“Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?” As a child, I loved the movie “The Secret Garden” and all the beautiful garden magic it depicts. Over the past year, I have grown a new appreciation for nature (especially plants) and the beauty of the outdoors. There is something about tuning into nature that makes me feel good. Spring has finally sprung, and I wanted to share some special gardens that are part of the Dogwood Arts Festival, but that are not so secret anymore.
Dogwood Arts is a non-profit organization that promotes and celebrates our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty. It hosts one of the most celebrated events in Knoxville: the Dogwood Arts Festival. There’s even more the Dogwood Arts has to offer. The Chalk Walk in downtown is popular, but my favorite part is the featured gardens. Move over Mary Lennox; these Knoxville gardens will give you a run for your money.
The featured gardens this year are Ross Glen Garden, GATOP (God’s Answer to Our Prayers), and historic Savage Garden. They are open for one weekend only to the public on SATURDAY, APRIL 18th and SUNDAY, APRIL 19th from 10:00AM-5:00PM. Ross Glen Garden is new to the lineup this year. It was designed with nature in mind, featuring a return to native plants and sustainable practices that support biodiversity. Ross Glen features extensive stonework, native plantings, and a peaceful walk similar to King Charles’ Highgrove Garden.” A $5.00 shuttle ticket (per person) must be purchased online in advance for this garden. There are a limited number of tickets available per time slot. Click this link to purchase. Once the shuttle reservation has been purchased, an email will be sent disclosing the location.
All of the gardens are privately owned and there is limited parking at each garden. Guests will be admitted on a first come first served basis. This event is free, though a $5.00 donation per garden is suggested. Please note that several of the gardens require extensive walking; comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended.
Savage Garden
3237 Garden Drive
Knoxville, TN 37918
Historic Savage Garden in Fountain City was inspired by Japanese garden designs popular in the late 20th century. This magnificent garden features exquisite stonework, an extensive plant collection, and a beautifully restored Japanese pagoda. Enjoy a serene walk in a tranquil setting just minutes away from the bustle of Fountain’s City busy Broadway.
GATOP
Dr. Alan Solomon
2634 Delrose Drive
Knoxville, TN 37914
Included in the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens, GATOP (God’s Answer To Our Prayers) features many hundreds of botanical specimens such as conifers and hollies, extensive displays of wildflowers, perennials, and ground covers, as well as numerous water features and large marble outcroppings. Complimenting this unusual garden are stainless-steel, iron, bronze, and stone sculptures. The site features one of Knoxville’s oldest marble quarries.
There are even more spectacular gardens to see along the Dogwood Arts Trails. The trails are located across Knoxville. Once you choose your trail and arrive, follow the pink lines on the road. You can also download a map here or Dogwood Arts will mail you a brochure when you fill out this form. When you see green leaves on the map, get out and enjoy a stroll through one of the beautiful open gardens. The map will also tell you where to find camera sites. (Look for the pink camera.) Those properties welcome you to stop and take a picture, but please do not enter. For a complete list of those locations, click here.
I hope you take the time this month to enjoy the art and nature of Dogwood Arts. You can find the addresses to these gardens on the Dogwood Arts website and their Facebook page.
