WINTER LIGHTS

This past Wednesday evening we volunteered at the Arboretum at their evening Winter Lights event that started 11/22 and runs through early January.  

The welcome center is the Baker Building and it was nicely decorated for the season with large snowflakes suspended from the ceiling, snowflake lights projected on a bare wall, and a large lighted tree near the fireplace decorated with ornaments made of twigs and nuts and other natural findings.

We had a "cushy" job.  We sat at the table you can sort of see in the bottom of the photo above and greeted ticket holders and helped them with wristbands and questions.

We did have a bit of time before the event began to wander the grounds and nearly an hour toward the end, after admissions had dwindled down.  One of the perks of working is a free hot beverage at the cafe in the Education Building, so we strolled and visited, picked up our drink, and then worked our way back through the displays.

Most of these photos were taken with just my phone and at dusk, so they really don't do the event justice, but they do give you a sample of what to expect.

The open space just outside the Baker Center had a collection of these interesting formations made out of two liter bottles of water!  They were quite impressive. 

Here's a bit of an overview of that area.

And there were many of these interesting white sprays of light.

The central garden was lovely and I actually think the little bit of light in the dusk sky enhances this picture.

 The quilt garden looked especially nice with this chevron pattern.  The lights stayed on constantly the evening we were there, but I was told that it was choreographed to actually light up different sections at a time.  I can't imagine that would make it look any better, though.

 Taking photos of people was a little problematic, since the lights tended to confuse the camera sensor, but here is a photo of me with my volunteer neck gear within an arch of blue lights and snowflakes.

 Many of the trees were nearly totally covered with light and there were even a few faux trees in the bonsai garden.

 Here's another shot taken at dusk that shows a corner of the quilt garden and a cluster of green foliage.

Another feature that is debuting at the Winter Lights is a train on a very elaborate display a level below the walkable garden.  Lighting was poor for taking pictures, but it was an impressive display with a lighted village, several bridges and two trains.  The photo below shows both engines passing just in front of the bridge.  During the orientation we were told that this G gauge train was donated and the engineer on duty said that the staff worked out the logistics of the display which they hope will be able to be used intermittently during the rest of the year.  It's nice and seasonal to see it at night, but I for one would like to see it in daylight, too.

We will volunteer again in a couple of weeks and that evening we will be at the fire pit, helping people make 'scores and keep warm.  Looking forward to it!