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e-Newsletter | September 2020

Knoxville

Crossville

Jackson

We are aware of the current challenges related to coronavirus (COVID-19). UT is closely monitoring the situation and the Gardens will follow UT policies and changes regarding travel, classes and events. We will post updates via social media and websites in the event of any schedule changes or adaptations. For updated information, please visit https://utia.tennessee.edu/state-botanical-garden/ where you can connect to any of our three statewide sites.

September Gardening Tip

If you have had problems with disease among the vegetables in your garden, remove and dispose of the plant materials properly. Do not add these to the compost pile. Many diseases will overwinter on infected leaves, stems, and fruit. This is especially important with tomatoes.

Click here to read all gardening tips....

Plant of the Month

September: Rabbiteye blueberries

Submitted by Carol Reese, UT Extension Western Region horticulturist, and Holly Jones, Horticulturist, UT Gardens, Knoxville

The world of blueberries is populated by a diverse and colorful cast of characters. From pint-sized lowbush "wild" types with small, intensely flavored berries to medium sized highbush varieties with breathtaking fall foliage, to twenty-foot-tall thickets of fruit-laden rabbiteyes, the range of growth habits and characteristics is quite impressive.

What's in Bloom in Your State Botanical Garden of Tennessee?

Crossville - There was a lot of action on this quiet morning in the Garden. As I stood and enjoyed the gentle breeze, I captured this photo of a Tiger Swallowtail on Mexican Sunflower. Just as I noticed the subtle chirping of birds and crickets in the background, a hummingbird zoomed towards my face to say hello. This was followed by a ruckus of two groundhogs fighting for shelter beneath the deck. What an exciting morning in the KinderGarden, and a lovely reminder of why I love my job!

Jackson - Purple Pillar® rose of Sharon and 'Blue Bayou' pampas grass make a stunning combination at the UT Gardens Jackson.

Knoxville - Towards the end of each summer we always marvel at our Thailand Giant Strain colocasia and how these gentle giants go from seed to huge bodacious beauties in one season. They are flowering now, and we will soon be collecting seed for next year.

State Botanical Garden of Tennessee

Thanks for your support!

Many thanks to everyone who joined or renewed their membership during our recent Annual Membership Drive. Your support is critical to our success and very much appreciated! Your membership funds go to support the Gardens site you indicated you were most closely affiliated with - whether that was Knoxville, Crossville, or Jackson. If you joined or renewed recently, you should receive your membership card in the mail very soon (if you haven't already.)

UT Gardens, Knoxville would like to thank everyone who placed an order during our Fabulous Fall Plant Sale and/or bid on one of the unique art pieces in our Dazzling Dogwood Art Auction. All proceeds from these events go directly to support the Gardens at Knoxville.

UT Gardens, Crossville would like to extend a "Thank you" to those who helped support the Gardens at Crossville through a mum sale purchase. We still raised a significant amount despite not having this year's Fall Gardener Festival.

UT Gardens, Crossville

Mum Sale Extended - Last Call!

In case you missed the previous sale, or need more, we've decided to offer mums for purchase through Thursday, September 17th. Colors available are Maroon, Yellow, and Purple. They are huge, and a great deal at $16 each. All proceeds support the Garden! No-contact pickup will be scheduled for September 22-23 at the UT Gardens, Crossville, 320 Experiment Station Rd.

Order Here

UT Gardens, Crossville

Tomato Sale

It's that time again! I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting our delicious greenhouse tomatoes. This hybrid beefsteak tomato is called Big Dena. They are large, flavorful, and have a good shelf life.

Call to reserve, or stop by the office.

931-484-0034

320 Experiment Station Road

$2.50/lb or $35 for a 25lb box

UT Gardens, Crossville

Fundraiser

Help support the UT Gardens, Crossville by purchasing these beautiful notecards and local syrup. The notecard photos (see all eight designs below) were taken in our butterfly garden, and the syrup was made from sugar maples tapped on site.

Notecards (blank, set of 8)

$10

Syrup (12oz bottle)

$15

Contact Jennifer for curbside pickup - [log in to unmask] or 931-484-0034

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Upcoming Adult Classes

Soil Preparation and Using Cover Crops

September 17, 2020

6-8 pm

Cost: $15 Garden members/ $25 nonmembers

Sometimes winter can feel like a dull time in the cycle of the garden, particularly when comparing it to the lush growth of spring and summer. But if you are diligent about your soil health, it is actually a very important time in the vegetable garden. In this class we will discuss the benefits of utilizing cover crops, how they help your soil,and how they are often excellent for pollinators. You will leave feeling empowered to care for your soil health! This class does not have any garden materials as part of the fee.

Pumpkin Floral Arrangement Class

September 23, 2020

6-8 pm

Cost: $40 Garden members/ $50 nonmembers

Don't you just love pumpkins! So do we! These veggies in the squash family are a fall favorite to use in cooking and decorating. In this class, we will use a pumpkin to hold a fall floral arrangement. Wear something to carve a pumpkin in and join us for a fun evening making a striking conversation piece for your fall home decor.

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Upcoming Kids Classes

Friday Fun Day: Bright Butterflies and Cool Colors

October 2, 2020

9-11 am

Class size limit: 15

Cost: $10 Garden members/ $15 nonmembers

Do you and your little ones love butterflies and the UT Gardens? If so, you should join us in the Monarch Waystation for this fun program all about butterflies! We will look at the many different colors that butterflies can be, make a butterfly craft, and explore the Monarch Waystation to learn about a butterfly's life cycle. This program is designed for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, but all kids are welcome. This class will be held outside in the Gardens rain or shine. In the event of rain, we will use the McIlwaine Friendship Pavilion.

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Home Grown Classes

Have you found yourself doing school from home this year? Or maybe you've been homeschooling for years and love it? Either way, we are here to help! The Nature Connection by Clare Walker Leslie is an excellent workbook that encourages kids to learn outdoors. We will use this book to facilitate outdoor learning experiences in the Gardens. Each month we will do a different set of activities from the corresponding month in the book. Each participant should purchase their own copy of the book and bring it with them to each session.

Cost per session: $12 Garden members/ $15 nonmembers

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Bewitching Beasts Goes Virtual

Bewitching Beasts is going virtual! We will still do all the fun crafts and learn about bewitching beasts, all while being in the comfort of our own homes. This year we are focusing on some of our favorite creatures and can't wait to share them with you. Participants will pre-register and then pick up a kit from the Gardens. Then on Halloween we will send you links to several videos that will show you how to make each craft and give you information about interesting living things. Additionally, from Friday through Sunday you will be able to visit the Gardens to take pictures by various signs and photo spots. Send us your pictures by 4 pm on Sunday to receive a prize. Don't forget to be in costume for all of your pictures! This program is sponsored by Allergy and Asthma Affiliates, Allergy Asthma and Sinus Center, and University of Tennessee Federal Credit Union. Kits can be purchased either individually for $8 or $24 for a set of four.