Learn about plant testing and select your favorites
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville invites the public, home gardeners, Master Gardeners and green industry professionals to its first annual Plant Trial Open House.
The open house is Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at UT Gardens, Knoxville. This special event offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the garden’s plant evaluation program and participate in the selection process.
Annual and perennial bedding plants from six plant breeding companies and two international plant evaluation organizations are being trialed this year to determine their suitability for the East Tennessee climate. Many varieties are still in the testing phase and are not yet available on the market. Visitors will have an opportunity to view what they might be able to purchase in garden centers in the future.
Attendees are invited to meet the trial coordinator at the McIlwaine Friendship Pavilion located in the middle of the Gardens for instructions on how to vote for your favorite plants in the trials. Free ornamental plants will be given to the first 30 participants.
“Plant trials help provide evidence-based plant selection guidance rather than relying solely on marketing claims,” said James Newburn, managing director at UT Gardens, Knoxville. “We are excited to show off our research beds and gather observations from the community to increase our evaluation data.”
Annual bedding plant trial results are published each fall on the Gardens’ website to help professionals and consumers make informed decisions.
For directions to the UT Gardens, Knoxville, located on the UT agricultural campus at Neyland and Jacob Drives or to a become a member visit the UT Gardens website: utgardens.tennessee.edu/
The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville and Jackson, Tennessee. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the UT Gardens are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education and stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.