October 2026: Supporting a Good Cause
We love sharing all of our local finds and favorite places for shopping, eating, drinking coffee, and everything in between. Whether you are looking for a new local activity or trying to decide which area: Knoxville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Maryville you should visit while you're in town, we have you covered!
Another thing we absolutely love doing is volunteering. For October, we want to highlight our philanthropic side by sharing one of our favorite hidden gems in Knoxville: The Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum (KBGA).
The Knoxville Botanical Garden started as a land grant under the Howell family in the late 1700s and eventually became home to Howell Nurseries in the late 1800s. It operated that way until 2001, when the last remaining 44 acres were purchased to establish the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
If you’ve been around Knoxville for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard of the Botanical Garden—and perhaps you've even visited. The grounds feature miles of historic stone walls established by the Howell family, vibrant community garden plots, 16 historic structures, and 18 beautiful display gardens.
All of this takes an incredible amount of upkeep, which simply wouldn't be possible without a dedicated network of volunteers. They work tirelessly year-round to ensure operations run smoothly and to keep these 44 acres looking their absolute best. Best of all, the garden is open every single day and is completely free of charge to all visitors.
Many locals already know how much the KBGA means to our community, but today we want to put a special spotlight on their premier annual event: the Green Thumb Gala. As a non-profit, the KBGA relies heavily on fundraising for a large portion of its annual budget. While they host fantastic community programs like a yearly plant sale, the Hats in Bloom event, a Summer Solstice celebration, and Jazz in the Garden, the Green Thumb Gala is their largest fundraiser of the year. It is truly an evening you do not want to miss.
We were fortunate enough to volunteer our time at the Gala this year. Held every September under a majestic big tent on the Great Lawn, this was our first time attending, and it was spectacular. This year’s theme was “In Full Bloom”. Elegant cocktail tables were scattered throughout the lawn, making it easy to mingle and chat away from the main activities, and there were several beautiful areas to explore before guests even stepped inside the tent.
Inside the tent was where the real action happened! There were rows upon rows of donated silent auction prizes, ranging from original artwork and University of Tennessee game tickets to exceptional local culinary experiences. There was also a "Wall of Wine" where donated bottles of wine and spirits were sold: $25 for wine and $40 for spirits. This area was a massive hit, and it also happened to be our volunteer station for the evening!
The night rounded out with a wonderful sit-down dinner accompanied by live music, and concluded with a live auction featuring incredible grand prizes, including some of the original artwork featured in our event photos.
We wanted to share this experience to inspire you to consider supporting our local non-profits during your time here. You don't necessarily have to volunteer your time; purchasing an annual membership is another incredible way to help out. For the KBGA, an individual membership starts at just $35 a year. You can also donate to the garden online, add to your plant collection at their annual plant sale, or look up other upcoming tasks on the KBGA Volunteer Page. It is a rewarding way to connect with the local community and explore the greater Tennessee Valley.
If you happen to be in town next September when the Gala rolls around, we highly suggest buying a ticket! Grab a great drink, bid on unique silent auction items, and enjoy a memorable evening under the big tent.
To learn more about the garden or plan your visit, check out the official website or follow their updates on Facebook and Instagram. (Note: Historical background details were sourced directly from the official KBGA website.)
About the Author:
Kristin is the founder of Chicken Librarian, where she shares real-life stories, seasonal living inspiration, and her love for all things local. A freelance blogger and storyteller since 2017, Kristin chronicles her journey at chickenlibrarian.com, celebrating slower living, community, and the beauty in everyday moments. From exploring small-town bakeries and local shops to life on her farmstead, her writing invites readers to notice, savor, and connect with the world around them.
