Racheff House and Gardens

Located in Knoxville, Tennessee and established in 1947, the Racheff House and Gardens is the former property of steel magnate, Ivan Racheff.  Upon his death in 1970, he bestowed it to the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs.  The gardens include a wildflower garden, Japanese Tea House, water garden, and a formal garden with statues and fountains. It's a great place to picnic and learn a little about the plants and trees.

Admission is free.  Hours are generally daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but since it's run by volunteers, those hours aren't always reliable.  It's best to check before you go.

Memphis Botanic Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a gorgeous place to visit for those who love gardens and nature.  Its 96 acres contain almost 2,000 species and varieties of plants.  There are 20 formal gardens, including the serene Japanese Garden of Tranquility, Little Garden Club Sensory garden, a cactus garden, a rose garden (with 4,000 plants), an Iris garden (which is huge - 5 acres with several hundred varieties), and a 3,000 square foot conservatory that displays 500 varieties of tropical plants.

The garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Cost of admission is $8.00 per adult and $5.00 per child.

Cragfont Gardens

Cragfont Gardens are located in Castalian Springs, Tennessee.  They are part of the frontier mansion of Revolutionary War hero, General James Winchester.  The mansion, built in 1802,  now serves as a museum, and the gardens are a popular place for weddings.  There is a gazebo, a lake with a fountain, and a plethora of colorful blooms.

The gardens are open April 15th through November 1st.  Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00, and Sunday by appointment.  Cost of admission is $5.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children.

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

The Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, located in Nashville, Tennessee, are 55 acres of lush gardens that surround the art museum there.  The property once belonged to the Cheek family.  Today, visitors can still see the original Cheek gardens, with pools, fountains, statues, and formal boxwood.  In addition, there is a Howe wildflower garden, an Herb Study garden, an impressive iris collection, daffodil garden, and orchid house.

    

The gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Cost of admission is $14.00 for adults, and $7.00 for children.  There is also a $3.00 per car parking fee. 

Armstrong Lockett House and W. P. Tomes Memorial Gardens

The Armstrong Lockett House and W.P. Tomes Memorial Gardens are located in Knoxville, Tennessee.  This southern antebellum home was built in 1834 and was once part of a 600 acre farm.  The gardens here are beautiful.  There are formal Italian gardens which include nine terraces and five fountains which lead right down to the Tennessee River.  There are plenty of blooming plants, including roses and magnolias.  For those who like a little history, the house is well-worth the visit. Inside is a collection of 18th century antique furniture and English silver dating back to the 1600s.

  Admission to tour the house and gardens is $7.00 for adults.  Children under 12 are admitted free.  The gardens are open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens

The Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens are part of the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  The property was once part of a busy railroad terminal.  If you go, you can still see parts of the old terminal.  It's basically a courtyard surrounded by train cars and formal gardens.

There's a water garden with 400 fish, an herb garden, a rose garden with 500 rose bushes, and a day lily collection featuring 184 varieties. There's also a lovely Victorian-style gazebo which serves as a setting for many weddings.

  
The gardens are open from dawn to dusk.  Admission is free.

Donald E. Davis Arboretum

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is located in Auborn, Alabama on the campus of Auborn University.  It covers 14 acres and features trees, shrubs and wildflowers of the southeastern United States.  The scenery is quite lovely, as winding paths take visitors over streams, through wooded areas dotted with native flowers.

The arboretum is open from dawn to dusk.  Admission is free.