Zoo Garden

The team at UT Botanical Garden in Knoxville Tennessee have put together a garden area that is delighting children, and piquing their interest in plants and gardening. This zoo garden features those plants that have a common name associated with an animal such as monkey grass and Lamb’s Ear.

Gardener Extras

Coreopsis (tickseed) is low maintenance with few insect pests or disease problems.
Liriope (monkey grass) is a popular ornamental plant often used for its attractive foliage and low maintenance.
Aruncus dioicus (Goat's Beard) attracts local pollinators and wildlife.
Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower) provides a natural source of nectar for ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Gardener Notes

The UT Gardens, Knoxville, is one of three sites of the State Botanical Garden of TN. This outdoor learning laboratory is open year-round and is free to the public. utgardens.tennessee.edu/locations/Knoxville/

Tammy Algood

Tammy Algood — Tammy has loved to garden and cook her whole life. She wanted to spend as much time as possible with her Grandmother who gardened and cooked, so she learned at her knee. Tammy is a marketing specialist with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. She has written numerous cookbooks, including Farm Fresh Southern Cooking and The Southern Slow Cooker Bible. “Being a host on Volunteer Gardener allows me to meld both of my passions into one activity…cooking from my garden.”