By Jamie Schnell
schnellj@knoxfocus.com
More than 75 people attended the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum’s Howell Legacy Garden dedication on May 13. The newest addition to the 44-acre property honors Jenny Howell Jukes, daughter of Joe Howell, whose vision inspired the botanical garden’s creation.
The opening speaker, U.S. Army combat veteran and Knoxville City Council District 6 representative Denzel Grant, recognized the garden as a valuable space for the community. He emphasized its role in shaping the community’s legacy and expressed pride in what it has become.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon highlighted the family’s generosity in preserving the gardens. She thanked board members, past and present, for creating “pockets of space” that help the community relax. She encouraged guests to enjoy the unique areas of the garden, and reflect on the Howell family’s legacy and ongoing investment in Knoxville’s future.
Julia Bentley, president of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, noted the land’s 240-year history and its continued role as a public resource. She recognized board member and Howell family member, Margaret Gehring, along with volunteers, staff, and the community for their contributions to the region’s growth.
Sharon Moore, executive director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, thanked partners, donors, the Howell family, and dedicated volunteers and community supporters for their investment in the garden. She celebrated the site’s history, including its connection to the Howell family’s discovery of the dogwood years ago. Moore described the land’s transformation from a working nursery and private residence to a public space, while preserving its original purpose. She highlighted the charm of the new garden, such as how its historic pre–Civil War brickwork and a millstone fountain created by local artist Gerry Moll bring the garden’s history to life.
Among those who attended was former mayor and ambassador to Poland, Victor Ashe, who shared his thoughts at the event. He said, “It’s an extension of a dream,” and his wife Joan agreed, adding, “How amazing it is that people come from all over the world for this.”
Following the speeches and ribbon cutting, guests enjoyed a leisurely walk through the garden. Each guest admired the special touch of the garden’s design, where paths were lined with stones bearing family dedications and inspiring quotes.
Guests also enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres and received small potted plants from the Joe N. Howell Landscape Nursery as keepsakes, connecting them to the garden’s history.
For more information on The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, located at 2743 Wimpole Ave in Knoxville, visit knoxgarden.org
