|
|
e-Newsletter | March
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
March Gardening Tip
Now is a great time to remove weeds from your garden beds. Doing so now will make the plant beds look better and prevent your cool season weeds from going to seed, which will make for fewer weeds next
year.
Click
here to read all gardening tips....
|
|
|
|
|
|
March: Trillium
Submitted by Alexandria Davidson, horticulturist and plant collections curator with the UT Gardens, Knoxville
Trillium, sometimes known by common names including wake robin or trinity flower, is
a genus comprised of 49 species, with 39 of them being native to North America. In their native habitat trillium grow best in partly shaded, deciduous woodland areas. In early spring, these ephemeral beauties begin to emerge and cover forest floors where they
have colonized. One of their common names, trinity flower, can help with identification as it refers to the arrangement of the plant's parts - leaves and flower petals - that occur in multiples of three.
|
|
Read
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What's in Bloom in Your State Botanical Garden of Tennessee?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crossville - Thymus
x citriodorus 'Variegata' is one of my personal favorites, both in the garden and in the kitchen. The evergreen foliage makes a nice addition to containers, walkways, or flowering borders.
Also great with chicken or fish, veggies and rice, or a zesty surprise in cookies or cake. This little jewel can be admired in our herb garden.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jackson - Jason and Carson recently added 'Bonnie
and Mike' Beacon® Oak, Prairie Sentinel® Hackberry, and Golden Candle™ Golden Raintree to the upright tree collection. The collection is located alongside the first road to the right as you come down the
driveway to the Gardens. The three additions join the existing 16 different tall slender trees already in the collection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Knoxville - Cornus officinalis 'Sunsphere' is putting on
a vibrant show of early-season color right now! This will be available at our upcoming spring plant sale.
|
|
|
|
|
|
UT Gardens, Crossville
Spring Plant Sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spread the word! Our spring plant sale is now open to the public. Be sure to check out the updated form (available below in either PDF or Excel format),
as there have been a few changes. Some plants have sold out, and some plants have been added.
Thank you to members who took advantage of the pre-order opportunity. If you aren't currently a member,
you can join now to receive a 10% discount on your plant sale order.
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 April 25.
We appreciate your support!
|
|
|
|
|
|
UT Gardens, Crossville
Local History Fundraiser
|
|
|
|
|
|
Let's celebrate Women's History Month!
Master Gardener Glenda Wisdom gifted several copies of
Cumberland County's First Hundred Years to raise funds for the Garden. They were left on behalf of her mother, Vancieneta Wisdom, who was named Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women's
Club. She played a major role in restoring the Crossville Train Depot and Palace Theater on historic downtown Main Street. Some of the original Main Street photos can be viewed in the book. The books are new and in excellent condition
Cost is $20 per book. We can mail for an additional $5.
|
|
Sold by advance order while supplies last.
Contact Jennifer to order (931-484-0034 or
[log in to unmask]) or order by mail using
this order form. Make checks payable to 'University of Tennessee'
Orders may be picked up in office M-F 8am-4pm (Central) at the UT Plateau AgResearch Center, 320 Experiment Station Rd, Crossville, TN 38571
|
|
|
|
|
|
UT Gardens, Knoxville
Upcoming Spring Plant Sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member Presale - opens March 26
Public Sale - March 29-April 5
Curbside pickup for all orders will be scheduled for - April 9 - 10
2518 Jacob Drive, Knoxville
|
|
|
|
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 a 10%
discount 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
UT Gardens, Knoxville
Wild Bird Extravaganza
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pick up date: Friday, March 26
Cost: $8 per kit for one, or
$24 per kit for four
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
This event is sponsored by Allergy & Asthma Affiliates; Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center; University of Tennessee Federal Credit Union; and the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee. Thank you to
our sponsors for making this virtual event possible!
|
|
|
|
|
|
UT Gardens, Knoxville
Upcoming Adult Classes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring Flowering Tree & Shrub Walk
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2021
Time: 9 - 11am (Eastern)
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
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Time: 5-7pm (Eastern)
Cost: $45 Garden member/ $55 nonmember
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beauty & Intrigue in the Bog
Date: Saturday, March 20, 2021
Time: 10-11:30am (Eastern
Cost: $20 Garden member/ $25 nonmember
|
|
|
|
Can you grow Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, or other bog plants in your front yard? Absolutely! These are native to our region, and it is easier than you might think? No matter your soil moisture,
with a sunny spot and some foundational knowledge of their growth requirements, you can create a beautiful, winter-hardy, in-ground bog garden or potted plant arrangement. We will also introduce tropical carnivorous plant varieties you can easily grow in your
home. Join us to learn how to grow a variety of carnivorous and non-carnivorous bog plants. We will have a small selection of plants for sale.
