MARCH 11, 2026:
RICHARD DERBYSHIRE, MASTER GARDENER
Richard Derbyshire, Extension Master Gardener will help us usher in spring! A master gardener is a volunteer educator who loves gardening, protecting our environment and sharing what they have learned with our community. Plan to join us for tips on making your plot, large or small, a beauty.
Richard began gardening at a young age by helping his mother Elizabeth turn soil in her vegetable garden each spring in Swansea, MA. Although his main career was heading the Washington office of a New York-based technology firm, throughout his life he has committed many hours to planning, digging, planting, weeding the soil to transform his lawn into multiple garden beds for flowers, shrubs and some vegetables.
Retired in 2021, he earned his Master Gardener certificate the following spring and has since committed his time furthering garden projects in a variety of schools, education facilities, and public lands.
Richard leads gardening programs at Williamsburg MS, Arlington Traditional ES and The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center, while supporting garden club programs at Carlin Springs ES, Barcroft ES, Drew ES, and occasionally Fleet ES.
He is a team leader with MGNV’s Youth Education Program, which received the Governors’ Award for Community and Volunteer Service in 2024. He is currently on the MGNV Board serving as Treasurer, and is pursuing certification as a Master Naturalist.
Richard’s program begins at 1 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington 22204. Come early to socialize beginning at 12:30.
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