“Glory in the Gardens” was a glorious finale

Upon arrival, guests were encouraged to explore the Garden before heading into the Dogwood Center for dinner. The visitor center, left, garden offices, and Howell family residence were the starting point.

Host committee members Sandra Kobelik, left, and Melissa Charles welcomed guests with cool drinks.

Evan Carawan, the son of famous folk singers Guy and Candie Carawan, was playing the hammered dulcimer.

Mingling on the patio.

More host committee members, Joyce Feld, left, and Maureen McBride, offered nibbles.

From left, guests Cheryl Light, Michael Searcy, and Alan Carmichael.

A lovely — and air conditioned — mingling area inside the Visitor Center.

These little phyllo tartlets were the perfect size! At top, jam and brie-filled tartlets; below, pimento cheese and bacon tartlets.

Sharon Moore, left, and Caitlin Wedekind. Sharon is executive director of the Botanical Garden.

Sean and Adele Sensing.

Host committee members Jon Cheek, left, and Bill Charles were tending bar.

Johnnie Creel, left, and Pandy Anderson in festive summer attire!

Alan venturing outside. The beautiful stonework, as much as anything, is what the Knoxville Botanical Garden is known for.

The stone terraces.

Another view.

Tom and Deanene Catani.

Deanene told me that members of the Howell family, back in the day, each liked their grilled meats cooked to a different temperature. So, they had these individual little stone hibachi-like coal pits built so that every family member could cook his or her food to their individual liking! What a great idea!

Knox Heritage Executive Director Christine Cloninger and host committee member Nic Nicaud.

Some flowers were in bloom despite the heat.

Pretty.

Sharon Moore said this is a neighborhood kitty. The horticulture team helps take care of her. Says Sharon, “She talks to the team all the time and quite loudly, but she will not let them near her. We have all tried.” Sweet.

This bench is named in honor of the late Betsey Bush, an avid Knoxville gardener and community supporter.

These round stone gatehouses are a signature element of the Botanical Garden. Historians think they were intended to show off the talent of the garden’s stone masons.

A pretty pathway to the stone greenhouse.

Here it is. A great gathering space for event planners to keep in mind.

A new “legacy garden” is under construction. It will, Sharon said, “pay tribute to the horticulture legacy of the Howell Family and the historic Howell Nurseries.”

Here’s something special to Alan and me. We purchased a stone bench there in memory of my grandmother and Alan’s mother, both flower lovers.

As we were headed to the Dogwood Center and dinner, we passed our friends Polly and Daryl Johnson.

Debbie and Mike Emery outside the Dogwood Center.

Host committee members Melissa and Chad Tindell were prepared to welcome folks into dinner!

What beautiful summer table settings.

Molly Grieve showing me that they have my favorite beverage — Pinot Grigio. Molly was standing in for her parents, host committee members Duane and Marsha Grieve, who were home recovering from COVID. They are well now, thank goodness.

Host committee member Sheryl Ely.

Host committee members Joan and Victor Ashe.

Time to sit! Two of our tablemates were James Reca and Tammie Morgan.

Chuckie Kirby and Ted Smith sat with us, too!

Rounding out our fun table: Emily and Jerry Lenn. She always travels with a Tide Stick — and uses it on Jerry most nights!

Kristen Faerber and Jeff Scheafnocker.

Deborah Franklin, left, and Kim Henry.

Charlie and Alice Mercer.

Kevin Murphy, left, and Carson Kirby.

Martha Kern and John Niceley.

Eight-five happy people.

Something I learned that night: if you have volunteers serving the buffet instead of letting each person serve him or herself, the line moves a LOT faster!

The menu, clockwise from top left: Summer vinaigrette party salad, California ramen chicken salad, French bean potato salad, maple-glazed chicken, smoked pork, handmade buttermilk black pepper biscuits, and strawberry feta spinach salad. Yum!

I think Victor Ashe has a back-up job in case this political thing doesn’t work out! He was a great wine steward!

Host committee members Nissa Dahlin-Brown, left, and Susan Dominick.

Host committee members Susan Snider, left, and Susie Hunter.

Dessert was fresh blueberry crisp, Ghiradelli chocolate chip pecan bars, and UT Creamery ice cream cups.

Jerry and Emily Lenn with Alan Carmichael, right, at the end of a great evening.