It took two fabulous Fox Chapel gardens and a tent in between to hold the 300 guests who came to Party in the Garden May 29.

The benefit for the Botanic Garden of Western Pennsylvania was a preview for the upcoming Open Gardens Day, a tour of 18 gardens in Fox Chapel, Greensburg and Ligonier that will be held July 13. The incomparable beauty of a garden in full groom was on display during cocktails as guests roamed the spacious grounds that surround the homes of co-hosts Dick and Nancy Zappala and their neighbors, Karen and Ed DiPasquale.

Dinner was divine and served in a pretty summer setting of leafy linens and fresh flowers arranged by Jim Tomasits, a friend of chair Joan Mazur of North Carolina. Tallulah's Cafe prepared a wonderfully fresh menu that included paella, filet of beef, Moroccan vegetable ragout and fab pastries.

Helping to raise $90,000 was auctioneer Jim Roddey, one of many supporters who also came to honor Botanic Garden president Lindsey Totten as she was presented with a Ten 4 Ten Award by the Cultural Landscape Foundation.

First Published: June 7, 2008, 8:00 a.m.