OUTDOORSPhotos: A look around Elin Johnson’s Sweetwater gardenShade 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 SentinelNo CreditMany varieties of hostas share space off the patio in Johnson's back yard.No CreditThe hosta on the right, 'Curly Fries,' is this year's Hosta of the Year.No CreditVisitors 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.No CreditA 'Chief Joseph' pine shares a pot with 'Angelina' sedum.No CreditHosta 'Rainforeset Sunrise'No CreditA Japanese maple just off Johnson's patio started as a tiny seedling accidentally shipped with some ferns she'd ordered.No CreditElin JohnsonNo CreditElin Johnson's front yard is partially fenced for the benefit of her dog, Sparky.No Credit'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.No CreditA view of the back yard.No CreditSedum 'Brilliant' prepares to turn colors in Johnson's back yard.No CreditA hosta variety called 'Praying Hands'No CreditThai basil's purple spikes attract bees and butterflies.No CreditA caramel heuchera survives the heat in the shady spot.No CreditElin Johnson points out a late-blooming day lily in her front garden.No CreditBeautyberry shrub is full of berries preparing to turn purple.No Credit