Resources
Sources of further information about gardening, native plants and local groups supporting garden efforts.
Wild Ones, Tennessee Valley Chapter
This is a great local group if you are interested in landscaping with native plants. They present guest speakers in educational programs throughout the year, as well as an annual native plant symposium in early spring; these programs are open to the public. Additional programs for members-only include field trips, regional hikes, visits to members’ gardens (“Landscapes in Progress”), social events and meetings. The chapter also offers Certificate in Native Plants classes, in partnership with the Tennessee Native Plant Society and Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center. Learn more >
Master gardeners of hamilton county
The Hamilton County Master Gardener program is an educational program in which trained volunteers share the latest gardening and horticultural information with the public through volunteer community service. The Master Gardener program is affiliated with the UT Extension office. The Master Gardener program provides volunteer leadership and service through gardening and horticultural projects. Master Gardeners strive to increase the availability of gardening information throughout the community in order to improve the quality of life. Activities include: developing and conducting educational programs and activities related to gardening and nature; sponsoring clinics; writing news articles; answering questions; and establishing demonstration gardens. Learn more >
the national pollinator garden network
NPGN collectively represents approximately 800,000 gardeners, 10,000 schoolyard gardens and bring a baseline of a 250,000 registered pollinator gardens nationwide from across its five main founding organizations. The focus of the NPGN is to inspire individuals and community groups, institutions and the garden industry to create more pollinator habitat through sustainable gardening practices, habitat conservation and provide these groups the tools to be successful. Learn more >
tennessee Valley Beekeepers Association
The mission of the Tennessee Valley Beekeepers Association (TVBA) is to promote the study, science and craft of beekeeping, and to provide education and encouragement to all. A registered 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, TVBA holds regular meetings on the fourth Monday of every month, hosts and participates in yearly beekeeping events, and provides a mentorship class for beginning beekeepers. Learn more >
REspect the knob Instagram Feed
Right in the heart of Chattanooga is a special spot where a dedicated neighbor photographs and identifies native plants for us. Learn more >
Tennessee Invasive Plant Council
Considering English Ivy, privet, burning bush, or bush honeysuckle in your yard? You may want to check out the information here first. Certain plant species are clogging our waterways, taking over fields and drainage areas, and crowding out food sources for our bird and pollinator friends (that in turn pollinate our food supply). Here is the latest list of plant species and an updated one is in process. Learn more. >
Chattanooga RainSmart Program
If you have considerable rain runoff in your property, this program could help. One way is through a rain garden, not to be confused with standing water or water garden. It is a landscape feature for reducing stormwater runoff. It is a shallow depression filled with sandy soils, and planted with native plants suited to fluctuating water levels. The rain garden will collect rain water from your roof via your gutter downspouts. Learn more. >