LISTSERV 16.5 - TMG Archives

e-Newsletter | February 2021

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.

February Gardening Tip

Bluebirds are already looking for a place to nest, so clean out your birdhouse soon. If you are in need of a good bluebird house, check out Homes for Bluebirds, Inc. on Facebook.

Click here to read all gardening tips....

Plant of the Month

February: Evergreen Ferns

Submitted by Shalena Durkot, UT Gardens, Crossville

Of all the plants we enjoy today in our gardens and in the wild, ferns are some of the most ancient. They are one of the oldest groups of plants on Earth, with a fossil record dating back more than 350 million years. About 10,500 fern species are cataloged, with others still being studied. More may yet be discovered.

Ferns can be found growing in very diverse environments. They can grow in woodlands, swamps, stream banks, from rock crevices, and alongside waterfalls. Those growing on woodland floors tend to be the best ferns for gardens and landscapes.

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

Knoxville - Ornamental and nutritious! Scarlet kale (Brassica oleracea 'Scarlet') is one of the darkest varieties we've ever seen! It and other cool season veggies are a great way to add color and interest to your winter landscape (and then to your plate!) You can find them in our kitchen garden.

Crossville - Nobody is 'Feel'n Blue' on this beautiful, blue bird day! Cedrus deodara 'Feel'n Blue' is the newest addition to our conifer collection. Follow the path and go through the arbor to see this plant with other conifer friends.

Jackson - These conifers add year-round interest to the garden. Left to right: Juniperus virginiana 'Glauca Compacta' (Eastern Red Cedar), Thuja occidentalis 'Jantar' (Amber Gold Arborvitae), and Pinus virginiana 'Wate's Golden' (Virginia Pine)

UT Gardens, Crossville

Spring Plant Sale Pre-Order Opportunity

Current members of the UT Gardens can now pre-order plants from Plateau Discovery Garden's spring plant sale. Pre-order early for best selection. Members also receive a 10% discount on their order.

Member pre-order is available through February. The sale will open to the public in March. If you aren't currently a member, you can join now for immediate access.

Note: plant orders will be picked up at the UT Gardens, Crossville (320 Experiment Station Rd). You'll be contacted to schedule a pickup time once you've placed an order.

Click one of the buttons below to download the pre-order form and place your order. You can download in your choice of format, either PDF or Excel. More details are listed on the forms. Orders due by February 28.

Pre-Order Form (PDF format)

Pre-Order Form (Excel format)

UT Gardens, Jackson

Succulent Sale

Monday, February 8

Noon to 2pm (Central)

West Tennessee Research and Education Center

605 Airways Blvd, Jackson

This year we are excited to offer a special on-site succulent sale. Pick up a treat for your Valentine (or for yourself)! We will have more than 20 different kinds of succulents available, including Flap Jack Kalanchoe and an assortment of Aloes, Agaves, and Haworthias. We will have plenty of discounted succulents as well. Check our Facebook page for more details.

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Upcoming Spring Plant Sale

UT Gardens, Knoxville will be holding their upcoming Spring Plant Sale online again this year. Current Gardens members will get the opportunity to shop early on March 26, and will also receive their 10% on their purchase. If you aren't currently a member, you can join now in order to receive the preview sale link when we send it out. If you are a member affiliated with either Crossville or Jackson, please contact Beth at [log in to unmask] and ask to be included in the member sale preview email.

The sale will be open to the public from March 29 through April 5, and we will hold a contact-free curbside pickup on April 9 and 10.

Member Pre-Sale - opens March 26

Public Sale - March 29-April 5

Pickup will be scheduled for -

April 9 - 10

2518 Jacob Drive, Knoxville

UT Gardens, Crossville

Bird Treats Fundraiser

Winter is for the birds! Help support UT Gardens, Crossville by purchasing some bird treats!

Cumberland County Master Gardeners have made bird seed wreaths and bark butter logs. They would make a unique Valentine's Day gift, or enjoy in your own yard. Proceeds benefit the UT Gardens, Crossville: Plateau Discovery Gardens.

1 1/2 lb Premium Bird Seed Wreath - $10
Birdy Bark Butter Log with 10 oz Bark Butter - $10
Extra 1 lb Birdy Bark Butter for Log or tray feedings - $5

Wreath and Log are packaged ready for gift giving! Birdseed wreath storage and shipping instructions included with each gift bag. 10x10 boxes are also available for $2 if you need additional packaging for the wreaths. Wreaths available with or without the heart.

Sold by advance order thru February: Call 931-484-0034 or email Jennifer at [log in to unmask]. Please provide the date you will need item(s) by when you place your order; allow up to 5-7 business days for wreaths, 2-3 days for the logs. Orders may be picked up in office M-F 8am-4pm (Central time)

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Wild Bird Extravaganza

Pick up date: Friday, March 26

Cost: $8 per kit for one, or

$24 per kit for four

Purchase Your Kit

Wild Bird Extravaganza is a yearly fun celebration of spring at the UT Gardens. This year, we are choosing to bring the spring festivities right to your home! Kits contains craft and activity materials for one participant, with an option to buy a kit for four participants. Each craft and activity will be bird-related; what they eat, characteristics all birds share, and more. Of course, this kit will be food-allergy friendly since it will not include any food products. You will receive instructions for each activity via either paper or video. This is a great way to celebrate the beginning of spring and to learn all about birds, so join us in bringing Wild Bird Extravaganza to you!

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Classes, Walks and Kits! Oh My!

