....that I devoted my time to volunteering at the botanical gardens. There were still lots of tins of yummy home-made cookies for sale today, as well as a number of beautiful fresh greenery wreaths for people to purchase and enjoy over the holidays. The farmhouse was fragrantly festive with the delicious aroma of cider simmering on the stove. Choirs singing holiday favorites on the back steps, and photo ops with Santa in the old fashioned sleigh with iron runners.
Something new this year, that was sure to be a big success was a luminary walk through the area of the gardens that is planted with winter blooming camellias. A local retired banker, who is obviously a big fan of the imported plants, has traveled the world searching out, collecting, and purchasing a variety of beautiful bloomers to donate/plant in a dedicated area that is nothing but specimen plants. There are hundreds of juvenile camellia plants that will be watered and cared for over the coming years on a hillside that has been designed and landscaped specifically for that purpose. Complimented with a beautiful fountain and winding paved paths meandering through the filtered shade of tall pines for visitors to stroll and enjoy all those unusual evergreen shrubs with multicolored flowers.
I did not stay until it got dark, when the hundreds of luminaries would be most effective, but imagine it was a beautiful sight. After seeing neighborhoods over the years with streets lined with glowing candles in paper bags, I can envision what a treat it must have been. Hoping there will be photos posted of the scene for the ones who were not onsite to view and enjoy.
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