“Thyme” was on our side at this affair

It was beautiful evening for an outdoor party last Sunday. Here’s the view of the mountains from the botanical garden.

Here’s a truck from the old Howell Nurseries.

The Old City Buskers, one of our favorite groups at Moxley Carmichael, provided tunes.

From left, Julia Bentley, Christi Branscom, Sara Hedstrom Pinnell and Patricia Robledo. Julia was a co-chair of the Green Thumb Gala.

From left, Vicki Baumgartner, Robin Turner and Mimi Turner. Mimi was the other co-chair.

One of the very cool auction items.

I loved these botanical stepping stones. Unfortunately, living in a downtown condo, we have no place to use stepping stones!

Such a clever title on this collection of peonies!

Riley and Pandy Anderson.

John and Karen Kalec were considering this unusual chair offered in the silent auction.

Until John almost got stuck in it!

From left, Kay and Larry Leibowitz and Cathy and Mark Hill.

Keyes Williamson, the former executive director of the botanical garden, with Joan Ashe, the chair of the garden’s board. Keyes has moved back to Athens, Georgia, from whence he came, to accept a great job offer.

City Councilman Mark Campen, left, with David Butler, the executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art.

These were delicious passed hors d’oeuvres: butternut squash and sausage picks. It was a great fall flavor combination.

From left, Ben Pinnell and Kati and Jim Blalock.

From left, Alan Carmichael (my hubby), Tom Bright, Gary Bentley and UT President Joe DiPietro.

Allyn and John Schwartz.

Another cute silent auction item.

Ha! A boot full of flowers.

A Halloween elf?

U.S. Cellular’s Tom Catani, left, and Marga and Jay McBride.

Jeff Stanley, left, and Clarence Brown Theatre’s David Byrd.

Deb DiPietro made this stunning neck piece.

She finished it right before the party! I thought it was very appropriate.

From left, Stuart Worden, Mike Strickland and Jeff Talman.

It was a great crowd on a lovely night.

Volunteers spent plenty of “thyme” making these origami birds!

The tables were lovely.

The Moxley Carmichael table was number 13! But that didn’t scare us!

Mike Devoto is the acting executive director of the garden. He welcomed everyone.

At dinner time, the Old City Buskers moved onto the stage in the dining area. Home Federal Bank, a very generous community supporter — and our client — was the stage sponsor.

From left, Dr. Alan Solomon, Andrea Cartwright, Phyllis Nichols and Dr. Joe DiPietro.

The garden fig and arugula salad with lemon honey vinaigrette was delicious. Caterer was Rex Bradford Jones.

The pimento cheese biscuits were worth the cost of admission!

Michael Higdon, left, and Scott Bird were at our table. Scott is a vice president at Moxley Carmichael.

Jim and Phyllis Nichols joined us.

Hannah Parker, left, and Shaun Fulco, both of Moxley Carmichael.

Here’s Alan with Alice and Michael Wirth. He’s dean of the UT College of Communication and Information Sciences.

The entree was chicken breast stuffed with sage dressing and topped with a dijon cognac sauce. Sides were roasted sweet potatoes and herb grilled zucchini.

Here are Dick Krieg and Lin Christenberry.

Pamela and Dan Chips.

Cathy and City Councilman Dan Brown, who also is a former Knoxville mayor.

Joan and Victor Ashe with Karen Krieg, right. Victor, of course, is former Knoxville mayor and Ambassador to Poland.

Dessert: lemon thyme bars.

Lovely parting gifts were thyme plants with quotes about time.

And another.

A nearly full moon greeted us as we left.