Growing the Future — Gardening with Children
Many people trace their love of gardening back to childhood experiences.  Join Beth Willis, UT Gardens staff, to learn some imaginative and easy ways to introduce your own children to the fun of gardening and cultivate lifelong gardeners.

Putting Your Herbs to Work — 10 Great Ideas
Sure those herbs look great in your garden, but they can do more than just look pretty. Kathy Mihalczo, owner of Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm, will share easy ideas for culinary, health, and craft uses for common garden herbs.

Rose Parade — Low Maintenance Varieties
There truly are roses that will bloom their little heads off with minimal care and effort.  Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?  Learn about these easy-care roses from Jimmy Mynes, UT graduate research assistant.

'Bone' Structure — Planning for Winter Interest
Although very few plants bloom in the winter, Dr. Sue Hamilton, UT Gardens Director, will show us that certain hardscape features and carefully selected plants can create a garden as beautiful in winter as it is in summer.

Organic Gardening 101
Organic gardening involves creating and maintaining a healthy, natural garden that is free of harmful chemicals.  Everyone can garden organically once they know the basics.  Annette Wszelaki, UT Vegetable Production Extension Specialist, will share her expertise and get us started.

Perennials Favorites — A Walk thru the Perennial Border
The perennial border in the UT Gardens host some of the best and most beautiful selections in Tennessee. Tour this lush garden spot with Faye Beck, co-president of Friends of the UT Gardens, and learn about some national award winners as well as our own Tennessee treasures.

Ready for My Close-Up — Photography in the Garden
Visitors to the UT Gardens have very likely seen Dr. Alan Heilman in the process of creating one of his stunning photographs.  Join him as he shares some of his collection along with his tips and techniques for capturing lasting memories of our own garden flowers.

Iris — 25 Best and Beautiful Varieties
Bob Lauf and the members of the East Tennessee Iris Society have been growing this beautiful garden plant for more than 50 years.  Learn which varieties will grow, bloom, and sometimes re-bloom best in our gardens.

Gimme Shelter! — Gardening in the Shade
Many of us have shady gardens and struggle to create plantings with the flower power of sunnier spots.  Julie Hogg, UT Gardens volunteer, will lead us through the UT Shade Garden where color and texture are combined to create stunning landscapes that are made for the shade.

Wildflowers of Tennessee
 Learn more about wildflowers that are common in our region.  Join Jack Carman, author of Wildflowers of Tennessee, for a fun and informative presentation that showcases his beautiful photographs of wildflowers.

Containing Your Vegetables — Space Saving Tips
Although the UT Gardens is fortunate to have a large new space for vegetable gardening, many homeowners don’t have that luxury.  Take a tour of the new garden with Beth Willis, UT Gardens staff, to see demonstrations of raised beds, container gardening, and other space saving techniques.

Luxurious Lawns
A dense, healthy lawn enhances any landscape and adds value to your home.  Adam Thoms, UT graduate research assistant, knows turf – when to plant, fertilize, and mow.  He’ll share his secrets for creating and maintaining a great lawn at this informative talk.

Dogwoods — Barking Up the Right Tree
There are many exciting dogwood selections that can add form, color, and beauty to any garden setting.  Robin Yeary, UT Gardens staff, will lead a tour that showcases the many select varieties grown in the UT Gardens.

Enabling Gardens — Easy Adaptive Techniques
We think gardening should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.  Mark Machado, a design consultant for the new UT Gardens Enabling Garden, will discuss raised beds, vertical framing, sensory plants and other features of enabling gardens.

The Incredible Edible Eggplant
This fascinating vegetable has been cultivated for more than 4000 years and comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.   Join Mary Collins-Shepard, our own self proclaimed “veggie-head”, and learn more about the 2008 vegetable of the year (including recipes!) and see the dozen varieties grown in the UT Gardens this summer.

Tropical Punch — Adding Flair to Your Garden
Using tropical and sub-tropical plants is one of the ‘hottest’ trends in gardening, and is particularly appropriate in our hot and humid climate.  Brighten up your summer garden with the beautiful selections Frank Glavin, tropical enthusiast, will introduce you to.

Creating a Butterfly-Friendly Garden
A butterfly garden allows you to enjoy the beauty of butterflies while also contributing to their conservation.  What could be better!  It’s not difficult or expensive; just follow the suggestions given by Renee Follum and Jerome Grant (from the department of entomology and plant pathology) to attract caterpillars and butterflies to your yard.