In today’s competitive landscape, some people, organizations, and companies stand out by serving the community or customer by going ‘Above and Beyond’ expectations.
The City of Knoxville is transforming small, city-owned vacant lots into colorful pollinator gardens that provide food and habitat for bees, butterflies, birds, and other beneficial wildlife. Instead of maintaining unused grassy areas, city crews are planting native wildflowers that increase biodiversity while reducing the need for routine mowing.
The initiative began in 2025 with three gardens and expanded in 2026 with a fourth location. Native plants such as coneflowers, asters, columbine, and grasses were selected to provide blooms throughout the growing season, creating healthy habitats for pollinators, including monarch butterflies.
The gardens also save maintenance time, allowing city crews to focus on other public projects while enhancing neighborhoods with natural beauty. Knoxville has been recognized as a Community Wildlife Habitat since 2017, and the pollinator garden program builds on the city’s ongoing commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.
By turning overlooked lots into thriving ecosystems, Knoxville is showing that even small spaces can make a meaningful difference for wildlife and the community.
- Leadership: Public Service Central Manager Robbie Corum directs specialized crews who plow targeted lots, install boundary stakes, and seed the areas.
- Plant Selection: Knoxville’s Horticulture Manager John Hooper carefully selects seed varieties that bloom across multiple seasons to provide a continuous food supply for pollinators.
This column aims to highlight inspiring stories about organizations and businesses, or the individuals within them, who go ‘Above and Beyond’, showcasing their commitment to excellence, community service, or customer satisfaction. Contact news@knoxtntoday.com with your stories.
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