On Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., UT Gardens is hosting its Spectacular Spring Plant Sale. The UT Gardens is well known for its blooming plants and the activities it hosts. Some of these activities include workshops, summer camps and volunteer opportunities.
With spring officially here, now is the time to see colorful flowers in their prime. The plant sale provides an opportunity to learn more about Knoxville’s plant life and to ask several experts who work with UT Gardens about how to grow a perfect garden.
Lauren Carver is one of the plant experts at UT Gardens. Carver has a lot of background knowledge when it comes to flowers and plants, as she graduated from the UT Institute of Agriculture with a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences and a specialization in horticulture science and production. She worked with UT Gardens as a student intern, and the managing director believed she should continue working with them. She is now an event coordinator and assists other staff members.
The plant sale will feature several types of plants and flowers like small shrubs, trees and other houseplants. There are also some unique plants to look out for at UT Gardens. One is the conifer. Carver spoke about her excitement with UT Gardens because it displays a lot of conifers.
“Conifers are one of my favorite types of plants,” Carver said. “We have conifers spread across all areas of the gardens that add a bit of pizzazz to any area.”
Another expert at UT Gardens is Karen Caspary. Caspary grew up in Colorado and studied soil and crop sciences at Colorado State University. In 2019, she made the move down to Tennessee and ended up loving the area because of the seasonal weather. As for her career, she has taken advantage of many opportunities like food pantries and community gardens, which led her to UT Gardens.
Gardening serves many different purposes for people. Some people rely on their food sources from gardening, while for others it can just be a fun hobby. Others add more meaning to gardening like planting an item in remembrance of someone or to give back to the environment. Caspary spoke more on what gardening means to her.
“It brings us outside of our bubbles and helps us connect with our neighbors, family and friends, and the world around us,” Caspary said. “That’s a good thing no matter which way you look at it.”
Although planting has many benefits, it can be difficult to know where or how to start. One way to get started is to go to the sale to talk to the employees to get some helpful tips. Another place to reach out to is the Knox County Master Gardeners. Once one has gained a bit of background knowledge of planting, it is helpful to know which plants can survive more easily in different areas. Carver spoke about one of the simpler plants to start out with.
“My best recommendation is to find a perennial plant that you like and enjoy something that comes back year after year,” Carver said.
If gardening is one of your favorite hobbies, make sure to become a member of UT Gardens.
“Members get early access and discounts at our plant sales, free admittance to many botanical gardens across the country, and much more,” Caspary said.
To become a member, visit the UT Gardens website or sign up in person at the sale.
