The Bonny Oaks Arboretum is located in front of the Hamilton County Agriculture Center. The property’s original buildings and garden date from the mid-19th century. It was was originally known as the Dent House and later became the Bonny Oaks Children’s Home. The orphanage remained at the site from from 1898 until 1988. More History
The work on the arboretum began in 1999 when the MGHC began by identifying the trees and shrubs. In 2000, the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council and the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs certified the Bonny Oaks Arboretum as one of the first eight State Certified Arboretums in Tennessee. The arboretum contains approximately 55 different trees and shrubs. All are identified by their common and scientific name. Tree legends and a history of property can be found in the green mailbox directly across from the Agricultural Center and in a case near the flag pole.
In 2000, the Bonny Oaks Willow Oak was inducted into the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council’s Historic Registry of Trees. This willow oak dates to before 1854.
Master Gardeners participate in several cleanup and planting days a year. They continue to add more trees and plants to the garden. The property is also used for classes and workshops for Master Gardener classes, children’s tours, garden club tours, landscaper demonstrations.
Visit: 6183 Adamson Circle, Chattanooga TN 37416. The garden is open daily without charge.