Plant and preserve for perpetual beauty.
Since 1935, the North Hills Garden Club has been the heartbeat of Knoxville’s North Hills neighborhood — bringing people together through shared purpose, green spaces, and a love of community. What started as a small circle of neighbors planting along the boulevards has grown into one of Knoxville’s longest-running neighborhood traditions, built on connection as much as cultivation.
Neighbors First, Gardeners Always
When North Hills was first established in the late 1920s, it was more than a subdivision — it was a vision for community living. Wide boulevards invited gathering, and neighbors leaned on each other to make things happen, from organizing picnics to starting a neighborhood bus route. Out of that spirit came the North Hills Garden Club, founded in 1935 by residents who wanted to keep their neighborhood not just beautiful, but connected.
Their early projects were equal parts practical and joyful: planting trees along the boulevards, installing playground equipment, and hosting neighborhood carnivals to raise funds for community improvements. Those efforts helped North Hills flourish — not just with flowers, but with friendships that have lasted for generations.
Garden Club members, Angela Sellers and Tom Welborn, at the organization’s annual fundraiser, the North Hills Plant Sale.
Tending More Than Gardens
Decade after decade, the Garden Club has continued to nurture both people and place. Members work alongside the City of Knoxville to preserve historic boulevards and the neighborhood park, host annual plant sales that bring neighbors together, and care for the North Hills Arboretum, home to dozens of tree species planted through shared effort.
In 2008, North Hills was added to the National Register of Historic Places, honoring its architecture and civic legacy. And in 2020, the Arboretum earned certification from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council, recognizing years of collaboration and care.
Today, our roots run deep in partnership with Dogwood Arts, the City of Knoxville, and countless volunteers and community groups who share our mission. Together, we continue to make North Hills a place where beauty grows right alongside belonging.
Garden Club members, Sally Wilcox and Paula Welborn, with Mayor Kincannon and Sheryl Ely at the Eclipse in the Park event.
Key Moments Through the Years
Take a walk through nearly a century of community spirit. From early boulevard plantings to modern-day partnerships, here’s how we’ve grown — one project, one neighbor, and one season at a time.
-
North Hills subdivision platted by the North Hills Corporation.
-
The first homes are built; boulevards designed for walking and gathering take shape.
-
North Hills Garden Club founded — early plantings along the boulevards begin.
-
First banquet for husbands hosted at the Highland Grill — a six-course dinner for 65 cents.
-
Neighborhood carnival raises funds for playground equipment and community beautification.
-
Expansion of neighborhood plantings and early tree-canopy preservation efforts.
-
North Hills recognized as a designated “Garden Spot” — part of Knoxville’s early spring garden routes.
-
Club celebrates its 40th anniversary with a community luncheon and new boulevard planting initiative.
-
New gazebo built in North Hills Park through club fundraising and city partnership.
-
North Hills neighborhood added to the National Register of Historic Places.
-
Neighborhood officially named a Dogwood Trail — celebrating decades of partnership with Dogwood Arts.
-
Arboretum receives Level-1 certification from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.
-
Members continue to lead community workdays, host annual plant sales, and steward the North Hills Park and Arboretum in collaboration with city and local partners.
Our Story Keeps Growing
Nearly ninety years in, and there’s still so much to grow. From plant sales to park workdays, neighborhood gatherings to seasonal celebrations — our calendar is always blooming.