Tennessee · Est. 1983
UT Gardens, Knoxville
The official State Botanical Garden of Tennessee.
Founded
1983
Size
10 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 7b
Best Season
April to October
About UT Gardens, Knoxville
The UT Gardens, Knoxville, is one of the three sites of the State Botanical Garden of Tennessee. This 10-acre outdoor learning laboratory is open year-round and is free to the public.
History & Heritage
UT Gardens was initiated in 1983 to serve as an evaluation site for annual bedding plant trials. In April 2013, Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill designating the University of Tennessee Gardens as the official State Botanical Garden of Tennessee.
Signature Feature
Beall Family Rose Garden
Completed in 2009 through the generosity of an endowment from rose lovers Sam and Mary Anne Beall and dedicated to their family, this garden is the crown jewel of the UT Gardens. It features a stunning collection of roses that bloom beautifully throughout the season.
Photo Gallery
Beautiful blooms at UT Gardens
Lush greenery and walking paths
Colorful flowers in the botanical garden
Notable Collections
Arboretum Collection
The backbone of the Gardens is our woody tree and shrub collection.
Conifer Collection
Recognized as an official ACS Reference Garden featuring towering bald cypress to ground cover junipers.
Kitchen Garden
A .25 acre edible plant collection consisting of 55 raised beds.
Children's Garden
A space for nature play and environmental education where kids can discover the enjoyment of the outdoors.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Best seasonal window: April to October
Parking & Arrival
Visitor parking is directly across from the entrance to the UT Gardens, marked with signs for '2-Hr Visitor Parking'.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Paved, winding trails are available throughout the gardens.
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- Official State Botanical Garden of Tennessee
- ACS Reference Garden
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April to October
Address
2518 Jacob Dr, Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone
865-974-7324
Hours
Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Admission
Free admission
Parking
Visitor parking is directly across from the entrance to the UT Gardens, marked with signs for '2-Hr Visitor Parking'.
Accessibility
Paved, winding trails are available throughout the gardens.
Insider Tips
- 1Do not pick, cut, or remove any plant materials.
- 2Keep pets on a leash and clean up after them.
- 3Bicycling and skating are prohibited.
- 4Use the mobile-friendly map for real-time navigation assistance.
Nearby Attractions
- Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (5 miles)
- University of Tennessee Campus (0 miles)
- Knoxville Museum of Art (2 miles)