A stunning vista featuring red tulips
Some days in East Tennessee — mostly in the spring and fall — just make you happy to be alive. And if you find yourself on one of those days in one of the most beautiful settings in Knoxville, well, so much the better. Last Thursday was such a day. The setting was the stunning garden behind the historic Kingston Pike home of Betsey Bush, who had opened it for a fundraiser for the Knoxville Symphony. The luncheon was part of the Knoxville Symphony League‘s very successful Elegant Dining series.
Betsey is not only a gardener, but a talented flower arranger, as well. So the flowers inside the house were as fabulous as were those in the garden. Special guests at the event were Daniel Meyer, in town as guest conductor for the KSO’s Moxley Carmichael Masterworks performances of Holst’s “The Planets” last Thursday and Friday, and his wife, Mary Persin, who was guest violist for the concerts.
Thanks to these Symphony League members who hosted the luncheon along with Betsey: Jerrine Bogan, Sandra Butler, Debbie Kinnard, Elizabeth Koester, Lee Ley and Stacy Moody.
Tickets still are available to some of the remaining Elegant Dining events. Click here to go to the website and sign up!
Two big urns of pussy willows and pansies greeted guests.
From left, hostess Betsey Bush, Daniel Meyer, Mary Persin and Rachel Ford, executive director of the KSO. Mimosas are such a fun spring drink!
From left, Janet Crossley, Fay Bailey and Eleanor Nichols
Lee Ley, left, one of the hostesses, with Betsey Bush and Jane Creed
Jackie Wilson, left, and Lynne Harr
Mary Johnson, right, with her daughter, Mary Margaret
From left, Dorothy Stair, Natalie Haslam and Barbara Arant
This cute rain gauge is on the patio.
A pretty arbor
It definitely was tulip season.
Garden nymph
Daniel and Mary made a cute couple in a beautiful setting as they checked out the garden.
The phlox was doing great.
An inviting pathway
I don't know what this plant is, but I sure do like it. If anyone knows, please post in the comments section.
Graceful water birds
I love it when Lenten roses actually bloom during Lent!
All through the garden, Betsey has used old grist mill wheels, which make such an interesting statement.
Back inside, I peeked into the kitchen to see caterer Betty Melrose hard at work. She does a fantastic job.
This cute bunny decorated the island in the kitchen.
Joan Cronan, left, and hostess Stacy Moody
Here is one of the centerpieces Betsey had arranged.
She had cut these hydrangeas that morning from her garden.
Another magnificent centerpiece
A standing arrangement of camellias and dogwood blossoms. Very creative.
The salad featured romaine, artichoke hearts and hearts of palm. Very spring-like.
Seafood crepes and asparagus were the main course. They were delicious.
Dessert was meringue with Chantilly cream and Grand Marnier-soaked strawberries drizzled with chocolate. Oh my goodness!
Here are Rudy and Elizabeth Koester. They searched the Southeast about a decade ago for a college town to which to relocate when they retired. Knoxville won!
Daniel Meyer, who was resident conductor in Knoxville about a decade ago, spoke briefly and praised the progress the Knoxville Symphony has made under the direction of Maestro Lucas Richman.
Violist Mary Persin spoke about her own viola, created in 1902. She said that, unlike other instruments, violas do not come in a standard size. All are different. She delighted us by playing for a few minutes.
Martha Breazeale says goodbye to Rachel Ford. It was such a wonderful interlude to share with everyone!
Those plants are lemon trillium. They grow wild in the Great Smoky Mountains and are in blooming this year.
The mystery flower is a Trillium and is a native to the ETN area. 🙂
Hi Cynthia – Betsey always has a beautiful garden area and is such a gracious hostess. I was sorry to miss this event this year. The flowers you couldn’t identify are trillium, and they are some of the most wonderful wildflowers. You’ll see some with red rather than yellow centers.
Thanks so much, folks, for letting me know what that plant is. I love it that both the leaves and the blooms are pretty.
Cynthia, you captured this magical event perfectly! Thank you so much for posting all the beautiful pictures of the gardens and food, especially. Betsey and the League created a stunning experience. And yes, I was going to say, “Trilliums,” too.
What beautiful gardens – thanks, Mox, for letting the rest of us have a peek!
Absolutely gorgeous pictures. The Bush home looks like a spring haven.
Mary Ellen: It really was a wonderful way to welcome spring. As you know. Betsey’s garden looks different depending on the season. For that reason, I’m glad she also is planning to host an event as part of Knox Heritage’s Summer Suppers program. That way we’ll get to see an interesting comparison. Katie: Thanks for the kind remarks. You and Blair should go with us to the Summer Supper at Betsey’s. I think it will be on June 9. Mary Ellen, you all, too!
Well I see I am very late to identify the trillium! Jenny I see you beat me to it! what a beautiful garden!
My question is why does everyone but me know what trillium looks like? Ha!
Trillium was on the trails around Cherokee Bluff when I lived there. One year I made a cake this time of year and decorated it with trillium blooms. The cake was a hit!
We didn’t eat them, just looked at them.
I love the Lenten roses, one of my favorites. Does anyone know if they’ll grow in containers? I’d love to have some.
And since you brought it up–The Knox Heritage Summer Supper at Betsey’s is June 9. If you want to be among the first to see the line-up and purchase tickets, you can become a Major Donor ($1000 or more) and get the info and purchase tickets in early April, or you can become a Patron ($100 or more) and purchase tickets at the Patrons Party on April 19. After that date, the booklet will be mailed to all members. The Supper at Betsey’s is the first one and is sure to be fabulous.
Georgiana: What a great idea! Gay: Thanks for the info! We will be there and hope many of our friends are, too!
Growing up in East Tennessee we called the plant yellow trillium.
Thanks, Judy! It is lovely. Hope you will visit East Tennessee soon!
great pictures of Betseys gardens! Absolutely breathtaking!
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