Jason Reeves, Research Horticulturist at the West TN AgResearch & Education Center in Jackson, will join us again February 15 with inspiration for our winter garden. As we’ve seen the last few weeks, even in the south winter can seem like an eternity some days.  Plants with winter interest can make gray winter days more bearable. Jason’s presentation will highlight the many underutilized plants on the market today that not only flower, but have interesting bark, great winter leaf color and interesting textures.  Not only do many of these beauties look good in the winter, they look good in the spring and summer too. With just a few additions, the landscape can be something to admire all year long!

Jason is a treasure for gardening enthusiasts in West Tennessee.  Raised on a farm near Huntingdon, Tennessee, Jason received his Master’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Before coming to the UT Gardens, he worked at the Opryland Conservatories, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the famed Longwood Gardens. He has also worked as a horticulturist at the Palomia Gardens in New Zealand.

As curator of the UT Gardens in Jackson (also known as the Experiment Station), Jason brings the grounds to life with his colorful and imaginative garden displays, evaluating hundreds of new and unique plants for the state’s green industry. His magic is at its peak at the research center’s annual Summer Celebration which draws thousands of attendees to the daylong event. Under his care, the gardens have grown to include a Certified Tennessee Arboretum, a Southeastern Regional Conifer Display Garden, and the distinction (along with sites in Knoxville and Crossville) of being the state’s official botanical gardens.

6:30 p.m.refreshments, 7 p.m. program. $5 for nonmembers.