Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Opens New Welcome Center

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Opens New Welcome Center

Posted: 08/14/2015
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum held a dedication and ribbon cutting for their new Welcome Center today.

The Botanical Garden celebration included Gov. Bill Haslam, Mayor Madeline Rogero, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, past and current City Council members, former city and county Mayors, county commissioners, state legislators and officials, and community and faith leaders.

The Botanical Garden dates back to 1786, when David W. Howell was granted the tract of land by North Carolina for his service during the American Revolutionary War. Ten years before Tennessee statehood, Howell planted an orchard and began growing fruits and vegetables for sale to local families. This small farm would become one of the oldest continually operating businesses in the history of Knox County. Many generations have cherished the Howell family nurseries’ products and the expertise and service of the owners and staff.

The City of Knoxville is providing $250,000 for the rehabilitation of the former mule barn as part of a Center for Urban Agriculture expansion. Work should start later this year. Anticipate expanded community education, a farmers' market and eventually a community teaching kitchen.

To learn more about the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum please visit http://knoxgarden.org.



Photos by Traci K. McDonell / City of Knoxville
Official ribbon untyingNice crowd at the Welcome Center dedicationCouncilman George Wallace, Councilman Duane GrieveAnna Ford, Interim Executive Director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden & ArboretumRev. James R. Anderson, Rector, St. Luke's Episcopal Church and Board Member of the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum led the InvocationClarence Vaughn, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum led the Pledge of AllegianceKaren Cook, Knoxville Choral Society and Chamber Chorale led the National AnthemMayor Madeline RogeroMayor Tim BurchettGov. Bill HaslamAnna Ford presents stones from the original walls of the property to Mayor Rogero and Mayor BurchettA stone from the original walls from the propertyCurrent and former Mayors for the City of KnoxvilleBeautiful area near the new Welcome Center

Official ribbon untying

Nice crowd at the Welcome Center dedication

Councilman George Wallace, Councilman Duane Grieve

Anna Ford, Interim Executive Director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum

Rev. James R. Anderson, Rector, St. Luke's Episcopal Church and Board Member of the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum led the Invocation

Clarence Vaughn, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum led the Pledge of Allegiance

Karen Cook, Knoxville Choral Society and Chamber Chorale led the National Anthem

Mayor Madeline Rogero

Mayor Tim Burchett

Gov. Bill Haslam

Anna Ford presents stones from the original walls of the property to Mayor Rogero and Mayor Burchett

A stone from the original walls from the property

Current and former Mayors for the City of Knoxville

Beautiful area near the new Welcome Center