Editor’s Note:
As many of you may be aware, Charles “Chuck” Norrington, a fellow Master Gardener passed away recently. Mr. Norrington had been nominated for a Spotlight interview; unfortunately, I was not able to conduct Mr. Norrington’s interview before he passed away. However, I was able to complete the interview with the aid of his wife, Caroline.

What year did Chuck graduate from the Master Gardener training class?
1982. Chuck was in the first class held in Virginia Beach. Randy Jackson was the
Extension Agent at the time.

When did Chuck first become interested in gardening?
In college. Chuck did his senior thesis (at Tufts University outside Boston, MA) on the growing of orchids. Dr. Sweet was Chuck’s advisor. Chuck has always been interested in growing plants. Chuck also met me at Tufts.

What has been Chuck’s greatest accomplishment as a Master Gardener?
Chuck had an amazing ability to disperse information. He worked the Horticulture
Help Desk at the local Extension office. Chuck also spoke to a large number of
organizations throughout Tidewater and the Lexington areas. Chuck also taught
a portion of the MG Training Class (plant propagation and pesticides). If Chuck
didn’t know the answer to a question he would research it and find the answer.

What type of projects did Chuck invest most of his time in?
Natural Bridge Elementary School 4-HMaster Gardener project. This project runs
from February through the end of May or first week of June. It involves the 4th grade class and addresses the Earth Science SOLs for 4th grade. Chuck developed a planning guide which includes lesson plans and a curriculum. Along with the help of four retired teachers and two additional helpers, Chuck designed and helped install the teaching garden. When the school was rebuilt, the original gardens were all destroyed. Chuck redesigned the gardens and they are currently being rebuilt and reestablished.

What is Chuck’s favorite aspect of the Master Gardener program?
The information and education that comes from the program. And after learning something new, passing that or giving that knowledge to the community.

In what area of gardening would you say Chuck’s most experienced in?
Flowers and shrubs; Chuck retired from the Navy in 1983; he drew his own plans for a greenhouse and built it himself. He grew orchids but gave it up when he moved to Lexington. Chuck always had an interest in greenhouse operations and
gave time to a personal friend in Virginia Beach who owned a nursery and florist
shop.

What advice would Chuck give to new gardeners?
Just remember when you are putting in flower beds in your home landscape to make it a five year plan; do it gradually, you can change your mind and switch
out plant selections to satisfy your goals for the bed; take your time; let your plan evolve.

Anything else you would like to add?
The VCE MG program meant the world to Chuck; most retired people golf or
fish, Chuck devoted his time to the MG program; he loved what he did; he had
accumulated more than 6,000 hours as a volunteer; Chuck thoroughly enjoyed
volunteering.