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Please do not reply to this message. Thank You. To view the archives or join/leave TMG list: http://listserv.utk.edu/archives/tmg.html [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/UT%20Gardens%20logo_color.png] e-Newsletter | May 2021 Knoxville [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/FB-f-Logo__blue_1024.png]<https://www.facebook.com/utgardensknoxville> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/ig-logo.png]<https://www.instagram.com/utgardensknoxville> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Twitter_logo_blue.png]<https://twitter.com/utgardens> Crossville [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/FB-f-Logo__blue_1024.png]<https://www.facebook.com/PlateauDiscoveryGarden> Jackson [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/FB-f-Logo__blue_1024.png]<https://www.facebook.com/UT-Gardens-Jackson-175119765832847> 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/<https://utia.tennessee.edu/state-botanical-garden> where you can connect to any of our three statewide sites. May Gardening Tip Early May is a good time to cut back any woody perennials that need it, such as rosemary, rue, lavender, Santolina and Artemisia. If done before the danger of frost has passed, new growth may appear, and a freeze can kill that new growth or even the entire plant. Click here to read all gardening tips....<https://ag.tennessee.edu/utg/Pages/monthlytasks.aspx> Plant of the Month May: Disease-Resistant Basil Submitted by Holly Jones, horticulturist, UT Gardens, Knoxville Have you noticed your sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) plants suffering from diseased leaves and stems in recent years? If so, the chances are good that basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) is the culprit. This fungus-like pathogen has been plaguing farmers and home gardeners since it was identified in the U.S. in 2007. Thankfully, scientists, farmers, and home gardeners now have science-based tools and advice we can put to use to save our basil. [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Amazel_basil_by_H._Jones_web.jpg]<https://ag.tennessee.edu/news/Pages/POM-2019-12.aspx> Read more...<https://utianews.tennessee.edu/disease-free-sweet-basil-new-varieties-resist-downy-mildew> What's in Bloom in Your State Botanical Garden of Tennessee? [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/iris_jxn.jpg] Jackson - The iris collection is looking good this spring! [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_4686.JPG] Knoxville - Check out our collection of Dykes Medal Iris (the highest honor awarded to a registered iris by the American Iris Society) planted around the perimeter of our labyrinth. It's a riot of color right now! [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Solar%20Ray%20Azalea%20(2).jpg] Crossville - One of my favorites! Azalea Solar Glow hybrid 'QbackA' planted in Dr. Mark Windham's hardiness trial for the Southern Living Plant Collection. UT Gardens, Knoxville Thank You for Your Gala Participation! [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/studio.png] Thank you to everyone who tuned in to our 2021 Virtual Gala (and the Happy Half Hour) on April 30th! It was great to socialize, albeit virtually, and we were thrilled to honor Dr. Sue Hamilton for her many contributions to the UT Gardens in particular and to the field of public horticulture in general. We greatly appreciate the support of those who participated in the silent auction and everyone who donated to the Gardens in Knoxville and to the Sue Hamilton Endowment. Your generosity will have lasting impacts for our Garden! UT Gardens, Jackson Thank you for Your Spring Plant Sale Support! [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20MG%20Sale%203.jpg] UT Gardens, Jackson and Madison County Master Gardeners want to thank everyone for your continued support of our annual Spring Plant Sale in Jackson. The 2021 sale was a huge success with more than 2000 attending over three days. Between the two sales, there were approximately 500 different kinds of houseplants, annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs and trees! The partnership between our programs of Research & Extension within UTIA allows us to offer the public a unique opportunity for plant shopping and education. A special thanks goes to Master Gardeners who propagated and donated over 2600 plants for the Master Gardener portion of the sale and to all the Master Gardeners who volunteered their time working the two sales. A special thanks also goes to our shoppers for your patience and resilience as we limited the number of shoppers in the sale areas and faced rainy weather on Thursday with a smile (and poncho)! We hope to see you again and again! Thanks again for all your support, and we look forward to sharing the UT Gardens with you at this year's Virtual Summer Celebration on July 8, 2021! [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20MG%20Sale%202.jpg] Above - The sale offered selections for all growing conditions - truly something for everyone! Right - The Renfroe family braved the rain on Thursday to shop the plant sale. Georgia (left) and Beau (right) along with their mother, Ashley, went home with a nice selection of herbs and other plants. [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/2021%20plant%20sale%20Ashley%20Georgia%20Beau%20Renfroe.jpg] UT Gardens, Jackson Lunch-Time Liquidation Sale [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/candle.jpg] Did you miss the UT Gardens, Jackson Spring Plant Sale? Don't miss the Lunch-time Liquidation Sale on Wednesday, May 12th from 11am - 1pm (Central) at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center. Cash or check only. Select plants will be 'Buy 2, Get 1 Free'. Check out the availability list<https://westtn.