading, various fitness activities and travel, both domestic and abroad.

She has been married 33 years to her husband, Paul. She has three sisters, a nephew and several nieces, all close by. She will be welcoming a new great-niece in December. Linda and her husband love cats and hope to adopt several after a break for travel.

When you see Linda, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.