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Mermaid Close For centuries, British townsfolk have found haven from noise and traffic within restful “closes” or cloistered gardens. You can also on this spring day in a unique, eclectic garden within the heart of Bearden in Knoxville. Our host is a University of Tennessee professor of religious studies and anthropology. In this special place and in inimitable fashion, she has incorporated many meaningful artifacts from her global travels. Two times are scheduled for visiting: Choose the earlier and savor a true English Tea close by the whimsical Winnie the Pooh Garden where smaller visitors can picture Christopher Robin and Friends playing among plants and figurines. Or come later in the evening and enjoy more grown-up drinks and delicacies also inspired by the hostess’s British heritage. Undoubtedly, the savoring of Stilton cheese and pear mousse, cucumber sandwiches, Kedgeree (a fish dish) and trifle (a British dessert) complemented by sherry or Pimm’s No. 1 Cup in the candlelit secret garden promise an unforgettable evening. A special guest will be the architect, Ben Garlington, who worked with Dr. Hackett to construct this intriguing and enchanting space. Host: Blossoms, Imagine the ethereal sounds of a performing string quartet wafting among the lavish colors and scents of this lovely landscape, and you will understand why nature and fine music can so perfectly complement one another. Add a luscious brunch of savory coffees, teas, warm breads, flaky pastries and seasonal fresh fruits for a morning that will be a highlight of the season. This property is ideal for strolling and harvesting ideas from its shade and sun gardens with a plethora of shrubs, perennials and outstanding examples of container gardening. Our hosts are outstanding supporters of their community as well. Visitors coming to Oak Ridge for this special event (as well as city residents) will appreciate the “bonus” gift of a same-day pass to see the permanent and traveling exhibits in the American Museum of Science and Energy, termed a “Gem” attraction by the AAA tour book. Music provided by the Oak Ridge High School Orchestra’s String Quartet. Hosts: Aguamar This magnificent property in South Knoxville was on the Secret Garden Tour in 2001, but if you haven’t seen it in a few years, there are many new gardens, plantings and features to explore. You will want to join the many garden publications and television shows that have recently beat a path to this spectacular garden. The most striking feature as you walk down the driveway is the abundance of water in every guise. The large pond in front of the home is lined with stones, and a six-foot tall wall of large boulders rambles down from the site’s highest elevation. The new boulder-and-conifer garden serves as the gateway to the rest of the garden with Crabtree Orchard boulders stacked to form entirely natural steps through sedums and other rare low-growing and miniature plants. Several new structures and sculptures set off shade plantings and additional ponds and waterfalls on multiple levels. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served on the patio overlooking this expansive landscape. Please wear comfortable shoes to safely walk the many steps and terraces. Hosts: Locavore The word “carnivore” is familiar, of ten used to describe predatory wolves, and sausage-laden pizzas. But “locavore”? It is a new one—proclaimed word of the year for 2007 by the New Oxford American Dictionary—and it means someone who prefers to eat food that is locally grown. Perhaps no one in our community exemplifies this new, yet quite old “trend,” better than the hosts of this event, University of Tennessee professors who personally champion the joys and benefits of organic farming and edible landscaping at their home. Well known as generous and ebullient hosts for family and social gatherings that feature both exceptional food and conversation, they love to share their experiences and insights on living the “vida loca,” as celebrated by author Barbara Kingsolver in her bestseller Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: a Year of Food Life. Salads from fresh garden produce, homemade bread from home-ground flour, local cheeses and wine are on the menu. Dedicated gourmands and innovative gardeners alike will not dare to miss this delightful afternoon at the couple’s beautiful ridge top home in East Knoxville overlooking magnificent vistas of the Holston River Valley and the Smokies. Hosts:
Penfield's Little Acre Morning brunch in West Knoxville in an exquisitely cultivated setting of stone bordered walkways, raised parterres, gravel paths, brick walls and thoughtfully presented in-ground and container gardens. So many sights and sounds to make note of—be sure to bring your camera! But leave time, too, for finding a quiet spot in the garden to enjoy the luscious brunch. Enjoy a made-to-order omelet, fresh fruits, and an assortment of freshly baked breakfast breads. Hosts:
Williamsburg Woods Fifty years of loving labor have produced a quietly impressive series of gardens boasting varying themes in this amazing five acre setting. Our hosts have created their own version of Williamsburg in Hardin Valley in west Knox County. The landscaping is so remarkable that it was photographed for the Smithsonian Archives. See it for yourself: Wander the brick walled formal gardens and the mysterious bamboo forests. Pause at the lovely gazebo. After exploring the landscape, sit down to a full-course, convivial Williamsburg-themed dinner. Hosts:
