Last updated on February 21, 2026
By: Luke Carter
Staff Writer
Tucked away on the Vol State campus is a place where many students walk past without even knowing how special it is. The Vol State community garden may not be loud or flashy, but it has its own quiet beauty that makes it stand out. The garden was created in 2006 and is cared for by the Master Gardeners of Gallatin. It is more than just plants and flowers: it is a peaceful space that brings people, nature, and learning together. I visited the garden right before Thanksgiving, which isn’t the most popular time for gardens. Most people think gardens are only interesting in the spring or summer when flowers are blooming and everything is colorful. When I went, nothing outside was blooming, but the garden was still very much alive. I was surprised to see how many plants were still green. There were lots of mint plants and winter plants that looked healthy and full of life in the late fall. Even without flowers, the garden didn’t feel empty; it felt calm and fresh. One thing that stood out to me was how organized the garden is. It has different sections and each area is planned out carefully. Some sections are dedicated to certain colors, which I found really cool. Even though I was visiting during the fall, I could tell this garden must be beautiful in the spring. I later saw pictures of it during the spring, and they showed bright flowers full of greenery and tons of spring life. Seeing those pictures made me want to come back when everything is blooming.
The Vol State community garden is like an outdoor museum. It is filled with herbs and flowers that grow naturally in Middle Tennessee. Instead of being inside a building with signs and glass cases, this garden is open and alive. You can walk through it, smell the plants, and experience a garden the way it is meant to be enjoyed. It is a place where learning happens naturally. Students and teachers can meet there and talk and enjoy the space together. It doesn’t feel like a classroom, but you can still learn a lot just by being there.
Another important thing about the garden is that it is certified by the National Wildlife Federation and has a protected wildlife habitat. This means it is a safe place for animals and insects that belong to this area. Even though it was late in the year, you could tell the garden was designed to support wildlife. This makes the garden important not only for people, but also for nature. The garden also gives students, staff, and community members a chance to get involved. Anyone can volunteer and earn real hands-on experience working in the garden during the Spring and Summer. This is a great opportunity for people who enjoy working outside or want to learn more about gardening. Volunteering there isn’t just about planting and pulling weeds, it’s about being part of something that helps the campus and the habitat. The garden is also a great place for students to get their community service hours in.
What I like most about the garden was how peaceful it felt. College campuses can be busy and stressful, especially during the semester. The community garden feels like a break from all of that. When you step inside, it feels quieter, slower, and more relaxed than anywhere on campus. It is the kind of place where you could visit and sit for a while and clear your mind. One thing that really made the Volunteer State community garden stand out to me was how welcoming it feels, even if you don’t know much about plants. I’m not a master gardener by any means, but I never felt out of place while walking through the garden. It feels like a space that was made for everyone, not just experts. You don’t need to rush, and there are no rules telling you what you can’t do besides respecting the plants. It’s a place where you can take your time, look around, and enjoy being outside. I think that’s an important thing for college campuses moving forward because students need places where they can slow down and breathe. The garden is right in the heart of campus and gives students that chance. The community garden is a special place that brings life to the campus in a way that classrooms and buildings cannot. It shows how nature and education can work together. Even though I visited during a season where most plants are resting, the garden still made an impression on me. Seeing the plants in late fall and learning about everything the garden offers made me appreciate it even more. I know for sure that I will be going back in the spring in order to see flowers blooming, the butterflies flying, and the garden full of color. The Vol state community garden may not be the most talked about place on campus, but it is definitely one of Vol States hidden gems.
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