Torreya taxifolia at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Nashville, TN    Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, Nashville TN: Howe Garden (at Cheekwood) received 3, two-year-old Torreyas from the U.S. National Arboretum in 1985. As of 2018 when Torreya Guardians contacted staff, two of the three trees were still thriving: one male and one female. Their first seed production occurred 24 years after planting. The largest specimen measured at 18 inches circumference, 35 feet tall, with a 20 foot spread in 2012. Both specimens in 2018 were over 40 feet tall. Seeds/cuttings were collected in 2009 and propagated with assistance from Dr. Croom (grandson of the discoverer, Hardy Croom). Cheekwood also received 6 seedlings from Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2000. These specimens are located by the Development House, and they are also thriving and producing seed. Many thanks to Cheekwood Plant Collections Manager, Shanna Jones, for taking the time to provide a full history on the Cheekwood Torreyas in 2018 to Torreya Guardians planter and archivist, Paul Camire in Capac, MI. PHOTO: April 2025 by Christopher Hutson, Peoria IL. torreya planter. DESCRIPTION OF HOWE GARDEN (and its Florida Torreya): The Howe Garden is rich in historical significance and is one of the most beloved gardens at Cheekwood. With long-time support from the Garden Club of Nashville, the garden is a living tribute to Mrs. Cora Howe, showcasing her love of wildflowers and garden visitors. After the passing of Mrs. Howe in 1969, her heirs donated the garden in its entirety to Cheekwood, establishing it as the first donated garden installation on the property. Cheekwood guests can experience many of the same native species Cora loved, including azaleas, trilliums, trout-lilies, Virginia bluebells, a variety of ferns, and a small colony of paw-paw trees. The endangered stinking cedar (Torreya taxifoia) also grows here, and has been part of an assisted migration effort since 1985. Visitors can also learn about our state-of-the-art rain garden which was a key element of the 2012 renovation. WWW www.TorreyaGuardians.org Return to HOME PAGE