New Greenhouse and Garden Site dedicated to Alice Ijams

Ribbon cutting for new Alice's Garden demonstration site

 On Saturday November 9, Ijams dedicated a new Greenhouse and outdoor classroom in honor of Alice Ijams.

Alice was a talented lady by any standards. In her day, she was one of Knoxville’s leading ladies, a Girl Scout Ambassador and a leader of the local Garden Club Movement. She was also the owner of local Southside Nursery, the first female-run horticultural business in town supplying flowers to merchants on historic Market Square.

Ijams Nature Center was supported in this endeavor by contributions from Alcoa Foundation, Sustainable Future and Rainwater Resources, who supplied funding and sustainable components including rainwater catchment systems, solar power, composting areas, raised beds and visitor interpretation.  The teaching area supports Ijams’ gardening programs for adults, families and youth groups.

Among those cutting the ribbon were Denis Rochat, President, Rainwater Resources; David Bolt, owner Sustainable Future; Karyn Adams, Ijams Board President; and members of the Ijams Family.  Ijams’ Senior Naturalist, Peg Beute was on hand providing demonstrations and highlighted how parts of Alice’s original greenhouse were re-used in the project.

Thanks to all. Paul James, Executive Director

David Bolt, owner of contributing Sustainable Future, speaks at grand opening

Denis Rochat, president of contributing Rainwater Solutions, speaks before ribbon cutting

Karyn Adams, president of Ijams Board of Directors thanks supporters and contributors

Paul James, Ijams executive director with Denis Rochat, Peg Beute and Karyn Adams

The new greenhouse and garden demonstration site is located next to the solar panels on the Universal Trail