Yesterday John and I spent the morning at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum. In existence for only a few years, the gardens are the sight of the Howell Nursery that had been in operation since 1783. Some areas of the property are still being cleared of brush but most are walkable. Time and money will produce a real treasure for the city of Knoxville.

One of the most impressive aspects of the gardens is the massive stonework. Barbara, director of the gardens, told us that instead of laying off workers in the winter, the original Mr. Howell kept them busy building stonewalls from rock he procured mostly from TN and NC. Some photos of the stonework are included below but you really have to see it to fully appreciate it!


A round tower once used to store bulbs in the winter.

Stone and wood, the entrance to the greenhouses.

A mill stone used as a stepping stone in front of the heavy wooden doors above.

Lots of possibilities in this old greenhouse. Such an impressive stone wall!

Another interesting greenhouse.

Some of the towers were open for a quick exploration.

A possible gatehouse or welcome center for the original nursery. Fire has destroyed the roof.

Inside the welcome center, looking up through the charred rafters.

John standing in the center of one of the four winding paths that once served as roads into the arboretum

Most trees are planted in neat rows by species. Note the stone walls at the back of the photo

Honeysuckle

Impressive color and texture against the stone wall!