July 2022 is Starting Off with a Bang at the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum

Rodney Pearson (left) and Mark Seder Installing the First Section of Border Fencing
along the Iris Garden at the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum.

There is always something new and interesting to see at the Townsend River Walk & Arboretum (TRWA), even for those of us that maintain it.

This past Friday, we installed a border fence at the Iris Garden to provide some definition to the the lower TRWA trail where you come out of the tunnel. Rodney Pearson and myself installed the fence while Allison Pearson did some major maintenance on the grounds around the Iris Garden. The Iris Garden was installed to honor Tennessee's State Flower, the Cultivated Iris. (Do you know what the Tennessee State Wildflower is? (Answer below) Behind the irises we planted there are several Baptisia and behind that three Persimmon trees. This will be quite a showy area in the next couple of years as it matures. Stop by for a look.

While working we were greeted by the Blount County Sheriff officers patrolling on horseback. First time we have seen them at the the TRWA. Had a nice talk with them and pointed them down the TRWA to the path to the Little River for the horses to get a drink and cool off in the river. Hoping to see them around more often.

Several plants are blooming during this time of the year including the Bottlebrush Buckeye, Zinnia's, Purple Coneflower, Monarda (including white monarda), Phlox and more. Before your visit you can check out our What's Blooming section of the website.

Take an hour or so and enjoy a walk along the tree lined Townsend River Walk & Arboretum, it is a sure way to beat a least a bit of the Summer's heat.

ANSWER

If you didn't know or haven't found the answer, the Passion Flower is the Tennessee State Wildflower. We have some planted in the Pollinator and Memorial Garden, but the are not in bloom at this time.

Cultivated Iris