OUTDOORS

Photos: A look around Elin Johnson’s Sweetwater garden

Shade plants thrive beneath a Japanese cherry in Elin Johnson's back yard, despite the rugged 90-degree temperatures. The large yellow hosta near the center of the photo is 'Dandy Lion.' Photos by Susan Alexander/News Sentinel
Shade plants thrive beneath a Japanese cherry in Elin Johnson's back yard, despite the rugged 90-degree temperatures. The large yellow hosta near the center of the photo is 'Dandy Lion.' Photos by Susan Alexander/News Sentinel
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Many varieties of hostas share space off the patio in Johnson's back yard.
Many varieties of hostas share space off the patio in Johnson's back yard.
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The hosta on the right, 'Curly Fries,' is this year's Hosta of the Year.
The hosta on the right, 'Curly Fries,' is this year's Hosta of the Year.
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Visitors to Elin Johnson's home outside of Sweetwater are greeted with a garden bed at the end of the driveway containing perennials and conifers. In mid-August it swarmed with bees and butterflies.
Visitors to Elin Johnson's home outside of Sweetwater are greeted with a garden bed at the end of the driveway containing perennials and conifers. In mid-August it swarmed with bees and butterflies.
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A 'Chief Joseph' pine shares a pot with 'Angelina' sedum.
A 'Chief Joseph' pine shares a pot with 'Angelina' sedum.
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Hosta 'Rainforeset Sunrise'
Hosta 'Rainforeset Sunrise'
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A Japanese maple just off Johnson's patio started as a tiny seedling accidentally shipped with some ferns she'd ordered.
A Japanese maple just off Johnson's patio started as a tiny seedling accidentally shipped with some ferns she'd ordered.
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Elin Johnson
Elin Johnson
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Elin Johnson's front yard is partially fenced for the benefit of her dog, Sparky.
Elin Johnson's front yard is partially fenced for the benefit of her dog, Sparky.
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'Tennessee Waltz,' at center, was recognized at the 2008 district conference of the Dixie Region of the American Hosta Society held in Nashville. 'Thunder Boomer' is the variety to the right.
'Tennessee Waltz,' at center, was recognized at the 2008 district conference of the Dixie Region of the American Hosta Society held in Nashville. 'Thunder Boomer' is the variety to the right.
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A view of the back yard.
A view of the back yard.
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Sedum 'Brilliant' prepares to turn colors in Johnson's back yard.
Sedum 'Brilliant' prepares to turn colors in Johnson's back yard.
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A hosta variety called 'Praying Hands'
A hosta variety called 'Praying Hands'
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Thai basil's purple spikes attract bees and butterflies.
Thai basil's purple spikes attract bees and butterflies.
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A caramel heuchera survives the heat in the shady spot.
A caramel heuchera survives the heat in the shady spot.
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Elin Johnson points out a late-blooming day lily in her front garden.
Elin Johnson points out a late-blooming day lily in her front garden.
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Beautyberry shrub is full of berries preparing to turn purple.
Beautyberry shrub is full of berries preparing to turn purple.
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