Gardens on the tour
Betty and Dan Smith, 150 Truan Drive, HixsonHat Chau, 5797 Taggart Drive, HixsonAlpine Crest Elementary School, 4700 Stagg Road, Red BankCarl and Lynn Pendergrass, 4016 Norwood Ave., Red BankCate Mueller, 1012 Hanover St., ChattanoogaGirls Preparatory School, 218 Island Ave., Chattanooga
The Master Gardeners of Hamilton County is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The local chapter of the nationwide volunteer program trains participants in the science and art of gardening.
From creating teaching gardens for area youth to managing local food gardens to leading educational programs, Master Gardeners have their hands in the soil all over Hamilton County. Members donning green shirts and green aprons can be spotted answering horticultural questions at booths set up at local events, explaining exhibits on display at the Hamilton County Fair, or teaching kids about sustainable gardening at area schools.
Among the three main events the group holds annually for the public (along with a garden expo at Camp Jordan and displays at the county fair) is the upcoming Spring Garden Tour.
The event started as a fundraiser for the Chattanooga Area Food Bank 32 years ago. The Master Gardeners became involved when members were asked to suggest local gardens to be included in the tour, said Suzanne Ford, a member of MGHC’s board of governors.