News Summary
Join the Spring Featured Gardens Event in Knoxville on April 12-13 and discover three stunning private gardens: Baxter Gardens, Savage Garden, and GATOP. Each garden offers a unique charm and a chance to experience nature’s beauty at your own pace with self-guided tours. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the breathtaking flora before Baxter Gardens closes permanently.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Knoxville’s Spring Featured Gardens Event!
Are you ready for a delightful spring adventure? Knoxville is gearing up for a spectacular showcase of some of its most beautiful private gardens during the Spring Featured Gardens Event this coming weekend! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 12th and Sunday, April 13th, from 10 AM to 5 PM. But remember, the last entry is at 4 PM, so don’t be late!
Explore Three Unique Beauties
This annual event presents an amazing opportunity to explore not one, but three stunning gardens that you won’t want to miss. Each garden boasts its own unique charm that will leave you inspired and in awe of nature’s beauty.
Baxter Gardens
First up is Baxter Gardens, located at 3901 Sam Cooper Lane. This enchanting garden sits dramatically on a hilltop, offering breathtaking mountain views that are simply magical. Comprising 10 distinct garden ‘rooms’, visitors can wander through themed areas that include the lovely Dogwood Ramble, showcasing a range of beautiful dogwoods, and the vibrant Azalea Garden, which features over 500 blooming azaleas in full spring glory. Don’t forget to check out the delightful Lotus Garden and Maze and the various named gardens like The Ellipse—each corner bursting with colors and fragrances!
Savage Garden
Next, head over to the Savage Garden at 3237 Garden Drive, a historical gem inspired by 20th-century Japanese designs. This garden is renowned for its exquisite stonework and a plant collection that will dazzle any garden lover. Don’t miss the beautifully restored Japanese pagoda that stands gracefully amidst the greenery, providing a stunning focal point. Situated near the bustling Broadway of Fountain City, the Savage Garden blends tranquility with the vibrancy of city life.
GATOP
Last but not least is GATOP (God’s Answer To Our Prayers), located at 2634 Delrose Drive. Created by the remarkable Dr. Alan Solomon over 50 years, this garden is a true treasure, even making its way into The Smithsonian Institute’s Archives of America Gardens. Situated on an old marble quarry, visitors can explore over 350 varieties of conifers, along with an extensive collection of wildflowers and ferns. Artistic sculptures crafted from stainless steel, bronze, and stone add an intriguing twist, complemented by handcrafted iron rails from skilled blacksmith John Medwedeff.
Self-Guided Tours for Everyone!
Guests will enjoy self-guided tours, allowing them to soak in all the beauty at their own pace. Friendly Master Gardeners and Dogwood Arts staff will be on-site to answer questions and enrich your experience. It’s only a suggested donation of $5 per garden (cash or credit is accepted), so be sure to bring along a little spending money for this amazing adventure.
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Keep in mind that the properties can have uneven walking paths, so be sure to wear comfortable or hiking shoes. Unfortunately, the gardens are not handicap accessible, and pets are also not allowed, so make your preparations accordingly. Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
Special Events to Check Out
On Thursday, April 10th, a special Dogwood Walking Trail event is taking place from 5-7 PM. This evening will include an engaging discussion about the garden’s unique dogwood collection, and former Director of Horticulture Brian Campbell will present a lecture from 6-7 PM. Free and open to the public, this is a lovely way to kick off your gardening weekend! Just RSVP via email to join the fun.
Don’t Miss Out!
It’s important to note that after this weekend, Baxter Gardens will be closing permanently to the public due to the passing of founder Bill Baxter and the effects of high visitor volume on the gardens. Having been open for tours during the Dogwood Arts Festival for over 12 years and attracting over 30,000 visitors last spring, you definitely won’t want to miss your chance to experience this breathtaking spot before it closes its gates for good.
While you’re in the area, don’t forget that the Dogwood Arts Festival is coming up from April 25-27 at World’s Fair Park, and the Dogwood Trails are blooming all month long—perfect for a lovely drive-through experience! So grab your friends and family, and head out to experience the stunning beauty of Knoxville’s gardens!
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Knoxville Gardening Podcast
- Knox News: Baxter Gardens Closing
- Knox TN Today: Dogwood House & Garden Show
- Knoxville Moms: Visit Baxter Gardens
- The Mountain Press: March Plant of the Month
- Wikipedia: Garden
- Google Search: Knoxville Gardens
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Gardening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gardening
- Google News: Knoxville Gardening Events