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2021/05/May-12th-2021-sale-for-distribution.pdf> for details. We have about 100 candlestick plants (pictured) remaining for the sale. UT Gardens, Knoxville Whimsical Art Comes to Children's Garden There are some exciting new characters coming to the UT Gardens, Knoxville that, along with the beautiful plants, are sure to brighten your day. Noted local artist Gwendolyn Kerney has offered to loan four of her whimsical sculptures in the garden for an extended exhibit during the spring and summer. As Gwendy has stated “I lean on the colorful, whimsical, joyful side of art”. Her sculptures certainly exude this refreshing attitude. We first became familiar with Gwendy’s work when we began our annual Art in the Garden exhibit. When she arrived with her hummingbird we knew this serious artist had a fun side when “His Royal Highness Prince Humming” arrived complete with a crown. [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/IMG_4729_rotated.JPG] Since then she has participated every year, and her works bring top dollar at our auctions because of her bright, whimsical take on the subject matter. In consultation with Gwendy and her partner Jim Parris, garden staff members James Newburn, Holly Jones, and Drew Bogert scoped out various locations in the Gardens. We all ultimately agreed that because of the delightful motif of her work, in and around the Children’s Garden was the perfect location for all four. On May 7, the first of the four pieces was installed. Drew, horticulture and turfgrass manager, had prepared the concrete footing and Jim secured the sculpture. We now have a eight-foot tall, big blue bird with red, heart-shaped wings and polka dot legs who “Dreams of Flight” peering out at the kids on the lawn. Maybe the helium balloons in his beak will give him the lift he needs. His mere presence is sure to give all visitors the lift they need. The other sculptures are to be installed by the end of May so we invite you to enjoy this wonderful exhibit! UT Gardens, Knoxville Home Sweet Home Birdhouse Exhibit [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/bh2_crop.jpg] Opening - Friday, June 4, 2021 6 - 8pm (Eastern) Free and open to the public We're so excited for this year's Art in the Garden display! You may recall that a few months ago we announced the theme for this year would be birdhouses. We recruited local artists, both amateur and professional, to complete 56 houses as they saw fit. And I must say, they have outdone themselves! Home Sweet Home: A Birdhouse Exhibit will be installed in the garden soon. We will open it on Friday, June 4th with a socially-distanced in person reception. The exhibit will remain in the Gardens throughout the summer for your viewing pleasure. In early September, the birdhouses will be available for purchase at auction, so come pick out your favorites now! UT Gardens, Crossville Classes in the Garden Each Thursday in May 10:00am CDT Free to attend (on Zoom) You don't want to miss our 'Thursday Morning Timely Topics'. This month's lineup includes: Interesting and Fun Container Plantings, Heirloom Vegetables for the Tennessee Garden, and Ferns, Spleenworts, and Clubmosses. Register <https://tennessee.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtc-%20mgqD4uGNBWP2hgV0aZ_dtB9axpmyTc> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/spring%20seasonal%20clock.jpg] UT Gardens, Knoxville Upcoming Adult Classes [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/flower_pots.jpg] Upscale Your Pots Date: Saturday, June 12, 2021 Time: 10am - 12pm (Eastern) Cost: $30 Garden member/ $35 nonmember Come learn creative ways to use spray paints to make beautiful pots for your garden. We will use plastic garden pots and show you how to use spray paint to transform them into a thing of beauty. You will learn various techniques of using spray paints to create attractive textures and designs on your pots. Each participant will get two pots, but feel free to bring a pot or two of your own to embellish. Since this is a hands-on workshop using spray paint, please wear old clothes and bring a mask (due to the paint fumes). Register Here <https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2219&SINGLESTORE=true> UT Gardens, Knoxville Upcoming Kids Classes [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/kid-girl-painting_97632-524.jpg] Friday Fun Day: Nature Arts and Crafts May 21, 2021 10am-noon (Eastern) Cost: $10 Garden members/ $15 nonmembers To make nature art, we use natural materials. These can be berries, sticks, leaves, or anything we can find. During this program we will make leaf art, berry splatter paintings, and more using all things that might be found in a garden. Be sure to wear your crafting clothes because this program will get messy! 