West Tennessee
Research & Education Center

Ornamentals

In 2002 a horticulturist, Jason Reeves, was added to the WTREC staff. Since that time, ornamental plant research has grown tremendously at the center. Evaluations assess heat and cold tolerance, flower production, plant uniformity, flower and plant size, pest resistance, and landscape appeal. Such information is important to commercial plant and seed companies, and essential to the success of commercial growers, landscapers and gardeners. This research aids the economic growth of Tennessee 's green industry and helps to keep gardening the number one hobby in America .

The grounds at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center contain a kitchen garden, low-maintenance fruit demonstration orchard, annual and perennial display and evaluations, rose garden, arboretum, courtyard garden, All-American Selection display garden, turf wheel, turf variety trials, compost display and plant screen demonstration.

The gardens are located around the office building area. Visitors are welcome during daylight hours.

UT Gardens Curator, Jackson - Jason Reeves

Jason is the Ornamental Horticulture Research Associate at WTREC. He creates the various seasonal horticultural displays, conducts research on herbaceous and woody ornamentals, assists with the center's annual field day, Summer Celebration and supports other educational programs.

Jason has a B.S. in Agriculture from UT-Martin and an M.S. in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from UT Knoxville. He has worked at Opryland Hotel and Conservatories, Missouri Botanical Garden , and Longwood Gardens . He has lived and worked as a horticulturist in New Zealand on two different occasions.

Each fall, he creates a magnificent fall display of over 80 cultivars of pumpkins, gourds and winter squash. In addition, he collects plant materials all summer to create all natural Christmas decorations. He works closely with volunteer Master Gardener's who provide much needed assistance in the gardens and with the fall and Christmas displays.

Jason has a Bachelor's of Science degree in Agriculture from UT Martin and received his Master's of Science degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from UT Knoxville in 1999. He has worked at Opryland Hotel and Conservatories in Nashville , Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. He has lived and worked as a horticulturist in New Zealand on two different occasions.