Self-Care Kit

Pickup date: Friday, February 12, 2021

Limit: 15 kits available

Cost: $20 Garden member/ $25 nonmember

Purchase Here

During 2020 we all learned the importance of self-care, so for this Valentine's Day treat yourself (or a loved one) to a self-love kit from the UT Gardens. Included will be a small plant, bath salts, and more. Each item is carefully selected to help you exercise self-care by making your environment healthier, expressing gratitude and appreciation for others, and helping you relax. Make this Valentine's Day one to show love for yourself; you've earned it!

Tuesday, February 9 - order deadline

Join UT Gardens Director Emerita Sue Hamilton for an exploration of her newest garden endeavor. Since 2019 she has been building a gravel garden at her east TN mountain home. This method employs a gravel planting bed, a drought-tolerant plant palette, and thoughtful plant placement to create a beautiful low maintenance garden. Learn which plants to choose, how to prepare the soil, and the benefits of this planting style. Class size will be limited to 15 participants.

*Class is scheduled to be held in person. All attendees will be expected to follow UT COVID-19 guidelines which include wearing a face mask and completing a UTK screening for visitors form and bringing it to class. Classes may be moved to a virtual format due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Gravel Gardening for

Low Maintenance Drought-Tolerant Landscapes

Date: Saturday, February 27, 2021

Time: 10 - 11am

Cost: $20 Garden member/ $25 nonmember

Spring Flowering Tree & Shrub Walk

Date: Saturday, March 13, 2021

Time: 9 - 11am

Cost: $20 Garden member/ $25 nonmember

Come enjoy the Gardens in early Spring with this tree and shrub walk! Taught by Volunteer Coordinator and Horticulturist Alice Clark, you will learn to identify various trees and shrubs that are blooming in the UT Gardens. Join us for a fun day of plant identification.

"For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way: Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day." (Irish blessing). Join us for a celebration of St. Patrick's Day the best way a gardener can - with plants! We will learn the history of the holiday while painting containers for our shamrock plants. Each participant will take home a container that they have decorated, along with a green oxalis (otherwise known as a shamrock). Take home some Irish luck during this program that will be loads of fun!

Planting Some Luck

Pickup date: Friday, February 12, 2021

Limit: 15 kits available

Cost: $20 Garden member/ $25 nonmember

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Upcoming Kids Classes

Friday Fun Day: Planting Cool Season Veggies

February 19, 2021

10am-noon

Cost: $10 Garden members/ $15 nonmembers

Did you know that we can grow plants even during the cold weather? This session will teach you about plants that love cold weather. We will plant a few cool season veggies in the garden, and each participant will get to take home their very own seeds to plant. Join us for some winter gardening fun!

This program is designed for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, but all kids are welcome. Parents or guardians must be present with participants during the program.

Friday Fun Day: Rainbows

March 5, 2021

10am-noon

Cost: $10 Garden members/ $15 nonmembers

Where do you find a pot of gold? At the end of the rainbow, of course! But did you know that rainbows don't really end? They are a circle even if we don't always see them that way. Join us for this fun program; we'll learn the colors that are in a rainbow and how they are formed. We might even get to see a rainbow if we are lucky!

This program is designed for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, but all kids are welcome. Parents or guardians must be present with participants during the program.

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Home Grown Classes

Our new semester began this month, and will be focused on learning about ecosystems! Join us once a month as we explore the different ecosystems at the Gardens and learn about the different plants and animals that live there. Please note - the time to register for the entire semester has passed, but you can still register for sessions individually.

Spring semester sessions: January 8; February 12; March 12; April 9; May 14

Time: 10am - noon

Cost per session: $10 Garden members/ $15 nonmembers

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Summer Camp

View Camp Descriptions

Who is ready for summertime? The snow is fun, but nothing compares to the freedom of summer. With that, we are thrilled to announce our 2021 summer camp sessions! New this year will be a camp for twelve to fourteen-year-olds in June and a week of half-days for four and five-year-olds. Check out our website to see the camp descriptions and register. Our plan is to have camp in-person while following university policies, especially regarding the Covid-19 situation. Spaces are extremely limited, so register early to reserve your space!

If, after registering, you determine your camper will not be able to attend you can apply the fee to a different week in 2021 or 2022 (or request a refund). Contact Whitney Welch if you have any questions about camp.

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Volunteer Opportunities

Our volunteers are back in the Gardens! This month volunteers have helped clean out annuals, cut back perennials, and weed around the garden - plus we had our first Pop-Up Booth where we welcomed students back to campus. We have several fun and safe volunteer opportunities coming up! Make sure you are receiving the Volunteer E-News by contacting Alice at [log in to unmask].

UT Gardens, Jackson

2020 Volunteers Recognition

2020 was indeed a challenging year at the Gardens, to say the least. We lost our Madison County Master Gardener volunteers when Covid hit, but by late summer they were able to help in limited numbers. Our fall plant sale was a huge success and would not have been possible without their dedication. By the end of the year, they had logged in over 1000 hours in the garden. We are so thankful for all of our volunteers! Listed below are those that contributed 50+ hours.

100+ hours:

Diane Griffin

Don Jaquet

Marie Kyper

Jennifer Trimble

David Barnhill

Nancy Blair

50+ hours:

Dick Thompson

Charlotte Jaquet

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Little Library

Are you cleaning out your bookshelves for the new year? Donate your old garden related books to our Free Little Garden Library! The library has proven to be quite popular with garden visitors, and we refill it on a regular basis. Deposit your books directly in the library right outside the Kitchen Garden or contact Holly at [log in to unmask] or 865-974-9266 with donations.

UT Gardens, Knoxville

Tennessee Tree Day 2021

Order your trees today from the Tennessee Environmental Council for Tennessee Tree Day 2021. We will be distributing pre-ordered, pre-paid trees on Friday, March 19 from 9am-5pm. Trees are available for a donation of $1.99/tree; place your order here.