The Lunchtime and Twilight Walks in the University of Tennessee Gardens on Tuesday, Oct. 16 were a big success, said Elizabeth Burman, executive director of Friends of the UT Gardens.

"The twilight walks are a tradition going back several years with the University Gardens, so that once a month during the growing season, visitors have the opportunity to go on a guided tour of the Gardens -- learning which plants are at their seasonal peak, which others are being tested," Burman said.

There were about 10 people for each of the walks. Several members of a local garden club attended to learn gardening tips. Over half of the visitors were on their first visit to the Gardens.

The Gardens are a living laboratory for students at UT and the people of East Tennessee. Andy Pulte, graduate teaching assistant"The Gardens are a living laboratory for students at UT and the people of East Tennessee," said Andy Pulte, a graduate teaching assistant.

"They can inspire you for your own garden and yard," he said to a group of walkers on the noon tour.

The walks in the Gardens are put on by Friends of the UT Gardens, an 800-member 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.