Knox County Master Gardeners |
What Do We Do?
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Master Gardeners participate in one or more of the following opportunities: |
Gardening Projects |
The BLOOM CenterMaster Gardeners help support a work training site for Knox County Schools Special Education program students; an enrichment program for adults with special abilities; as well as work within the Floral Department Rescue Squad's house plant rehabilitation program. Contact Chair for more information. | Collier PreserveA new park in the Powell community is becoming an area of exclusively native plants that will enhance habitat, especially for birds. Master Gardeners are helping to bring this area to fruition. Planned features include an ADA walkway, nature path, birding platform, kayak rest stop at Beaver Creek and a natural setting for observing wildlife. Contact Chair for more information. |
Habitat Urban Gardens (HUG)New Habitat for Humanity homeowners learn the basics of home landscaping, help design their own plan, and learn to take care of their plantings with the assistance of Master Gardeners. | James Agee ParkMaster Gardeners work to develop this new urban park in the Fort Sanders area. Volunteers assist in refining the structure and maintaining the plantings in the park. Contact Chair for more information. |
Knoxville Botanical Gardens and ArboretumMaster Gardeners have created and maintain a shade garden and a pollinator garden at this beautiful public garden in east Knoxville. They also assist with special projects and events throughout the year. Contact Chair for more information. | U.T. GardensMaster Gardeners work with UTG staff in garden walks, workdays, plant sales, trial gardens, and special events. Contact Chair for more information. |
Community GardensMaster Gardeners work at four community gardens throughout Knox County. Several of these provide food for members of the community. Enjoy the outdoors, learn gardening skills, and contribute to our community. |
All Saints Charity/Demonstration GardenContact Chair for more information. | Beardsley Community FarmContact Chair for more information. |
Concord UMC Community GardenContact Chair for more information. | Hardin Valley Elementary School GardenContact Chair for more information. |
Outreach Projects |
Ask A Master GardenerMaster Gardeners are available to answer questions in person at local Farmer's Markets, on the phone, or by email. Contact Chair for more information. | Speakers BureauMaster Gardeners present programs at public venues, clubs and civic groups throughout Knox County. Presentations are free, open to the public, and designed for home ornamental and vegetable gardeners. Contact Chair for more information. |
Tennessee Smart YardsTENNESSEE SMART YARDS is a residential sustainability certification program led by UT Extension that encourages Tennesseans to take small steps in their own yards to make them more enjoyable, more manageable, and healthier for our environment. The elements and actions that make up a Smart Yard take just a little thought and benefit our families, neighbors, and communities in lasting ways. Contact Chair for more information. | Youth Horticulture4-H Garden Club is offered for grades 4 and up at several local schools. 4-H Garden Explorer Day Camp for ages 6-11 is offered during the summer. Both help children learn gardening skills, teamwork, life skills and can include a variety of subjects such as botany, pest management, greenhouse management, nutrition, landscaping, farmers markets, etc. Contact Chair for more information. |
Master Gardener CommunicationsMaster Gardeners may participate in one of our communication methods: the KCMG Newsletter and the KCMG Website. Contact Chair for more information. |
Knox County Extension Master Gardener Awards 2023 International Search for Excellence Award, 1st place in Workshop/Presentation for the "Prune Like a Pro" video series. International Search for Excellence Award, 3rd place in Community Service for "Gardening Tips Live!" 2022 Tennessee Search for Excellence Awards: Outstanding Individual Master Gardener Award, Large/Urban group: Knox County - Cathy Carpenter. SFE Service Award, Workshop or Presentation: Knox County - "Gardening Tips Live!" SFE Service Award, Written/Recorded Educational Content: Knox County - "Prune Like a Pro". 2021 International Search for Excellence Award, 2nd place for Community Service with our Community Garden partnership at Concord United Methodist Church. 2019 Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, Hardin Valley Elementary School Learning Garden, Written Education Category. 2017 Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, Barbara O'Neil, Outstanding Master Gardener of the Year (Eastern Region). 2016 International Search for Excellence Award, 2nd place for our Speaker's Bureau. 2015 Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, 1st place for Community Service with our Community Garden partnership at Concord United Methodist Church. Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, 1st Place for Workshop or Presentation with our Speaker's Bureau. Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, 1st Place for Demonstration Garden with our Charity Garden partnership at All Saints Catholic Church. Tennessee Search for Excellence Award, Barbra Bunting and Marsha Lehman tied for Outstanding Master Gardener of the Year. |