Is this a new trend around here? Or have I been missing out all these years? It seems that we in Knoxville just cannot get enough of garden parties these days!
Every other day, Alan and I are checking the forecast and heading out to someone’s garden. Don’t get me wrong. I love garden parties. I just don’t remember there being so many before. The latest was last week when Jackie Wilson invited guests into her rose garden for a fundraiser for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum.
It would be a tremendous understatement to call Jackie a “Francophile.” She is absolutely eaten up with the country! So much so that she bought a piece of property in nearby Rockford and built herself a house and garden that feel as if they are located in the middle of Provence. And what’s the most French of all French drinks to serve? Right. Champagne. The name of the event, “Champagne in Bloom,” indicated that it was part of the Botanical Garden’s “In Bloom” series that began with “Hats in Bloom” last month. (Click here for a report on that fun day.)
Anyway, come along for a sweet evening in our little version of France. And don’t forget to sign up for some of these swell garden parties when the Botanical Garden offers them next.
I forgot to mention how treacherous the road was to access the house. It was so narrow and steep, that organizers felt it best for us all to park our cars near a large barn down the road from Jackie’s house. They enlisted the assistance of only the best and most careful drivers to ferry the guests to the house and back to their cars.
Well, I’m all about a new social media platform called Vine. It allows you to make 6-second videos. Yes. Six seconds! So here are two 6-second videos. What do you think?
How lovely! Everything Jackie touches is simply beautiful!
Truly lovely. And the videos are a nice touch.
I agree, Katie.
Thanks, Gina: They are kind of fun to do. And, since it’s only six seconds, not a big time suck for the videographer — or the viewer!
This was a very beautiful setting. Never been in that neck of the woods. Jackie’s roses were beautiful also.
If you want to hear sound (which, in this case, is just ambient background sound), you need to mouse over the video and click on the little sound icon.
Roses are outstanding. What a beautiful setting for a party. Thank for sharing. Fay
Cynthia, I was honored that you and my other friends came to support the Knoxville Botanical Garden. My garden has never looked better than in your photos.
Thanks for doing it, Jackie. And for being in charge of the whole “In Bloom” series. That was a great idea.
Cynthia, your beautiful photos will make everyone wish they’d been lucky enough to be with us at Jackie’s lovely party. It isn’t too late to get tickets for the Summer Soltice Supper at our fav KBG, Dana said yesterday..
Thanks to Jackie and her friends who pitched in to cook, serve, AND chauffeur- a delightful evening.
Absolutely Beautiful. I love roses and FRENCH stuff!!!
This has been the rainiest year ever to be overloaded with garden parties — but most seem to dodge the raindrops. This is a particularly beautiful scene in Rockford — and a great boon for the Botanical Garden. Thanks for sharing!
I hated to miss this. It looks lovely. I agree about the “In Bloom” series. What a great idea!
Thanks, Fran! I already have ordered tickets to the Summer Solstice event. Hope to see you there!
Monique: I know you do!
Tami: I guess God loves gardens, too! The rain has been good for them and we do seem to have been able to dodge most of the weather for the majority of this year’s parties. (I’m probably jinxing us by saying that!)
Gay: You would have enjoyed it, I feel sure.
I love Jackie’s home!!! Always have, always will!
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