Frogs & Ferns Celebrate summer’s official beginning cooled by the abundant green shade of gently waving fronds in this garden, sheltered by towering trees and featuring native and garden species of every size and variety. Tiny trails wind through the bewitching landscape, accented by intimate spaces and imaginative decorative elements. Many feature frogs, those throaty, ancient denizens of secret woodland gardens. Special guest expert Andy Sessions will speak about garden and native fern varieties and their siting and care in private gardens. Ms. Sessions studied at the University of Tennessee while three fern specialists served on the faculty, and she wrote her master’s thesis on the subject. She now is co-owner of Sunlight Gardens in Andersonville, Tennessee, and will offer selected ferns and complementary plants for sale at this event. Summery wines and select cheeses will provide refreshment for guests. Water, Water The grounds of Modern Design Landscaping in Friendsville are the site for this educational and enjoyable evening. See their showcase property and witness how water features such as ponds, fountains, streams and waterfalls can make your garden a restful retreat for your friends and business associates as well as a beckoning oasis for you and your family. Nothing equals the peace and refreshment of flowing water, greenery and scented blossoms. At the same time, learn how you can enhance your property with a 30-minute seminar on water gardening by resident expert John Adams. Enjoy bountiful hors d’oeuvres and wine while exploring the property. Host: Breakfast At An extraordinary opportunity to visit this renowned, private garden spot in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains in Walland, Tennessee. Consistently proclaimed one of the world’s finest resorts by food and wine lovers and respected travel publications, the 4,200 acre Blackberry Farm has extended the Friends a special invitation in support of the University Gardens’ Silver Anniversary Year. Attendees of this event will be the first group ever given the opportunity to visit and tour the Farmstead, the heart of the resort. Facilities include the gardens, where much of the food for the award winning menu is grown, plus the barn, dairy, jammery, preservation kitchen, butchery, smokehouse and pastures. The tour will be led by Blackberry Farm gardeners Jeff Ross and John Coykendall. Executive Chef Peter Glander will work his magic with the Farmstead’s ultimate in fresh, local fare for the breakfast, served al fresco on the lovely grounds. Bus transportation will be provided for all, departing promptly from the University of Tennessee Gardens at 7:30 a.m. and returning at 1:00 p.m. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and cool, casual clothing. Host: Penrose Farm In thriving West Knoxville, surrounded by suburban development, lie the 130 verdant acres of Penrose Farm, now conserved for all time from similar infringement. The working horse farm, with its panoramic views of the high ridges of the Tennessee Valley, has been granted a conservation easement in partnership with the Foothills Land Conservancy. That means no residential or commercial development on the property—ever. “I have always been taught,” says our host, “to be a good steward of the land, and what we have been blessed to have.” Penrose Farm is one of 24 tracts in 4,000 acres placed under easement in 2007. The group’s executive director, Bill Clabough, will make a brief presentation on the Conservancy’s mission and work. Since its beginning in 1961, Penrose Farm has gained a reputation as the preeminent horse farm in East Tennessee, exhibiting and teaching horseback riding at all levels. Featured on this late summer evening will be a demonstration of equitation by the farm’s riders on the high pasture near the main house. Penrose, a family name, means in Cornish “head of the valley,” an apt description of the views from the stone terraces and gardens surrounding the homesite. Hearty hors d’oeuvres, wine and cocktails will be served. Host: Oliver Ridge An old renovated farmhouse in a picturesque rural location is the setting for this evening’s can’t miss event near Oak Ridge. Many new water features have been designed and set into the landscape by well known authority Mark Fuhrman, who will be a featured guest at the party. Savor wines and cheeses and other delectables while exploring the gazebo, three large, adjacent ponds, the carefully tended heritage vegetable gardens, fenced formal flower beds, and many perennial beds in this immense and lovely country acreage. Hosts: Silver Serving A festive seated dinner exclusively for Silver Anniversary Friends of the University Gardens at the architecturally distinguished home of University of Tennessee President Dr. John Petersen and his wife Carol will follow the formal dedication of the Friendship Plaza of the University Gardens. Silver Anniversary Friends have donated $2,500 or more in support of the University Gardens during 2007-2008 to acknowledge this landmark occasion of their 25th anniversary (1983-2008). Silver Anniversary Friends are also permanently recognized on the marble donor wall in the Friendship Plaza of the Gardens. We invite you to join their number by contacting the Silver Anniversary Committee Chair, Posey Congleton, at 865-588-6273. The Petersens are longtime, enthusiastic supporters of the Gardens as a part of the quality of life in our community, and the Friends are immensely grateful for their generosity and support. This will be a most elegant evening in the tradition of so many that have been enjoyed at this beautiful property overlooking the river on Cherokee Boulevard in Sequoyah Hills. Hosts: |
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