Photos by Nancy Brannon
The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, opened an inaugural Art in the Gardens exhibit “Joyful Flight: A Hummingbird Exhibit” with a reception on May 4, 2018. Twenty-eight local amateur and professional artists have artistically interpreted this year’s theme by painting or embellishing plywood hummingbird silhouettes, measuring approximately 4 feet x 3 feet x 8 inches, using media of their choice. These works have been installed throughout the UT Gardens and will be displayed throughout the summer of 2018. The hummingbirds will then be sold at a live auction on September 9th, with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens. Other aspects of the exhibit include information on hummingbirds and identification of plants attractive to them.
The UT Gardens’ May 2018 Flower of the Month: “Cheyenne Sprit” Coneflower. Cheyenne Spirit is perfect for pollinator or cottage-style gardens when planted in a perennial bed or used in mass plantings in a landscape border. All Echinacea species are native to North America, so this plant is also a suitable choice for a native garden. Blooming the first year, the 3-inch to 4-inch flower heads are sure to attract a variety of butterflies and other pollinators. Plus, if you leave the old flower heads on the plant into fall and winter, birds, especially goldfinches, will enjoy eating the seeds.
Cheyenne Spirit requires full sun for the best and biggest prolific blooms. It is drought tolerant, especially after the first year, and it grows well in a variety of soils. It is also resistant to rain and wind damage, refusing to topple over in most storms.
In June, the UT Gardens, Knoxville hosts “Superheroes vs Villains Plants” camps for Garden Explorers (ages 6-10) and “Lil’ Gardeners.” The camps will look at the amazing power of plants to feed the world, clean the air, regenerate, and much more. But watch out, a few villains show up during camp! Campers learn how to fight plant villains and save the world, exploring what insects and plants threaten the population of Tennessee. Find out ways to help improve the environment and reduce threats from villains.
The UT Gardens, Knoxville, is located on Neyland Drive adjacent to the UT Veterinary Medical Center on the Institute of Agriculture campus. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public. For more information about events happening at the Gardens, visit: ag.tennessee.edu/utg.
The University of Tennessee Gardens, Knoxville, opened an inaugural Art in the Gardens exhibit “Joyful Flight: A Hummingbird Exhibit” with a reception on May 4, 2018. Twenty-eight local amateur and professional artists have artistically interpreted this year’s theme by painting or embellishing plywood hummingbird silhouettes, measuring approximately 4 feet x 3 feet x 8 inches, using media of their choice. These works have been installed throughout the UT Gardens and will be displayed throughout the summer of 2018. The hummingbirds will then be sold at a live auction on September 9th, with all proceeds benefiting the UT Gardens. Other aspects of the exhibit include information on hummingbirds and identification of plants attractive to them.
The UT Gardens’ May 2018 Flower of the Month: “Cheyenne Sprit” Coneflower. Cheyenne Spirit is perfect for pollinator or cottage-style gardens when planted in a perennial bed or used in mass plantings in a landscape border. All Echinacea species are native to North America, so this plant is also a suitable choice for a native garden. Blooming the first year, the 3-inch to 4-inch flower heads are sure to attract a variety of butterflies and other pollinators. Plus, if you leave the old flower heads on the plant into fall and winter, birds, especially goldfinches, will enjoy eating the seeds.
Cheyenne Spirit requires full sun for the best and biggest prolific blooms. It is drought tolerant, especially after the first year, and it grows well in a variety of soils. It is also resistant to rain and wind damage, refusing to topple over in most storms.
In June, the UT Gardens, Knoxville hosts “Superheroes vs Villains Plants” camps for Garden Explorers (ages 6-10) and “Lil’ Gardeners.” The camps will look at the amazing power of plants to feed the world, clean the air, regenerate, and much more. But watch out, a few villains show up during camp! Campers learn how to fight plant villains and save the world, exploring what insects and plants threaten the population of Tennessee. Find out ways to help improve the environment and reduce threats from villains.
The UT Gardens, Knoxville, is located on Neyland Drive adjacent to the UT Veterinary Medical Center on the Institute of Agriculture campus. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public. For more information about events happening at the Gardens, visit: ag.tennessee.edu/utg.
