Many of you may still be unaware that part of our state’s botanical garden is right here in our own backyard of Crossville.
Plateau Discovery Gardens was first established in 2005 by Cumberland County Master Gardeners.
Each year the Master Gardener graduating class would come up with a garden theme and then design, build, and maintain a new plot. By 2009, Tennessee University-conducted research was established in the Gardens as well as the first community event, Fall Gardeners’ Festival.
For years, the Flower, Lawn, and Garden show was the primary source for funding the Plateau Discovery Gardens. Since then, additional fundraisers have been established to help the ever-growing gardens and its events. In 2010, the first plant sale was introduced with exclusively mums. We have kept this going and now offer mums at our Fall Gardeners’ Festival.
In 2013, the Plateau Discovery Gardens officially became one of the three University of Tennessee Gardens, which collectively make up our state’s botanical garden. The other garden locations in Knoxville and Jackson had annual plant sales to help raise funds. It worked well for them, so the following year, Jason Reeves from the Jackson location helped Master Gardeners get started with a plant sale of their own.
The plant sale started out small and was a learning experience. There were minimal funds to provide a good supply of plants, and some Master Gardeners even donated personal funds to help make it happen. They tried ordering plant plugs to save money, but this resulted in many of the same plants, limiting the selection.
There were also the challenges of no heated greenhouse space and the expense of pots and soils. Add in excessive crop failure, and it was quickly decided to go a different route.
Fortunately, the Master Gardeners were able to find some great plants from growers in the surrounding area. This is the path we have chosen to stick with since. Quality growers equal quality plants.
Additionally, a wonderful selection of plants is assured with knowledgeable Master Gardeners and a staff horticulturist. Plenty of thought, time, and attention goes into our plant choices. We research current gardening trends, look for new and award-winning plants, unique and native plants, and those for pollinators. We know what grows well on the Plateau and are available to advise those shopping the sale.
Shop with us Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT. All proceeds support the gardens. The UT Gardens, Crossville: Plateau Discovery Gardens are located at 320 Experiment Station Rd. off Hwy. 70 N. Look for the plant sale banner and follow the signs. Come early for the best selection as our plants tend to sell quickly. We look forward to seeing you soon.
View the plant sale list on our websites: ccmga.org or utgardens.tennessee.edu/locations/crossville/.