Embracing the Holiday Spirit
Greetings to all the garden enthusiasts at GPOD!
As the holiday season draws near, thoughts often turn to cozy indoor celebrations, shopping for gifts, and cherished moments with family and friends.
Yet, winter offers so many wonderful outdoor experiences waiting to be explored.
From admiring the glimmering lights on neighborhood houses to strolling through beautifully decorated parks, there’s a refreshing joy to be found outside.
This week, we celebrate the magical Garden d’Lights event at the Bellevue Botanical Garden in Bellevue, Washington, through the eyes of devoted volunteer Cleo Raulerson.
The Magic of Garden d’Lights
You may recognize Cleo from her recent participation in the autumn garden tour.
Each year, she dedicates her time to making this spectacular event come alive.
With more than 500,000 twinkling lights, Garden d’Lights transforms the botanical garden into a fantastical paradise, vividly depicting plants, animals, and gracefully flowing waterfalls against the backdrop of nature’s beauty.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the festival, which anticipates attracting around 70,000 visitors over its 31-night run.
For those wishing to experience the magic, it’s important to note that tickets are available online only, as they cannot be purchased at the venue.
Cleo leads a committed group of volunteers who contribute over 6,400 hours a year to this effort.
Together, they handle everything from conceptualizing and building the light displays to installing and maintaining them.
Cleo notes that their creations aim to capture the spirit of various plants, allowing for imaginative interpretations in size and color—much less focused on strict botanical accuracy or the blooming seasons.
A Gratitude Note
A heartfelt thanks goes out to Cleo and her team for their stunning light displays! The artistry involved in crafting these glowing flowers and leaves from lights is nothing short of amazing.
The captivating installations will illuminate the Bellevue Botanical Garden until December 31st, making this an excellent outing for anyone in the Seattle area looking to soak in some festive cheer before the year ends.
Wishing all GPOD readers a season filled with joy! Regardless of how you celebrate or what traditions you hold dear, may this time be a chance for reflection on the past year and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Source: Finegardening