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. Register Here <https://secure.touchnet.com/C21610_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2225&SINGLESTORE=true> UT Gardens, Knoxville Summer Camp [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/summer_camp.jpg] Summer camps are filling up quickly here at the UT Gardens, Knoxville! Be sure to reserve your spot soon. We have availability in our Theater in the Garden camp, Nature Art camp, and both Lil Gardener's sessions. Some scholarships are available. Feel free to contact Whitney with any questions or scholarship inquiries at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. We are looking forward to a great summer in the Gardens! View Camp Descriptions <https://ag.tennessee.edu/utg/Pages/camps.aspx> UT Gardens, Crossville It's Bluebird Time in Tennessee! [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/May%20Newsletter%202021%20(Bluebirds).jpg] Reflective streamers have been attached to all bluebird boxes with nests to protect them from House sparrows. So far, this experiment has proven to be effective. The bluebirds don't seem to mind, and we have sweet little hatchlings. The end of April monitoring report showed 23 completed nests, 12 with eggs, and 5 babies. For additional information about bluebirds and the Tennessee Bluebird Society visit www.tnbluebirdsociety.org<http://www.tnbluebirdsociety.org>.More photos and findings will be shared each month throughout the summer. Happy bluebirding! Carol's Corner Are Your Ears Bigger than Your Neighbors? [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/DSC_0039.JPG] Many southern gardeners grew up with an “ordinary” green elephant ear (Colocasia esculenta) in the landscape, hardly worth a second glance. As more savvy gardeners became aware of the roles foliage textures play in a well designed landscape, plants with large leaves were more appreciated. The movement morphed into a deservedly popular theme of creating a landscape with a bold tropical feel, and new forms of elephant ear began to appear in the marketplace. Even in colder parts of the country folks were willing to dig them and store in protected sites during winter, or simply purchase them new each summer, so breeders responded with a surge of cultivars displaying foliage of black, chartreuse, or even variegated. Most are not hardy beyond zone 8, but a few have demonstrated their hardiness through zone 7 unless the winter is particularly severe. Read more...<https://ag.tennessee.edu/utg/Pages/elephant_ear_article.aspx> 2021 Community Partners & Sponsors Many thanks to our 2021 Community Partners for their support of the Gardens! [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/ballfloraplant_logo_web.jpg] [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/ellenburg_logo.jpg]<https://www.ellenburgnursery.com> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Garden_Guru_logo.png]<https://www.gardenguruservices.com> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/meadowview_logo.jpg]<http://www.meadowviewgreenhouse.com> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/OverhillGardens-logo.jpg]<http://www.overhillgardens.com> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/popes.png]<http://www.popesplantfarm.com/retail> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/willow%20ridge.jpg]<http://willowridgegardencenter.com> Our sponsors have supported the Gardens through generous donations of their products and/or services! East Fork Nursery<https://www.facebook.com/eastfnursery/?rf=594098127396764> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/CCMG%20logo.png]<https://www.ccmga.org> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/KCMG%20Final_full%20color.png]<https://knoxcountymastergardener.org> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Madison%20County%20MG%20label.png]<http://madisoncountymg.org> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Paw%20Paw%20Everlast%20Label%20Co.%20(Logo).jpg]<https://www.everlastlabel.com> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Pleasant_Hill_lh%5b1%5d.png]<https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pleasant-Hill-Nursery/163118380383666> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/Red_Bud_Farm.jpg]<http://red-bud-farm.com> [https://UtGardens.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/utfcu-logo-no-slogan.png]<https://www.utfcu.org> 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 Copyright © 2019 UT Gardens. All rights reserved. Contact email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Did your email address change? Visit http://listserv.utk.edu/archives/tmg.html Remove your old email and add your new email address to continue receiving timely updates. To reduce pressure on your spam filter, please add this sender's email address to your contacts. Have you visited the Master Gardener Store? https://web.dii.utk.edu/agstore/c-49-master-gardener.aspx To view the archives or join/leave TMG list: http://listserv.utk.edu/archives/tmg.html