Meet Mary Johnson

Mary was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but grew up in the Midwest. She attended Indiana State University. Mary retired in July of 2022 from Navy Exchange Service Command.

When asked what made her want to become a Master Gardener, she stated that she was looking for something productive to do during retirement. She was already an active gardener, so she thought it was a good fit for her and she joined the Class of 2023.

Mary was hugely impressed with the classes and learned more than she expected. She believed the instructors were not only highly educated and professional, but fun.

To attain her 50 hours, Mary worked with Gill at the Zoo Garden and the East Ocean View Children’s Garden. She also worked at the Fred Heutte Square Foot Garden.

She plans to continue participating with the Urban Agriculture Program as well as doing as many projects as she can with Gill. She is impressed with Gill’s wealth of information!

When Mary isn’t participating in NMG activities she is busy as a Honeybee Keeper. She is a Yoga practitioner and meditation instructor and plays pickleball.

Mary is married to her wonderful husband and she has one daughter and two step-daughters. In addition, she has a loving cat named Luna.

When you see Mary, please introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.