2012 Summer Celebration Topics
INDOOR TALKS
Hydrangea Hodgepodge. (10, 1 & 5) - If you need help sorting out the many different species of hydrangea, their cultural requirements and varied fertilizing needs, then definitely attend this presentation by Linda Lanier, president and co-founder of the Mid-South Hydrangea Society. She'll set you straight on all those pesky particulars that can trip up even a hydrangea veteran.
A Match Made in Heaven (11, 2 & 4) - Some things are just meant to go together, peanut butter and jelly, bacon and eggs, and, believe it or not, hydrangeas and a host of other perennials and shrubs. The trick is finding the right combination. Troy Marden, a well-known garden designer, author, lecturer and television host, will share his picks for plants that combine nicely with hydrangeas.
Luscious Landscape Edibles (12 & 3) - Some fruiting plants are lovely enough to add to your yard's ornamental character. Some may be pretty but are also susceptible to problems that they are more vexing than rewarding. Let Carol Reese recommend the ones that can dependably provide a feast for the eye and for the table with the least sweat equity.
Wimps and Winners (10, 1 & 4) - When it comes to hydrangeas, some varieties are prone to disease and lacking in vigor. Dr. Mark Windham will help you pick the studs from the duds and find the real winners for your home.
History of Ames Plantation. (11 & 2) - It was once one of the largest cotton plantations in Tennessee. Today it's the home of the National Championship for Field Trialing Bird Dogs, and a working farm for UT AgResearch. Listen to the rich and storied account of the Ames Plantation told by assistant director and history buff, Jamie Evans.
Funky Fungi & Indescribable Insects. (12 &3) - Now here's a presentation that might make you go "eww." Drs. Alan Windham and Frank Hale will share some pretty amazing fungus and insect photos. You won't be able to look away! But follow their tips to rid your home garden of these pests, and soon your "eww" will turn to "ooh-la-la."
A Taste of Honey. ***ADMISSION TICKET REQUIRED. Limited to 40 attendees/hour.*** (10 - 4) - Smokey Robinson sang a "taste of honey's worse than none at all." Thankfully, you'll get more than just a taste of the mouth-watering honey concoctions whipped up by the UT Extension Kitchen Divas. Be sure to pick up a free reservation ticket outside Room 162 beginning at 9 a.m. to ensure your spot to see (and sample!) these delicious honey recipes. We'll second that emotion!
OUTDOOR FEATURES
AgResearch Wagon Tour. (10-5:30) Wagons leave every hour and half hour. - Your feet are tired by now from gawking at all the flowers, vendors and displays, so climb on this shady wagon and let the tractor do the work. You'll be driven to the parts of the research farm that most visitors never see, through fertile fields of green or golden sunflowers. UT Scientists will describe the cutting edge research that helps make Tennessee farmers so successful.
Diagnostic Center. (10-5:30) - Bring that crazy looking insect for identification! What's the matter with this plant??? What kind of plant is this? Plant and bug doctors from UT's Plant Sciences and Entomology & Plant Pathology Departments will be here to identify and diagnose for you! Bring 'em on! And we are once again offering free testing of soil pH levels.
Master Gardeners' Plant Sale. (10-6) - Summer Celebration is know for its plant sale and this year is no exception. We have a large selection of new and hard-to-find hydrangeas, plus an extensive collection of trees, shrubs and perennials. Proceeds from the sale benefit master gardener projects that beautify our city, and also go to help support our grounds which serve as your public garden.
TENTS
Glorious Vines. (10 & 5) - The right vine can add grace and maturity to even a young landscape, but some are overly boisterous. Some have lovely foliage, others colorful flowers and some generously contribute both. Carol Reese will steer you to the ones that improve your yard instead of taking over your world.
No More Sgt. Shrub. (11, 1 & 3) - Many people treat shrubs like a new recruit in the Army. They give them a flat top and expect them to fall in line. But there's more to shrubs than green uniformity. On this walking tour, UT's Andy Pulte will show you selections with such an astonishing array of colors and textures you'll want to discharge Sgt. Shrub.
Luck of the Iris (12, 2 & 4) - With its show-stealing splendor, the iris is a favorite of many gardeners. Linda Browning, master gardener extraordinaire, will introduce you to the best of the iris and show you how to keep them blooming for years to come. She'll also talk daylilies.
Rethink Pruning. (10 & 4) - As UT Gardens Jackson Curator Jason Reeves can attest, there's a right way and a wrong way to prune. In fact there's a special way to prune each hydrangea species! Come to this talk and learn the correct methods from Jason before you snip, snip!
Bee-dazzled. (11, 1 & 3) - If you ever had a question about bees, Dr. John Skinner, UT Extension Specialist, is the man to know. He's devoted years to researching honey bee populations, both in the wild and in beekeepers' hives. You truly will be dazzled by the amazing accomplishments of our state agricultural insect, the honeybee.
Tour de Hydrangea. (12 & 2) - You'll get moving for this presentation, although you don't need your bicycle. Come along as Jason Reeves leads you on a walking tour of the UT Gardens Jackson's bountiful hydrangea collection, and introduces you to his personal favorites.
Best of Both Worlds. (10, 12, 2 & 4) - On one hand you have the fun and versatility of annuals, while on the other there's the dependability and ease of perennials. It's hard to pick a favorite...so choose both! Let James Newburn of the UT Gardens show you the best and brightest annuals and perennials.
Turf Nation. (11, 1 & 3) - What good is a lovely landscape design without a lush lawn to go with it? Let the turf doctors Jim Brosnan and Tom Samples answer your questions and diagnose your lawn issues. Plus, you can get a glimpse of several different turf varieties at our world-famous (sort of) turf wheel!
The Dirt on Organic Gardening. (10, 1 & 4) - It's trendy now, but organic gardening has been around since ancient times. Get tips from organic guru David Butler on how to successfully work with nature to produce a healthy and productive garden.
Buy Local! (11 & 2) - Ray Tyler and his wife Ashley run Rose Creek Village Farms in McNairy County where they raise organic produce and fresh pork. They're regulars at the West Tennessee's Farmer's Market and are experts on what locally-grown products are available to West Tennessee shoppers. You'll be enthralled by Ray's tales of farm life and his reasons for buying local!
Grow Your Own Pumpkins. (12 & 3) - Each year Dr. Blake Brown grows a plethora of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash that are often used to supplement the annual Pumpkin Harvest Display here on the grounds. This mastermind of pumpkin production will share tips on the care and cultivation of this fall fruit.