The Knoxville Federated Garden Club is preparing for its annual Garden Gala; but while the show will be offering tips on the best options for growing flowers and plants in your home, there will also be discussion of building the area’s tree population.

The Garden Gala will take place on Saturday, April 6th at Dyer Hudson Hall at the Marion County Fairgrounds. There will be discussions throughout the day on topics such as garden and landscape design, perennials, and underused trees in landscaping.

Sandra Chrisman from the Garden Club tells KNIA/KRLS News the club plans to use this event and other gatherings during the year to address tree populations, and the need to replace many varieties in the area with more durable ones which can resist the effects of wilt or other diseases.

“The ash trees, of course, and the oak trees have wilt; and we’re always looking for a good native tree that will not have diseases,” Chrisman says.

The Gala will run from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. All proceeds will go to support the Bessie Spaur Butterfly Garden, located south of the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics.