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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  • June #1
    Just because it's almost summer doesn't mean it is too late to plant annuals. I often don't get my annuals at home into the ground until late June. Plants such as sunflowers, zinnias, Mexican sunflower, cosmos, basil and dill can still be direct-seeded.
  • June #2
    During the hot summer months, mulch can be especially useful for conserving water. Consider mulching your vegetable garden as well as your ornamentals. The mulch not only helps conserve moisture, but it prevents the splashing of water. thereby reducing the spread of disease. It also adds organic matter to the soil and prevents many weeds.
  • June #3
    Trim back catmint (Nepeta) after its first flush of flowers to promote new growth and a second flush of blooms.
  • June #4
    The best time to harvest most herbs is just before flowering. This time is when the leaves contain the maximum essential oils.
  • June #5
    Daylilies are in peak bloom in June. It is a good time to buy new daylily selections for your garden to ensure you get the color you desire. Visit a daylily farm for the best selections, and plant them in full sun for the best flower production.
  • June #6
    Once daffodils', surprise lilies' (Lycoris squamigera) and red spider lilies' (Lycoris radiata) foliage has turned yellow, you can mow or cut it down. If you remove foliage while it is still green, you decrease the amount of energy available for the bulb to store, which will reduce flower size next year.
  • June #7
    To keep squash, cucmber and bean plants abundantly producing, harvest them frequently.

 View gardening tips for the entire year.

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