Jumpstart Before It’s Too Late

Get your season on! Photo: Randy Savage

If you haven’t caught the spirit of the season yet, you may need a jumpstart by now.  After all, it is mid-December.  That’s okay because it has been an extra-stressful year.  But a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden “Garden Lights” extravaganza could give you the “snap out of it” you need to get  into the season before it’s too late.

As soon as you turn into the entrance to go park, the lights and colors will make your eyes pop out.  It’s a surreal experience walking through the air among massive tree trunks wrapped in bright blue, fuchsia and green on the Canopy Walk.  The Edible Garden is more whimsical with gigantic charged-up bees and butterflies and the St. Nick of the insect world, Santamantis.  The Great Lawn boasts a flock of gargantuan glowing Christmas tree ornaments performing to favorite holiday tunes.

The most intriguing thing is that all of this is set against the backdrop of the Midtown skyline, which lit up at night just adds another layer of magic.  Tip:  you can best experience this in the Parterre area.

There really aren’t words to describe the experience, so if all you can come up with are “Wow” and “OMG” and “Cool beans” that’s okay.  Just don’t miss it.  It’s one of the happiest holiday things to do in the ATL.

Moonshine, Anyone?

Just ice water...for now.

This Thursday’s  Cocktails in the Garden series at the Atlanta Botanical Garden might be the most intriguing ever.  The theme “Moonflowers and Moonshine” sounds just magical, in a Southern backwoods kind of way.  Sort of like unicorns and shotguns.

Evidently July’s cocktail of the month will be Moonshine, available 6-10 pm on Thursday evenings along with groovin’ DJ sounds of Lethal Rhythms.   So, you can enjoy the intoxicating beauty of the Garden while swigging your jar of Moonshine (I’m not sure it will be served in a Mason jar, but wouldn’t that be lovely).   The Garden’s cocktail Thursdays are one of the most refreshing things to do in the ATL.   It is after all “the most beautiful cocktail party” in Atlanta.   There will be some suitable bites to soak up the hooch so you don’t lose your cookies in the hydrangeas.  Note from your mother:  imbibe in moderation and remember to leave the Garden for others to enjoy after you.

In actuality, I am certain the Moonshine will be a much more refined version of the Appalachian black market classic.  And I am doubly certain that the scenery will be even better.  Tip:  arrive just before dark to catch the sunset and evening cool-down.

Then flow with the moon, if you dare…

Woodland Gnomes at the Garden

The Gnomes of Storza Woods

Last weekend I participated in a collaborative home-building effort at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

But not for people, for Gnomes.  I volunteered to help with Woodland Weekends at the Garden, which offers up fun and interesting children’s activities.  I reported for duty and was assigned the Gnome Home craft and handed a box of assorted sticks, leaves and pine cones.  My mission was to enlist kids visiting the Garden to build a home of natural materials suitable for the Gnomes of the Storza Woods.  Intriguing.

Fortunately these Gnomes were only a couple of inches tall, so verticality wasn’t an issue.  I did a pretty good job as Chief Architect, but it was inspiring to see (and remember) what kids can do with a stick and a couple of pieces of bark.   We quickly ran out of the supplies in the box and had to gather more building material from the woods (oops, I hope that was okay…).  Over the course of three hours, we had expanded a basic teepee structure to include a deck, garage and  sun room.

Enjoying the Sun Room

Quite a few guests – some of them international –  thought it was an intriguing photo-op, so I’m sure there are artful images of the Gnome Home on other blogs across the web.

The Gnomes seemed pleased.

Natural Mood Enhancers at the Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is full of natural mood enhancers.

One of many intriguing things about the Atlanta Botanical Garden is that you can always find a spot to fulfill your desired state of mind.  Besides being one of the most stress-reducing and energizing destinations in the ATL, the Garden is constantly changing and emerging with new plant-life, so each spot offers different moods at different times.  Here is a handy guide to coming down from the workday, inspiring a date or going for a complete overhaul at the Garden.

Work release – the Japanese Garden, a little off the beaten path often with private seating available.

Romance – the swing overlooking the Parterre with an unexpected view of the ATL midtown skyline (best shared).

Exploration – the Southern Garden with its winding trail and curious birds; also the Canopy Walk through the trees.

Smile-inducement – the Children’s Garden and Bullfrog Pond (note:  to enjoy the Children’s Garden without the children, go weekday afternoon/evenings).

Total attitude adjustment – all of the above plus the Orchid exhibit in the Fuqua Conservatory.  Ever wonder why there are societies of devoted orchid lovers?  They know:  negative thoughts stall out in the presence of these exquisite forms with their stunning colors and intoxicating fragrance. If that doesn’t swing your mood in the right direction, check out the yoga classes.   Beyond that you may have to consider a less natural route.

Adjust your attitude with some natural beauty.