Gardener
Watch the historic gardeners use 18th-century tools and techniques to grow herbs, vegetables, and decorative flora. Plots within the garden represent provision gardens of the enslaved and American Indians, as well as the luxury gardens that ornamented the landscape of wealthy households. Visit the garden to learn more about the Sankofa Heritage Garden and the Three Sisters Garden.
To safeguard the health and well-being of all staff and guests during periods of extreme heat, we follow strict hot weather protocols. When the heat index rises above 104 degrees you can find this trade at the Apothecary.
Watch the Video
From local soil, colonial American gardeners grew a remarkably international variety of plants, fruits, and vegetables. They did this for pleasure, prestige, and beauty as well as for sustenance. Learn how skill and knowledge allowed them to reconcile human desire with the ever-changing realities of nature.
FAQs
Read below to find the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about the Gardener trade. Visit us onsite to learn more and discuss further.
Learn More
How to Create Your Own Colonial Garden
How to Care for Tuberoses like a Colonial Gardener
Annual Garden Symposium
Arboretum & Gardens
More than 30 carefully maintained gardens dot our 301 acre living history museum. From flowering backyard pleasure gardens to our grand Governor’s Palace Gardens and Grounds, these gardens can offer insight into the ways the colonists and lived and worked as a community. Ongoing research and new archaeological techniques continue to improve our understanding of 18th-century Williamsburg gardens, which is reflected in the design and interpretation guests can enjoy and learn from throughout the year.
Explore Historic Trades & Skills
The Historic Trades and Skills community at Colonial Williamsburg uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and eventually master more than 20 historic trades and skills. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to the Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world.
Support Our Mission!
Our donors are the reason we can continue to create an authentic, immersive 18th-century experience for our guests. Since we are not state or federally funded, we rely on your support to fulfill our mission. Give today and help us keep this special place alive.
