Master Gardeners have been a presence at the Chattanooga Zoo since 2013. At least one Saturday a month, you can find a group of dedicated Master Gardeners planting, pruning and weeding numerous gardens located throughout the zoo grounds. It all started when Lee Anderson mentioned at a meeting she had volunteered to work on the grounds. Others thought it was a great opportunity and wanted to join her. Soon she was leading the project with a core group of volunteers that have been on the team from the start.
Over the years, the group has landscaped ten spaces around the property, including gardens in the Corcovado Jungle, Deserts and Forests and the Himalayan Passage. Many of the plants have been donated by Master Gardeners. Plants are selected to visually reflect the animals’ natural habitats. It can be a challenge to find plants that will survive in Chattanooga that look like they belong in the tropics or the desert, but they have succeeded. The garden spaces fit in seamlessly with the surrounding exhibits, helping to give the area the feel of far away ecosystems.
The overriding factor behind the project’s success is the Master Gardeners who have participated over the years! Their commitment goes beyond monthly work-days. Once a year, members meet as a committee to discuss plans for future gardens. They also meet with the Zoo staff about upcoming plans and expansions. Some MGs have participated in zoo events such as Earth Day and Teen Camp where they teach gardening basics.
Visit: 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404