Instructors: Richard and Siru Curzon from Tennessee Naturescapes native plant nursery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The New Perennial Movement
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021
Time: 10 - 11am (Eastern)
Cost: $20 Garden member/ $25 nonmember
|
|
|
|
Dr. Andy Pulte will lead this class on naturalistic planting design with a focus on low maintenance, high-functioning plants with year-round visual appeal. Class size will be limited to 15 participants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIY Daisy Arrangements
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2021
Time: 5 - 7pm (Eastern)
Cost: $45 Garden member/ $55 nonmember
|
|
|
|
According to many, the flower for the month of April is the daisy. They are a lovely staple to many floral arrangements that you can buy, but have you ever wondered how you can make those grocery store
bouquets just a little nicer, a little more unique? Well, then this is the class for you! We will use grocery store bouquets to make floral arrangements with pizzazz using skills and knowledge that you will be able to use at home during any part of the year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UT Gardens, Knoxville
Upcoming Kids Classes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday Fun Day: Spring
March 19, 2021
10am-noon (Eastern)
Cost: $10 Garden members/ $15 nonmembers
|
|
|
|
The first day of Spring is coming up sooner that you might think. We will explore the garden looking and listening for signs of spring. We might see flowers, animals, and insects that could all be
signs of the season. We will be walking around and romping through any mud puddles, so come prepared for some fun rain or shine!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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, Crossville
It's Bluebird Time in Tennessee!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March is when bluebirds begin nesting. Here on the Cumberland Plateau about the third or fourth week of the month. By early April, most nest boxes will have occupants. Bluebirds will have two or three
broods each summer here and they build a new nest each time.
Don Hazel and John Martin of the Tennessee Bluebird Society visited Plateau AgResearch Center to install improved bluebird boxes. The improvements include: painting to prolong life of the wood, adding
informative labels, reconfiguring the box opening, and adding a clear top.
Bluebird boxes should open so the old nests can be removed. This is also necessary for proper monitoring. Most boxes open up making it somewhat difficult for cleaning and monitoring. The improved
construction of having them open down has made things much easier. The clear tops were installed in the hopes of deterring unwanted house sparrows. These non-native birds, as well as starlings, are a real threat to bluebirds. Since house sparrows like to nest
in crevices and cavities, it was thought they did not enjoy the light. Unfortunately the clear tops have not proven to be effective. House sparrows have tried to take residence all the same. Efforts to control them will continue to be explored.
There are other tips for creating the perfect bluebird nest box. Ideally, they should be on a pole with a predator guard, about five feet from the ground. This is a good height for the bluebirds, as
well for monitoring. A nest box on a tree is an open invitation for ants, mice, raccoons and rat snakes that will eat the eggs or babies. The recommended distance between boxes is 100yds. Additional specifications and bluebird information is available at
www.tnbluebirdsociety.org.
More photos and findings will be shared each month throughout the summer. Happy bluebirding!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carol's Corner
Crowing Over Henbit...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A friend of mine carried a piece of a little plant to her local county agent to be identified. He glanced at the square stem studded with scalloped leaves and small purple flowers and said, "That's
henbit. I can tell you how to get rid of it."
Surprised, she responded, "Why would I want to get rid of it? It's blooming before anything else this spring, and it's covered with honeybees." Though he did his best to convince her it was an undesirable
weed, to her credit, she decided that was a matter of perspective. I would agree.
Read
more...
|
|
|
|
|
|
UT Gardens, Knoxville
Kroger Community Rewards Program
|
|
|
|
|
|
Did you know that the UT Gardens, Knoxville is part of the Kroger Community Rewards Program? It is the easiest way to raise funds for the Gardens - with NO cost to you! Simply
link up your Kroger card to the UT Gardens and a portion of your purchases from Kroger will automatically be donated directly to the UT Gardens, Knoxville.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
2021 Community Partners & Sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
|
Many thanks to our 2021 Community Partners for their support of the Gardens!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our sponsors have supported the Gardens through generous donations of their products and/or services!
|
|
|
|
|
|
We also want to thank all of our members, volunteers, and visitors who support the Gardens! We couldn't do it without each of you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mailing Address:
UT Gardens
Room 112 Plant Biotech
2502 EJ Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-7324
Fax: (865) 974-1947
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg)
.jpg)
