Update: We are committed to the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers, and staff, especially in light of concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The wonder of the UT Gardens, Knoxville is that there will always be something in bloom any time you visit after the orders are lifted. At this time the Gardens are open to visitors, provided that proper social distancing is maintained. University buildings are closed to the public at this time, so be aware that there are no facilities available if you do visit.

In the coming weeks we will be posting photos and plant information from the Gardens on our social media pages, as well as tips and ideas for activities you can do in your own garden. Even if you are unable to venture to the Gardens in person, we hope that you will follow along! Now just might be the time to dive deeper into gardening as a hobby.  

2020 UT Gardens Gala Cancelled

In light of the current global health crisis, we have reached the difficult decision that the UT Gardens Gala will not be held on April 24. Our Gala leadership is discussing various options with our honorary hosts Crissy and Bill Haslam, and we will follow up soon with information regarding rescheduling and/or cancellation.

 


Recognized in 2013 as the official botanical gardens of the state of Tennessee, the University of Tennessee Gardens located in Knoxville, Jackson and Crossville are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. Some 4,000 annuals, perennials, herbs, tropical plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses are evaluated each year. Both the Knoxville and Jackson gardens are TN Certified Arboreta. The gardens are open during all seasons and are free to the public.

 

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  • July #1
    Layering easily propagates many plants. Hydrangeas, viburnums, weigela, trumpet honeysuckle, Carolina jessamine, and climbing roses are a few plants that will root if tlhe stems are fastened down and covered with soil.
  • July #2
    Start planning your fall vegetable garden. Late July is the time to start seeding your winter broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts to be transplanted into the garden in mid-August.
  • July #3
    Raise the height of your mower to reduce stress on your lawn and to conserve moisture in the ground. For best results, mow 2 inches for Bermuda grass, 1-2 inches for zoysia, and 2.5-3 inches for fescue.
  • July #4
    July is a good month to prune "bleeder" trees, such as maples, dogwood, elm, birch and other trees that bleed when pruned in winter.
  • July #5
    Give your chrysanthemums and asters a last pinching no later than mid-July.
  • July #6
    Keep your perennials deadheaded to keep them flowering. Be sure to remove the fading flowers down to a leaf node or new bud.
  • July #7
    Cut back by one-third early planted annuals that are getting leggy or out of control to keep them looking good into the fall. Give them a shot of a water-soluble fertilizer. Good candidates include impatiens, salvia, sweet potato vine, trailing or ground-cover type petunias and herbs, such as basil.

 View gardening tips for the entire year.

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