Inside the greenhouses at Special Growers, the air smells faintly of basil and damp soil. Rows of herbs stretch toward filtered sunlight, and staff members move carefully between trays of seedlings, harvesting stems that will be delivered to local restaurants later that day.
Founded around 2009, Special Growers was created to meet a specific need in the community: meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities after high school. What began as a small idea has grown into three greenhouses, nearly 40 staff members and about 15 volunteers. Today, the nonprofit supplies fresh herbs and produce to about 14 local restaurants.
Christian Taylor has worked at Special Growers since 2023. When asked what he enjoys most about the job, he answered quickly. “I like to harvest the flowers and the herbs,” he said.
Harvesting is one of the most important tasks at the greenhouse. Staff members carefully clip herbs that are often delivered the same day they are cut, ensuring freshness for restaurant partners across Blount County.
But for Taylor, the work is only part of it.
“I like hanging out with my friends,” he said.
That sense of friendship and routine is what sets Special Growers apart. The organization emphasizes inclusion and opportunity, offering positions to individuals who may have struggled to find steady work elsewhere.
“We don’t turn anybody down for a job. Everybody gets an opportunity to work,” said Lexi Gawthrop, workforce success coordinator for Special Growers. “It’s a really positive social working environment that everybody enjoys coming to.”
Mercedes Henry, a staff lead who has been with special Growers since 2017, helps oversee daily operations and support workers throughout the greenhouse.
“That role is very good. It takes time,” Henry said. “It’s fun to be able to walk around the other workers.”
Before joining Special Growers, Henry said she struggled in a previous job. The greenhouse provided a different environment: one that allowed her to build confidence and connect with others.
“I like being around people,” Henry said.
Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach and production. What started as a small operation now consistently provides herbs and specialty produce to restaurants that value locally grown ingredients.
“The community always tells us that they enjoy all of our products,” Gawthrop said. “They love buying from us. It’s a great benefit towards their restaurants to have locally grown, fresh things that we cut the same day and put into a meal that night.”
For restaurant owners, that partnership means access to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For Special Growers staff, it means their work has a visible impact beyond the greenhouse doors.
Community support has played a significant role in the nonprofit’s growth. Volunteers regularly assist with planting and maintenance projects. Local sponsors provide materials and financial contributions. Residents attend seasonal fundraisers and events throughout the year.
The organization’s annual plant sale is scheduled for April 11, giving community members the opportunity to purchase plants grown from seed inside the greenhouse. During the summer months, Special Growers hosts a dinner series on the last Sunday of each month, highlighting local ingredients and community partnerships. The Special Growers Harvest Fest fundraiser is set for Oct. 25.
In addition, the nonprofit operates a summer work program that brings new participants into the greenhouse each year. As winter transitions into spring, staff members are preparing for one of their busiest seasons, moving from a slower winter schedule into planting, harvesting and community events.
Looking ahead, leadership hopes to continue expanding partnerships and employment opportunities.
“We just hope to be able to serve more restaurants, provide more jobs for our staff and just continue growing,” Gawthrop said. “We all love being here. It gives everybody purpose.”
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