UT Gardens 25th Anniversary
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Chuck Denney
East Tennessee gardeners like to point out you that can’t spell beaUTiful without a “U” and a “T.”
Welcome to the UT Gardens, the pretty face of the Ag campus. This place is well-stocked with breath-taking beauty, but isn’t just known for the views. There’s horticultural research going on here all seasons of the year. Dr. Joe DiPietro is UT Vice President for Agriculture.
Dr. Joe DiPietro
“When you think about the gardens, a lot of people as you have indicated drive by and think ‘Oh they’re pretty,’ or they have their lunch there and think it’s a great spot. But what many people fail to realize is it’s again part of our East Tennessee Research and Education Center.”
Chuck Denney
Researchers and students are always busy planting new varieties here. Curator James Newburn looks at what colors and textures do well in this environment - and how we might find disease resistant species for Tennessee’s green industry. Researchers also keep an eye towards a possible changing climate, experimenting with tropical varieties such as these elephant ears. Again, Newburn says it’s all about that primary mission - research.
James Newburn
“We evaluate between three and five hundred varieties of annual bedding plants each year. The garden as a whole probably has close to 4,000 permanently planted trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, vegetables, the whole gamut of plant material.”
Chuck Denney
The UT Gardens celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2008. To mark the occasion, a volunteer group called “Friends of the Gardens” raised money to build a new plaza. The Friends wanted a more inviting entrance to the gardens, and this project will also include new varieties of plants and flowers. Mary Collins Shepherd is with the Friends. An avid gardener herself, Mary appreciates the work that goes on here.
Mary Collins Shepherd
“Personally I have learned so much by coming and visiting the gardens and just walking through, and the wonderful labeling that we have here now, it’s truly an education.”
Chuck Denney
Collins is most proud of how Knoxville has embraced the gardens as a true community showplace and treasure. In the future, there’s more beauty to cultivate and research to do - but for now, it’s been a good 25 years.
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NOTE: The dedication of the plaza at the UT Gardens will take place on Sunday, September 21st.
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