Story and photography by Marcy Anderson Sanford

Guests gathered at the Green Thumb Gala to celebrate and support the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. During the festive cocktail hour, guests mingled and perused the silent auction items which included a luxury escape to the Bahamas, a boat cruise on the Tennessee River, an angler adventure in the Florida Keys and much more. The event included a seated dinner, live entertainment and a live auction. 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.