Q&A: Dean Norton Digs Into Mount Vernon's History

This Q&A feature helps readers learn more about Mount Vernon area residents working in our business community.

This week’s Q&A profiles Dean Norton, the Director of Horticulture for .  Dean heads up a 22-person department responsible for Mount Vernon’s gardens, grounds, greenhouse and livestock. 

Dean, who has lived in the area his entire life, has worked at Mount Vernon for nearly 40 years.  He attended Fort Hunt High School and received a degree in horticulture from Clemson University. Dean and his wife met at Mount Vernon (she worked there for 10 years) and have four daughters, ages 15, 17, 20 and 22. The Norton family lives near Mount Vernon High School, where their two youngest daughters attend school.

How did you become interested in your job?

I was in high school when I started working at Mount Vernon in 1969 as a part-time groundskeeper. After college, I continued working there as a painter, painting many of the historical buildings. I received my first chance in horticulture when a spot opened up as a Boxwood Gardener. It was a great way to get my foot in the door there…it turned out to be the greatest thing in the world. It allowed me to be in the right place at the right time, and I eventually became Horticulturist Director in 1980.

How long have you lived in the Mount Vernon area? How has it changed over the years? 

I was born and raised here. My parents lived in Stratford Landing and I used to ride my bike to work. The biggest change for me is how much Mount Vernon [Estate and Gardens] has actually transformed over the years since I started working here. Back in the day, it was much more “family run” and everything was much simpler. We didn’t have any of the advanced technology we use today. But one thing that has stayed the same: it’s a place people come and fall in love with, and they don’t leave. Some people have worked here for 20, 30, 40 years a piece. It’s really cool to be a part of that legacy.

Talk about your daily job responsibilities and what do you love about your job.

Although research and the science of archaeology is ever increasing, we’re always looking to find new ways to represent Mt Vernon in a more historical manner to represent George Washington’s time.

I have really enjoyed being able to do research and step back into the 18^th century myself. I have such tremendous respect for our founding fathers and for everything they did.

It’s just incredible and awe-inspiring. To be able to take what I’ve researched and apply it to the ground. Bringing it to life so people can see it is a joy. I am so blessed to be here at this incredible historic site, and to be a maintainer of an incredible man’s gardens.

Where is your favorite place to go in the area?

The most beautiful spot to me is the East Lawn at Mount Vernon, overlooking the water. It is truly unbelievable and breathtaking. I watch people take in this view and they are overwhelmed when they see that view...it’s the same view that people saw back in the old days.

I also love to go anywhere I can watch my children play sports. It’s fun to watch their field hockey and soccer games, their swimming and dive meets. The joy of all that really makes me feel part of this great community.

What is the last book you read?

George Allen’s new book: What Washington Can Learn From The World Of Sports.

What is your favorite area restaurant?

Taco Grande.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

I’d be a train engineer. Both my grandfathers were engineers … it’s in my blood. Oh, and when I’m not driving trains, I would want to be a comedian!