In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Scattered Thunderstorms with a High of 84

📰 ‘...And Then I Became Free’ - Experience Juneteenth History at Mabry-Hazen House

📰 Spring Has Sprung! Upcoming Nature Events

📰 Lend a Hand and Help the Gardens Grow!

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Spring Has Sprung! Upcoming Nature Events

This June, Knoxville’s green spaces are buzzing with educational and relaxing events hosted by the Knox County Master Gardeners and the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (KBGA). Whether you're a budding gardener or a seasoned tree lover, there's something for everyone:

🌱 SB-Turf Talk
Wednesday, June 12 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Learn all about lawn maintenance, turf issues, and best practices in this informative session led by local turf experts.

🌳 Family Tree Walk @ KBGA
Thursday, June 13 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Bring the kids for a fun, family-friendly stroll through the gardens with arborist Rachel Broskey of Davey Tree Company. A perfect morning adventure for all ages!
📍 Meet at the Visitors Center, 2743 Wimpole Ave.
🔗 Register: knoxgarden.org

🌼 Native Plant Walk @ KBGA
Saturday, June 14 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Explore the world of native plants with an expert-led tour that highlights their role in local ecosystems.
📍 Meet at the Visitors Center
🔗 Register: knoxgarden.org

🪑 Tree Rest @ KBGA
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Prefer trees from the comfort of a chair? Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this seated tree talk with Dan Steinhoff, discussing local species without the hike.
📍 Visitors Center, 2743 Wimpole Ave.
🔗 Register: knoxgarden.org

🌿 Plant Clinic – Norwood Library
Saturday, June 21 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Have questions about your garden? Bring your plants and problems to the Norwood Branch Library, where Master Gardeners will be ready to assist.

These events are free and open to the public.

Lend a Hand and Help the Gardens Grow!

Looking for a way to get outdoors, meet new people, and give back to the community? The Ivan Racheff Gardens in Knoxville is calling for volunteers to join the Knox County Master Gardeners every 2nd and 4th Wednesday morning of the month. These dedicated volunteers help maintain and plant the beautiful Racheff Gardens - a peaceful oasis nestled in the city.

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply curious about plants, this is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and make Knoxville a greener, more welcoming place.

📍 Ivan Racheff House & Gardens & Arboretum
1943 Tennessee Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921
📅 Open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–3 PM

For details or to confirm volunteer days, contact Janie Bitner by text or call at (865) 474-0882.
Your support and hard work are greatly appreciated! 🌸More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

“Let’s Talk Turf” will be presented by master gardener Roger Denny, who will discus research-based approaches to lawn care. The event is on Thursday, June 12th from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the University of Tennessee Extension Eastern Region office, 1801 Downtown West Blvd. More Info

On Tuesday, June 17th at 11 a.m. master gardeners will lead tours of Collier Preserve, a native plant garden and birding area. The guided nature walks will be one hour and are free. Meet at the Powell Branch Library next to Collier Preserve, which is located at 316 W. Emory Road. More Info

Master gardener Cid Letsinger will answer garden and plant questions at the Norwood Branch Library on Saturday, June 21st from 10 a.m. - noon. The library is located at 1110 Merchant Dr. Other master gardeners will be at community farmer’s markets in June, including those at Dixie Lee at Renaissance, Ebenezer Road, Tellico Village, New Harvest Park and Market Square. More Info

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

‘...And Then I Became Free’ - Experience Juneteenth History at Mabry-Hazen House

In honor of Juneteenth, the Mabry-Hazen House invites the Knoxville community to explore the profound and powerful stories of emancipation during two special days of programming: Thursday, June 19th, and Saturday, June 21st.

Through a new interpretive program, ‘…And Then I Became Free: Stories of Emancipation at Mabry-Hazen House,’ visitors will uncover the lives of African Americans once enslaved on the property. Tours will highlight remarkable stories, including that of the Franklin family—enslaved by the Mabrys and emancipated by the arrival of the Union Army in 1863—and their enduring legacy in Knoxville’s journey toward freedom.

Special guided tours will be offered at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, along with a compelling evening talk at 6 PM, “The Value of a Man: Wiley Mabry and His Mark on Knoxville,” which reveals the incredible true story of an enslaved man who bought his own freedom.

On Saturday, June 22nd, the museum opens from 10:30 AM–3 PM with tours at 11 AM and 1 PM.

Admission is free, but space is limited. Reservations are encouraged at www.mabryhazen.com/events/emancipationday or facebook.com/mabryhazen.

Don’t miss this opportunity to honor Juneteenth by engaging with stories of courage, resilience, and the long path to freedom.

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• Hero or section banners

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• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected].

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

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