We are passionate about sharing our love of gardening and nature with the community. We offer a variety of classes and workshops for all ages throughout the year, utilizing our 10-acre display to strengthen the connection between people and the natural environment.
All programs require preregistration. Contact Derrick Stowell, Education Director, at dstowell@utk.edu, (865) 974-7151, or click on the links below to register.
The Art and Science of Natural Dyes
This class will explore natural dyes made from plants. Participants will
get an opportunity to practice the skill and art of dying natural
fibers and learn a little about cultivating plants that produce dyes so
you can grow and dye at home.
Instructor: Beth Willis, UT Gardens Volunteer and Membership Coordinator
Saturday, July 28, 2018 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: Garden member $30/nonmember $40
Fall Vegetable Gardening
Did you know Tennessee has two spring seasons? Everybody knows about the one that begins in March. Not everyone knows that our "second spring" begins in August. This is the time of year when gardeners can produce a fresh crop of cool season vegetables like lettuc, beets, carrots, spinach and more. Students will learn the basics of planning, planting, harvesting and preparing a selection of cool season edibles. Student will also be provided with a selection of premium cabbage, bunching onion, shelling peas and spinach plants to kick start your fall veggie garden!
Instructor: John Tullock is a full time freelance writer who specializes in books on horticulture, with a focus on edible gardening. He earned a masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of TN. His latest book is entitled Seed to Supper: Growing and Cooking Great Food No Matter Where You Live.
Sunday, August 12, 2018 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Garden member $30/nonmember $40
Leaf Casting
Art in the garden helps give an added dimension to your landscape. Leaf castings can create unique elements in your garden and have many uses from bird baths to sculpture. Participants will learn the art of leaf casting by creating their own cast to take home and place in their garden.
Instructor: Derrick Stowell, UT Gardens Education Director
Sunday, August 25, 2018 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Garden member $30/nonmember $40
Build Your Own Terrarium
Get your hands dirty while learning to design and care for a living terrarium. These open top glass planters are a wonderful way to bring the joy of nature into any indoor space. We provide all the materials you need, indcluding plants, soil, container, tools and guidance.
Instructor: Derrick Stowell, UT Gardens Education Director
Saturday, August 25, 2018 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: Garden member $30/nonmember $40
Succulent Houseplant Success
Succulents just might be the best houseplant ever, and many can be grown in the garden! Join local author and garden expert John Tullock as we explore the wonderful world of succulents. We will cover choosing plants, potting, growing outdoors, propagation, and designing with succulents. Participants will receive a collection of beautiful succulent plants to take home.
Instructor: John Tullock is a full time freelance writer who specializes in books on horticulture, with a focus on edible gardening. He earned a masters degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of TN. His latest book is entitled Seed to Supper: Growing and Cooking Great Food No Matter Where You Live.
Sunday, November 11, 2018 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Garden member $30/nonmember $40
Creative Fall Centerpieces
Decorate your holiday table with the beautiful bounty of nature. Knox County Master Gardener and passionate decorator, Vickie Smith and UT Gardens kitchen garden manager, Holly Jones will lead this interactive workshop on the art of nature inspired table displays, using colorful foliage, interesting succulents, seedpods, grasses, moss and other found objects we will demonstrate a variety of techniques to brighten your home for the season. Participants will take home an ornamental pumpkin centerpiece.
Friday, November 16, 2018 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Garden member $30/nonmember $40
Holiday Wreath Making
Kick off your winter festivities by making your own gorgeous wreath using freshly harvested grennery from the Gardens. All levels of experience welcome. We will provide a mixture of seasonal greens and decor for your take home wreath that will last throughout the holiday season. Participants are welcome to bring personalized decorations as well. This is our most popular class so don't delay in registering.
Saturday, December 8, 2018 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: Garden member $30/nonmember $40