What began as a great event has gotten even better.

The 30th annual Summer Celebration Lawn and Garden Show was held at the West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at 605 Airways Blvd., Thursday.

Hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, visitors were able to enjoy garden talks, an extensive plant sale and access to the UT Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic.

“It’s like a homecoming … like the old county fair where you get to see people you only see once a year,” said Ginger Rowsey, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Marketing and Communications. “It’s always fun, there’s always something new and different to see in the garden.

“The talks are always fun, and there is so much to enjoy with the kitchen divas.”

The UT Kitchen Divas provided tips and tricks for meal prep that saves time and money, with a cooking demonstration – ‘It’s a Pepper Party.’

“We really work hard to plan topics people will enjoy and be fresh year-to-year.”

The theme for 2019 is ‘Kaleidoscope.’

“You can tell how extra colorful the grounds are,” Ginger said, “The flower selection this year had to do with our theme.

“It pays homage to our changing themes. You saw kitchen stoves, neck ties, garden art, and bicycles, scattered throughout … We want to get people in who don’t garden as much.”

Ginger said about 600 people were on the grounds by 9 a.m., and about 2,000 visitors were expected.

The event attracted people from throughout West Tennessee, middle Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky and Illinois.

“Our first year in 1989 we had about 1,000 people,” Ginger said, “So yes, this began as a great event.”

(PHOTO: Family members from left – Helen Mullins, Todd Mullins, Kayo Mullins, Virginia (Ginny) Hulsey and husband Ernest, Betsy Mullins & husband Walton Mullins)
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