Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – Three Private Properties Reveal Their Beauty for One Weekend Only
April 8, 2026 [Knoxville, Tennessee]— During their annual Spring Featured Gardens event, April 18–19th, Dogwood Arts invites the public to step inside three extraordinary private properties that are typically closed to visitors. This rare opportunity offers a glimpse into some of the region’s most thoughtfully designed and lovingly maintained landscapes.
Saturday, April 18th & Sunday, April 19th: 10AM-5PM (Last entry at 4PM)
This year’s Featured Gardens include Savage Garden, GATOP (God’s Answer To Our Prayers), and Ross Glen Garden — which is opening to the public for the very first time. Each property offers a unique experience, from a serene, Japanese-inspired retreat in Fountain City to a sprawling 20+ acre landscape filled with water features, outdoor sculpture, and one of the Southeast’s most impressive conifer collections.
“These gardens are often hidden in plain sight,” said Vicki Baumgartner, Trails & Gardens Manager for Dogwood Arts. “We’re deeply grateful to the property owners who invite us in and make this experience possible. Their generosity allows us, for one weekend, to open the gates and reveal the beauty, creativity, and care that exists just beyond view.”
Guests can enjoy self-guided tours at their own pace, with Master Gardeners and Dogwood Arts staff available on-site to answer questions and share insight. A $5 donation per garden is requested (cash/credit accepted). Please note: These are private residences with uneven walking paths and are not handicap-accessible. Comfortable or hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Parking is limited, and entry is first-come, first-served. No pets, please.
Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to discover the hidden beauty of Knoxville—just beyond the gate.
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NEW THIS YEAR: Ross Glen Garden
Lyons View/Bearden Area
A $5 Shuttle Ticket (per person) must be purchased online in advance for this garden. The parking address is provided once shuttle tickets are purchased. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.dogwoodarts.com/featuredgardens
● Ross Glen Garden was designed with nature in mind, featuring a return to native plants and sustainable practices that support biodiversity. Designed in collaboration with Sara Pinnell of Hedstrom Landscape Design, this garden features extensive stonework, native plantings, and a peaceful walk through a stumpery in the vein of King Charles’ Highgrove Garden.
GATOP (God’s Answer To Our Prayers): Owner Dr. Alan Solomon
2643 Delrose Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914
● A hidden gem recognized by the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens, GATOP is the lifelong passion project of Dr. Alan Solomon, a retired Knoxville oncologist renowned for his groundbreaking research on amyloid-related diseases. His expansive property features hundreds of rare botanical specimens, including the largest conifer collection in the Southeast, as well as holly groves, wildflower displays, and striking water features. Adding to the garden’s distinctive charm are stainless-steel, iron, bronze, and stone sculptures, along with historic marble outcroppings from one of Knoxville’s oldest quarries.
Savage Garden: Owners Bill Dohm & Patty Cooper
3237 Garden Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918
● A historic treasure in Fountain City, Savage Garden draws inspiration from Japanese garden design, which gained popularity in the late 20th century. Featuring intricate stonework, an extensive plant collection, and a beautifully restored Japanese pagoda, this serene landscape offers visitors a peaceful retreat just minutes from the lively energy of Broadway. Dogwood Arts, presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty. Find a full list of upcoming events at https://www.dogwoodarts.com/events.
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