Figs and fun greet Botanical Garden fans

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

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!

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?

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.