As summer has come to a close, bringing in the fall weather, there is no better opportunity to grow and maintain plants than this time of year. On Oct. 7, the UT Gardens’ annual plant sale opens to the public from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Whether shoppers are expert gardeners or even new to being plant owners, there is something for everyone this Saturday. The sale will occur at the Plaza at the UT Gardens, Knoxville, at 2518 Jacob Drive.
Those who are UT Gardens’ members, active UT Gardens volunteers and UT employees are welcome to attend the preview sale on Friday, Oct. 6 from 4-7 p.m. UT Gardens members also receive 10% off any purchases.
Shoppers who attend will get to see and enjoy the vast array of selections. This year’s featured plants include six chosen plants based on their beauty and functionality.
There is no need to worry for students and shoppers apprehensive about buying plants during the colder weather. The plants chosen this time of year are quite different from the select plants sold during the spring plant sale.
Lauren Carver, a UT administrative assistant, plays a tremendous role in planning this exciting annual event that plant lovers look forward to.
“With cooler weather and rainy days approaching, the fall plant sale offers a great opportunity to give plants a head start for warmer weather,” Carver said. “Fall allows plants to establish their root systems without the stresses of summer weather. When planted in the fall, plants stand a better chance against summer heat and drought conditions. We have selected six featured plants that would be great options to grow in the fall.”
Crystal Candau, a UT alum, hopes to attend the plant sale to start a garden this fall.
“I am new to being a plant mom, but I am very excited to see the selections in person and maybe even get some advice on what to plant since I am just starting,” Candau said.
There will be a plant curator booth at the sale for shoppers who may be new to learning about maintaining plants. Those working this booth are experts on house plants and could also help determine what kind of plant might be the best fit for them.
“I would encourage students not to be shy,” Carver said. “We love to talk about plants and give our opinions.”
Some of the featured plants students and shoppers can look forward to this fall are the Jenna Garden Phlox, millennium ornamental onion and chocolate shogun astilbe. The other three remaining plants are woody shrubs, each with unique characteristics.
The woody shrubs featured this fall are the firelight tidbit hydrangea, NewGen freedom boxwood and the double play candy corn spirea. These featured plants are all perfect editions for fall weather.
All Fabulous Fall Plant Sale proceeds go to UT Gardens, Knoxville’s operating fund. The money is being used toward maintaining the beautiful plants students can enjoy year-round.
“The selection and camaraderie are what people love most about this event,” Carver said. “Being around other people interested in plants, being able to ask questions and expanding their knowledge base is a major benefit. Also, our selection is quite varied. Classic selections to brand new cultivars, we have something for everyone at the sale.”
The plant sale inventory list is now available to view on the UT Gardens website. On the website, shoppers can also get a breakdown of what each of the six featured plants brings to the garden, along with their beauty and characteristics.
The Fabulous Fall Plant Sale is an exciting event that plant lovers do not want to miss, so be sure to stop by the Plaza at UT Gardens for a beautiful and bright array of plants the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee offers.
