Plateau Discovery Gardens in Crossville is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Plateau Discovery Gardens Garden Coordinator Shelena Durkot said the garden was created in 2005 as a demonstration garden by a group of master gardeners. Durkot said in 2013, the Plateau Discovery Gardens officially joined UT Knoxville to become the third botanical garden in the state.
“You can enjoy the beauty of it, but it is for demonstration purposes, just to see nice plant combinations,” Durkot said. “Also, for locals or people that have moved and are new to the area, can see what grows well here on the plateau, and then we also do plant research.”
Durkot said though the garden has been in Crossville for 20 years, many people still don’t know the garden exists. Durkot said Crossville has been an ideal place to conduct plant research on the Cumberland Plateau.
“This is located at the coldest research station in the gardens, so a great way to find out plants that are actually gonna work on the plateau,” Durkot said. “I think we have our own set of challenges here, whether it be shallow soils or extreme drops in temperature that come suddenly. This is a great tool for learning.”
Durkot said the garden has a lot of features, including a dragonfly habitat and a dali leaf plot.
“It is a garden, so it’s ever changing, so every couple of weeks there is something new going on,” Durkot said. “Plants with different foliage color, texture, evergreens, deciduous blooming things, herbs, we do have some vegetables as well, so there is a lot to take in here.”
Durkot said Plateau Discovery Gardens relies heavily on garden memberships, donations, and fundraising to support the garden. Durkot said Plateau Discovery Gardens will be having a pop-up sale on Wednesday, May 14, with 20 percent off to celebrate 20 years.
