Sherri and her book, Under the Fig Leaf
Scads of folks shelled out $50 each and headed over to Sherri Lee’s fantastic gardens the other evening for the inaugural Great Gardens Party. The beneficiary was the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. The theme: figs, of course.
Sherri loves figs — and she loves gardens. We saw figs on trees, bought Sherri’s cookbook on figs, and ate hors d’oeuvres and desserts featuring figs. Some folks even bought fig trees — and other garden plants bearing edibles such as blueberries. But the stars of the event were Sherri’s stunningly beautiful gardens, located off Houser Road. Here, come take a look!
Betsey Bush, left, another avid gardener, poses with our hostess, Sherri Lee.
Although hot, it was a beautiful evening for a garden party.
Sisters Jackie Wilson, left, and Nancy Cann were staffing the silent auction table and selling cookbooks.
Dr. Harold and Joyce Robinson Diftler pose with Rachel Ford, right, my "date" for the evening. Alan was otherwise occupied.
Mickey Mallonee, left, and Shelba Murphy
From left, Bob and Melynda Whetsel, Carol and Jim Cortese
Rachel and I grabbed a glass of wine — Yay, they had pinot grigio instead of chardonnay! — and headed over to Sherri’s unbelievable boat house.
The antique door to the boathouse came from Pakistan, according to Sherri's architect, Ron Hutchins.
The upstairs portion of the boathouse is screened in and features hanging beds!
It has a fairy tale quality, doesn’t it?
Rachel tried out one of the beds.
Frances Adams-O'Brien tried out the other.
Even with a breeze and in the shade, it was hot!
We ran into Lezah Pinnell up there.
Have you ever seen a cuter door stop?
We decided to check out the food, which was by Rex Bradford Jones of Abner’s Attic. It was just fabulous.
On the way to the buffet table, we passed one of Sherri's fig trees.
You know how little spoons containing just a bite have been all the rage the past few years? Jones purchased a very clever display to hold the spoons. These were fig bites.
Here's a close-up. It contained fig, honey and a walnut on mascarpone cheese with an edible flower garnish.
These little tomato puffs were delicious.
Caprese salad on a stick!
And something Jones called an "edible orchard."
The desserts included homemade fig newtons, of course.
Andrea Cartwright and Dr. Alan Solomon, another avid gardener.
One of the gardens features this big aviary.
Here are the residents.
We started on a path toward what is called the "secret garden."
We passed this pretty vista.
And this view of the house.
When we arrived at the secret garden, we found this cute little playhouse!
On the lawn there we ran into Dorothy Stair and John Kelley.
They were enjoying this view of the fountain.
I love topiary animals!
The gardens feature lots of great statuary.
Look at this unusual tree! It's split, but seems to be thriving.
And this intriguing specimen has a hole that goes all the way through it!
The hole
The party from afar
Allison Burchett and Mike DeVoto were chatting when we rejoined the group.
Rachel greets Deanene Catani, left, and her daughter, Cate.
Melissa and Keyes Williamson, the new executive director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden
It was a lovely time.
What an incredible garden party! I’m inspired, but I don’t know if I am inspired to garden or to create beautiful food. I really just want to nap in one of those hanging beds!
The boathouse looks dreamy! K
Thanks for sharing. I so hated to miss this party, but I was in charge of another one downtown. Sherri’s place is so beautiful and so unique. I love it when Rex Bradford Jones is turned loose with a garden theme. Looks like he nailed it this time.
Such a lovely evening. Thanks for recording it and sharing.
Tami and Kelewele: That boathouse is just magical! So peaceful and calm, it makes you relaxed just being in it. Gay: Rex has been a very busy caterer lately. He has been the go-to guy for most of the Symphony League Elegant Dining events. What he did at Sherri’s was really inspired. Great seeing you, Mickey!
Thanks so much for sharing not only those magical, almost fairyland gardens, but also the cleverly presented food! Your blog takes me away!
Oh, Rusha, you’re so sweet. Thanks!
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