Chancellor Jimmy and Ilene Cheek at their West Knox County home hosting “Supper in a City Garden.”
The good folks at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum believe that a garden can bring joy to anyone — whether a city or a country dweller.
To that end, they have organized a series of garden parties in a wide variety of settings. The one we went to this month was smack dab in the middle of suburbia. It was at the home of University of Tennessee-Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek and his wife, Ilene. Their house is on Stratfield Way in a new subdivision off Northshore Drive in deep West Knox County. You would never know from looking at the house from the street that there is a bountiful vegetable garden in the backyard.
The Cheeks have a division of labor, so to speak. Ilene loves flowers and is in charge of all of those in the front and back yards. But the vegetable garden is Jimmy’s. The rain held off on the evening a couple dozen of us gathered there to check out the gardens and enjoy each others’ company.
The event, called “Supper in a City Garden,” was a great contrast to some of the other garden parties we have attended, courtesy of the Knoxville Botanical Garden. But, in my book, almost any garden party is a good one.
From the front, you wouldn’t guess that a productive vegetable garden is hidden out back.
Flowers in the front are Ilene’s babies.
Pretty.
But in the back, the chancellor cultivates his veggies, including these almost ripe tomatoes.
And these peppers.
Some of the garden enthusiasts, from left, Sandra Butler, Jackie Wilson, Ilene Cheek and Betsey Bush.
Chancellor Cheek greets flower lover Natalie Haslam.
Keyes and Melissa Williamson. He is the executive director of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and is doing a bang-up job.
Vicki Williams Baumgartner was serving a beautiful salad at the buffet.
Jim Haslam took advantage of that. He is good about eating healthy.
It was easy to persuade folks to get in line.
Jean Bonnyman created a beautiful dinner plate.
Here’s a closer look.
The ham and Swiss sandwiches got rave reviews.
As did the deviled eggs. Yum.
Victoria Cape, left, and Mimi Turner
Milton Turner, left, with Jimmy Cheek.
Chancellor Cheek showed Milton and me how he starts his vegetables from seeds. These have turned into tiny sprouts.
Jan Williams, left, chatted with Chancellor Cheek and Jim Haslam in the kitchen.
Hahaha. Here’s what Milton Turner thought must surely be a hat rack!
Mike Devoto and Gail Jarvis
Ilene’s friend Elaine Williams helped her with the food.
Chancellor Cheek showing Betsey Bush the grounds.
Sarah Stowers, right, and Liz Peebles
Katherine and Ted Lewis
This pretty centerpiece was in the kitchen where desserts were served.
My husband Alan Carmichael’s favorite part of any meal is dessert. Aren’t these cookies appropriate?
Here he is. I told you. Look how happy he is!
Another option.
They just kept coming.
Sarah Dunn, right, and Charlotte Malone
Nancy Campbell, left, and Gina Anderson
Thanks to Ileen and Jimmy for hosting such a great party for the Knoxville Botanical Garden. What a beautiful landscape they have created.
I’m sorry I missed this one. Looks like a beautiful setting & awesome food. Love these garden parties.
I think there are more garden parties every year in Knoxville! I first noticed it last year. Is it just me who has started to notice? Or are there actually more garden parties?
Are gardens getting to be “hotter” than they were before?
Anybody else noticed this phenomenon? (I like it!)
Yes, Cynthia, a secret committee got together and decided that it was time for Knoxville to be known as a garden capital. We are well on our way.
I KNEW it!
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