Blog: City Blog

Big Turnout as Governor, Mayors Help Dedicate Botanical Garden's Welcome Center

A "ribbon untying" - rather than a traditional ribbon cutting - officially opened the new Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum Welcome Center this morning.

A big thank-you to Gov. Bill Haslam and an enthusiastic gathering of about 200 Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum staff, board members, financial supporters, patrons and green-thumb gardening enthusiasts who helped with today's dedication of a new Welcome Center.

The Botanical Garden celebration included Mayor Madeline Rogero and four former Knoxville mayors, past and current City Council members, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, 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. 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, and future generations will enjoy celebrations at the Welcome Center.

There are more good things coming soon at the Botanical Garden!

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.

More residents will learn about growing their own vegetables. Already, there are 145 gardeners at the Center for Urban Agriculture.

Mayor Madeline Rogero praises the elegance and beauty of the new Welcome Center at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

Mayor Madeline Rogero praises the beauty and elegance of the new Welcome Center at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

More than 200 attended Friday's dedication of the new Welcome Center.

More than 200 supporters attended Friday's dedication of the new Welcome Center.

Artist Denise Stewart Sanabria stands next to her artwork of former nursery owners Joe and Mary Howell.

Interim Executive Director Anna Ford applauds the rich history and heritage of the Botanical Garden site.

Mayor Madeline Rogero and four former mayors at today's dedication. From left: Victor Ashe, Randy Tyree, Madeline Rogero, Gov. Bill Haslam and Daniel Brown.

Gov. Bill Haslam: "I could not be more proud."

Posted by evreeland On 14 August, 2015 at 5:29 PM