News Release
For Immediate Release — July 13, 2009
Another Summer Celebration Success
West Tennesseans may soon see an abundance of sedums and succulents in local gardens after thousands of visitors attended the 20th annual Summer Celebration Lawn and Garden Show July 9 at the University of Tennessee West Tennessee Research and Education Center.
JACKSON, Tenn. — West Tennesseans may soon see an abundance of sedums and succulents in local gardens after thousands of visitors attended the 20th annual Summer Celebration Lawn and Garden Show at the University of Tennessee West Tennessee Research and Education Center. These very unique heat and drought tolerant plants were the theme for this year’s show. Presentations from the region’s leading gardening experts, as well as an elaborate display featuring a kitchen composed of sedums, prompted many guests to begin their own succulent collections at home.
“The 20th Summer Celebration was an all-around success,” says West Tennessee Research and Education Center Director Bob Hayes. “We had more than 2,300 guests who were excited about our tours and presentations and eager to learn. We can’t wait to have them back next year!”
Visitors to Summer Celebration are also returning to their home gardens with great ideas and information about a vast array of other plant species, ranging from traditional annuals and perennials, to the very uncommon and unusual. UT Extension Horticulturist Carol Reese discussed plants that she affectionately calls “wonderfully weird,” while UT Research Horticulturist Jason Reeves showcased succulents “gone wild.” Another favorite presentation focused on plants that require little watering, led by local gardening connoisseur, Rita Randolph. Guests also enjoyed touring the rose gardens where UT researchers are evaluating low-maintenance “no-spray” roses.
Many Summer Celebration guests were also eager to learn about herb and vegetable gardening. Several experts were on hand, including UT Vegetable Specialist Annette Wszelaki who demonstrated an environmentally friendly technique known as layer cake gardening. After learning how to grow their own groceries, visitors sampled some tasty recipes from the UT Extension Kitchen Divas made with succulent sweet corn and other garden staples.
Another highlight for many visitors was the Master Gardeners Plant Sale, which featured sedums, succulents and many other fascinating plant varieties. The sale was a huge success. Money raised by Master Gardeners will help fund future projects.
Summer Celebration is an opportunity for homeowners to see and hear the latest information in horticultural research. Most tours and presentations take place in the exquisite UT Gardens in Jackson, but visitors also have a chance to see and learn about all the agricultural research programs at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center through the AgResearch Wagon Tours.
The West Tennessee Research and Education Center is one of 10 unique research facilities operated by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
###
Contacts:
Dr. Bob Hayes, Director, West TN Research & Education Center, 731-424-1643, rhayes1@utk.edu
Ginger Trice, UTIA Marketing and Communications Services, 731-425-4768, gtrice@tennessee.edu