The event is Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UT Gardens, Knoxville, 2518 Jacob Drive on the UTIA campus. It’s hosted by Knox County Master Gardeners and, University of Tennessee Extension and Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension with support from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

At the festival, visitors can explore the Gardens, talk with and ask questions of Master Gardeners, swap yard chemicals for native seeds and learn about water management, composting, native plants, turning your lawn into a meadow, soil conservation and gardening for wildlife.

The event is free, but pre-register for extra raffle ticket giveaways such as a rain barrel, worm bin, native plants, wildflower seeds and a bat box. There will be a food vendor on site and a selfie booth. You must be present to win. Pre-register online at tiny.utk.edu/smartyardsfestival.