An Atlanta Christmas Light Look Back

     After a busy, productive, and dare I say stressful fall semester for us Public Hort. folks, we took off on a day and night trip to enjoy the Atlanta Botanical Gardens once again.  This time, however, it was to celebrate Christmas together and enjoy their "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights" exhibit.  But, before our evening stroll in the garden we stopped for a late lunch at Mary Mac's Tea Room in downtown Atlanta (recommend by Dr. Williams - expert in all things culinary).  They specialize in classic southern home cookin' complete with favorites such as pot liquor, chicken fried chicken, Arnold Palmer lemonade, and peanut butter pie.  Mmmmmm!!!

     Following our extended stay around Mary Mac's dining room table, we had a couple of hours of daylight to burn before entering the garden, so we pre-gamed at Piedmont Park adjacent to Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  Mock tree ID quizzes were given between Seth, Kira, and I while Dr. R, Hilary and Hanna took turns chauffeuring baby Ethan around the lake, playground, and soccer fields.  It was a nice afternoon despite being a crispy, chill winter's day.

     Then, as the sun began to set, we made our way to the garden entrance.  "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights" is the Atlanta Botanical Garden's annual christmas light presentation that features lighted gardens, shiny structures, poinsettia trees, hot cocoa with s'mores, Christmas carolers and more.  It's a walk-thru experience that takes you through lots of different holiday themed displays filled with music, campfire smoke, Christmas cheer, and that jolly ole elf himself.  Here's just a sample of what they create:

Blue tree tunnel.

Sometimes poinsettias do grow on trees.

We loved the vegetable garden.

Panorama of main lawn.

Christmas Cobra

Sidewalk Starlight

'Earth Goddess' in blue

     Everyone loved this time together following the fall semester before Christmas break!  Botanical Garden trips like this one are always fun ways to bring us closer together as group.  It translates into us working better as a team when it comes time to get group projects done and makes our time in Public Horticulture all the more memorable.  I'm looking forward to this semester and the various things we'll be working on throughout the Spring.  Makes sure to check back in weekly to hear the latest news on what each of us is doing!