He’s gardened at Mount Vernon longer than George Washington ever did.
Washington lived here for 45 years. Dean Norton, the current head gardener, has worked at the estate for 55 years.
And now, Mount Vernon’s longest-serving garden is retiring.
This renowned gardener and garden historian has helped care for the estate since 1969. His career spans a full 1/5 of our country’s lifespan.
Mount Vernon may be famous for the iconic mansion, but it’s beautifully framed by careful recreations of George Washington’s gardens. Much of this is thanks to Dean Norton.
How can you best see his life’s work, the gardens of Mount Vernon?
- Buy a family membership. Visit in September through October for beautiful weather and smaller crowds.
- Explore the house and museum during the winter months, when there’s less to see outside.
- Visiting again in May for the Revolutionary War Days when the annual gardens begin to take form and before the summer heat arrives.
Don’t miss the highlights of the colonial gardens, including:
- Espalier fruit trees
- Vegetables
- Unique design
- Delicious herb smells
- Trees George Washington planted, such as the poplar witness tree
Without the work of men and women like Dean Norton, we wouldn’t be able to learn about or appreciate the way our ancestors lived.
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