We know it takes more than dirt and water to grow a garden, both in heart and home.  It takes time, compassion, money, perseverance, and humor. 

That's why we're committed to enriching the lives of children on the Peninsula with activities and fieldtrips.  That's why we raise money for the non-profit organizations we support.  Time is made and with a little bit of elbow grease, we do our part to better the community.  But we couldn't do it without you.    

This Is What We Do

Pumpkin Patch:  Every year children from elementary schools across the Peninsula come to the Garden Center for this fun filled field trip!  The children learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin, go on a scavenger hunt around the garden center to learn about autumn, meet Jake the old lady koi who lives in our pond, and to top it all off- they pick a pumpkin to take home!

Springtime Seedlings:  2008 is the second year we've hosted this field trip for elementary school second graders.  The children learn about spring through a scavenger hunt around the Garden Center and learn how to pot and plant a seed and tend it-then they get to take home!

Plant For The Cure:  We started out with a small event in the fall of 2007 raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  This year in 2008 we're going bigger, better, bolder!  Plants for the Cure will be available and when we host our big fall event we'll strive to raise enough money to meet our donation goal to the Susan G. Komen Foundation with help from people like you.  In addition, we'll be carrying products that support breast cancer research throughout the year.

Red Cross Blood Mobile:  The ongoing need for blood in community is a battle the Red Cross shouldn't have to fight alone.  Getting the Blood Mobile in our parking lot during the busiest time of year for gardening means the Red Cross has access to a whole new group of willing participants. 

Toys For Tots:  Every year the Marines collect toys for kids who would otherwise go without a little Christmas magic.  Ken Matthews Garden Center is a drop-off location for this excellent charity.  We're proud to help the Marines and the children of Tidewater who benefit from this Christmas miracle.