Knoxville Botanical Garden to Host Evening with Vince Dooley

KNOXVILLE -- On Friday, April 8, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will host an evening in the garden with Vince Dooley, former University of Georgia football coach and author of "Vince Dooley's Garden: A Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach."

Sponsored by Home Federal Bank, the event includes a cocktail reception in the Martha Ashe Gardens beginning at 6 p.m., with a lecture to follow in the Stone Greenhouse. The gardens and greenhouse are located at 2743 Wimpole Ave. in the heart of East Knoxville.

"People outside the gardening world may be wondering why we're hosting a former football coach, even if he is the father of UT football coach Derek Dooley," said KBGA Executive Director Steve Seifried. "Horticulture enthusiasts are likely aware that Coach Dooley has gained renown as one of the region's finest gardeners. He's even had a hydrangea and camellia named in his honor."

In August 2010, Dooley wrote an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution about his horticulture book and love of gardening. Comparing gardening with football, he says, "Gardens are never finished, and neither are football teams. There's always something happening that makes you a better gardener and makes you a better football coach, as long as you keep that passion and drive to learn and improve."

Admission is $35 for KBGA members and $45 for non-members. To make a reservation or for more information, call 865-862-8717 or visit www.knoxgarden.org.

Published March 22, 2011