Mount Vernon estate horticulturist retires after 55 years [Video]

Dean Norton has been the director of horticulture and livestock at Mount Vernon for 55 years, but now he wants to pass the torch.

MOUNT VERNON, Va. — Many Washingtonians already know and revere the beautiful ground at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. But do you know the man who keeps it that way?

Dean Norton is the director of horticulture and livestock at the estate, but he’s also a guardian of history, an expert in all things “George Washington,” and it’s been his mission to preserve the landmark. For 55 years he’s done just that, preserving Mount Vernon as it once was in the 18th century, and allowing visitors to be submerged in history.

In fact, everything you’ve seen on the grounds of Mt. Vernon, Norton has had a hand in.

“Really, Mount Vernon is my life,” Norton said.

He started working at the estate at the age of 16.

“Those were the days,” Norton said fondly.

Back in 1969, he applied for the …