Celebrate another day of gardening Posted: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 8:01 pm
By: JACKSON JACKSON — Blue skies, golden sunshine, friendly people, and, oh yeah, one of the most exquisite gardens in West Tennessee … sounds like a setting for a good time.
At the annual University of Tennessee Summer Celebration Lawn and Garden Show, the mood is always festive. With thousands of trees, shrubs and flowers on display, plus exciting presentations, unique vendors and good food, it’s easy to see why people love to come to this event, and why it’s become a favorite West Tennessee tradition.
Summer Celebration 2010 kicks off at 10 a.m. July 8 at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.As in years past, visitors will be able to tour the beautiful UT Gardens-Jackson and will also be able to attend workshops presented by UT experts. Plus speakers from the botanical gardens in Memphis and Huntsville will be on hand, as well as members of the American Daylily Society.
Other highlights include a special presentation and sale of newly-released disease-resistant dogwoods, ideas for garden art that will make that landscape pop, and the “Kitchen Divas” return with more homegrown recipe ideas.
In addition to informative workshops, visitors can also peruse and purchase fascinating plant varieties at the Master Gardeners Plant Sale. These plants have been researched and tested in West Tennessee conditions, and have proven themselves as great additions to local landscapes.
If anyone has specific plant questions, they can get them answered at the Plant Diagnostic Center, which will be staffed by plant pest and disease experts. And if a participant needs a break, they can enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by local 4-Hers or take a relaxing wagon ride around the AgResearch and Education Center and learn more about the breakthroughs in agricultural research that are happening right here.
The day concludes with a “Walkabout” with UT Horticulturist Carol Reese. As Ms. Reese leads a guided tour of the grounds, participants can get her take on the best plants for their landscape.
The cost for this complete day is $5, but as one visitor said last year, “You’ll get more than $5 worth of education and fun!” Summer Celebration ends at 6 p.m.
For more information, including directions to the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, you can visit the website http://west.tennessee.edu.
The West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is one of 10 unique research facilities operated by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. In addition to its agricultural research programs, the UT Institute of Agriculture also provides instruction, research and public service through the UT College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the UT College of Veterinary Medicine, and UT Extension offices in every county in the state.
Published in The Messenger 6.29.10 | 
