Before the rains came it was a glorious summer evening for sipping a s'more-tini and marveling at the beauty of Shannon's Garden.

"The garden is a miracle," said master gardener and co-host of the evening, Sherri Wilson. A few years ago Sherri and Gary Wilson lost their young daughter, Shannon, in a tragic accident, but June 21 they celebrated her memory and shared her garden during the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania's 17th annual Secret Garden Party.

The Wilsons hosted the event at their Fox Chapel home, which was the best attended in years, with nearly 400 guests being shuttled from the parking area to the party via Molly's Trollys.

Patty Casey chaired the event, while Lucila Andrich took care of decorations. Jim Roddey acted as emcee and auctioneer, competing with occasional thunder claps and downpours.

Tents kept everyone cozy and dry with a great spread by Common Plea, while Kelsey Friday and her band entertained. Reveling during the summer solstice were Bob and Betsy Kampmeinert, Lucie and David Massaro, Nancy Fales, Craig and Jamie Patrick, Steven Senoviel with Debra Gugliuzza, Mia and Joel Bernard, and auction chair Emily Fawcett.