Savage Garden
“One of the unique features of Garden Montessori School is that students have access to the adjacent Savage Garden which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was created in the 1920s by Arthur and Hortense Savage. Mr. Savage is said to have been inspired to build the garden after touring gardens in England, where he was born. Mr. Savage was one of the owners of the TySaMan company, in Knoxville, which (conveniently) manufactured stone cutting equipment. (Another of the owners, Joel Tyler, was Knoxville author James Agee’s grandfather.)
The historic garden exhibits both English and Japanese influences in the stone walls, arbors, towers, and large pagoda. There is over an acre of woodlands which include several state champion trees.
Over the years, many people have been enchanted by the garden. Current owners Bill Dohm and Patty Cooper continue to maintain the garden and restore its original features. Children at Garden Montessori often use the garden for nature studies, exploration, play time, and picnic lunches.”