31-03-2025
Baxter Gardens to close to public after Dogwood Arts Festival
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Baxter Gardens in Fountain City is permanently closing to the public following the 2025 Dogwood Arts Festival. The privately owned gardens were cultivated by Knoxville businessman Bill Baxter and span 32 acres with nine defined gardens.
Following Baxter's death in August, the decision was made to close the gardens to the public. This comes as the number of visitors became unsustainable for the owners. For the past two years, more than 30,000 people have visited in April. The owners said the gardens are 'over-loved' by enthusiasm and attention.
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'Bill is the originator, curator, and inspiration behind all the beauty that East Tennesseans have been enjoying during the Dogwood Arts Festival at Baxter Gardens for the past 12 years,' the Gardens posted in a message from the family on its website. 'The outpouring of gratitude, thank you notes, drawings, and other forms of appreciation that so many have offered over the years was a source of great pleasure for Bill.'
The gardens will be open on April 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as one of the featured gardens in the Dogwood Arts Festival. The gardens will then close permanently to the public.
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'Baxter Gardens has so graciously shared their beautiful garden with Dogwood Arts and the Knoxville community for the entire month of April for 12 years, bringing so much joy to so many,' said Vicki Baumgartner, Dogwood Arts Festival's project manager for trails and gardens. 'We are honored that as life circumstances have changed, they will continue to share this special garden with us as a Featured Garden April 12 and 13.'
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