Photo by Mike Steely. The Kirby family has opened Kirby Plants on Oak Ridge Highway, continuing a family tradition that dates back to the 1940’s. Pictured, right to left, are Scott, Martha and Tony Kirby who invite you to stop by their new location.

Photo by Mike Steely.
The Kirby family has opened Kirby Plants on Oak Ridge Highway, continuing a family tradition that dates back to the 1940’s. Pictured, right to left, are Scott, Martha and Tony Kirby who invite you to stop by their new location.

By Mike Steely

steelym@knoxfocus.com

Kirbys Plants had its grand opening Saturday at their new location at 7234 Oak Ridge Highway. The Kirby family has been in the plant business since World War II when Stanley Kirby began transporting produce from Florida to sell in the historic Forest Avenue Produce Market in Knoxville.

Plants became the livelihood of the Kirby family and Stanley’s son, Scott, became involved in the family business at a young age. Today Scott, Martha and their son, Tony, are dedicated to carrying on the family tradition of fine quality plants. The Kirbys have been respected by farmers, growers, retailers and customers for decades.

Formerly located in Seymour, Kirby Plants relocated to Oak Ridge Highway  in August. The center  is ready for fall and upcoming holidays with pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, hay bales, pansies, and ornamental cabbage. They also offer a full line of trees, grasses, rose bushes, and just about anything you could want.

“We have ornamental peppers from the Mennonites in Kentucky and a wide variety of succulents, which make great house plants in the winter — you simply set them outside in warm weather. People love the color that succulents bring and how easy they are to care for,” said Martha Kirby.

“We have a full line of nursery stock, plants, shrubs and trees,” she said. “This winter we’ll be offering live Christmas Trees and other winter plants.”

The Kirbys had lent their talents and hard work to growing Kirby Plants into what it is today, the best place in Knoxville to purchase quality plants, shrubs and trees. Customers receive personalized care from a family who truly love what they do.

“Since we moved to Oak Ridge Highway we’ve had customers follow us from Seymour and even Gatlinburg to shop,” she said.

Kirby Plants is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon until 5 p.m. on Sundays. You can call them at (865)313-2629 or visit their web site www.kirbyplants.net and find them on Facebook.