Story and photography By Marcy Anderson Sanford

Garden lovers donned their finest white clothes and flower crowns to celebrate the longest day of the year at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum’s Summer Solstice Celebration. The evening began with cocktails on the terrace surrounded by garden’s beautiful blooming trees and flowers. Guests had time to mingle, tour the gardens and marvel at the beautiful paintings being created on site before enjoying a seasonal supper in the Dogwood Center. The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a nonprofit, public garden located on 44 acres of the former Howell Nurseries. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Garden features walking trails, display gardens, unique and historic horticulture, timeless buildings and over two miles of distinctive stone walls. Located just five minutes from downtown, the Garden is free and open to the public every day of the year thanks to the generous support of members and contributors.