Winter Garden aGlow

Winter Garden aGlow 2009 is in full swing. I know I probably say this every year, but I think this is the best one yet. Each year I am amazed at the creativity the Garden Staff and volunteers show with the artful arrangement of lights. It truly looks spectacular!

A big thank you goes out to the volunteers who show up each night and help with the many jobs necessary to keep Winter Garden aGlow running smoothly and give the visitors the best possible experience. Volunteers take admission, greet visitors, hand out cookies and hot cocoa, and keep the bonfires burning on cold winter nights. Thank you!

We would also like to thank our volunteer performers. We had a fantastic response to our call for performers ---from individuals to school choirs and orchestras. Live music is such a wonderful addition and helps create a festive holiday atmosphere for our visitors. Thank you!

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Winter Garden aGlow yet, we are open every night from 6 – 9 pm through January 11th.

Scarecrow Stroll 2009 Winners!

There are many reasons why fall is a beautiful time to venture out into the Garden. As Ann mentioned in the last entry, the leaves have turned brilliant shades of orange, red and yellow and against a clear blue sky, they boldly announce the changing season in the Treasure Valley. Preparation and excitement for winter and our Winter Garden aGlow event is also felt as lights are strung in elaborate designs throughout the Garden trees and décor. And for a second year, there was another reason to enjoy the Garden during the autumn months, the return of our Scarecrow Stroll!

Twenty-four scarecrows peeked around bushes and trees, welcoming guests throughout October. Created by local businesses, organizations and families, these scarecrows were each unique and artfully designed. I was very impressed by this year's turnout and the creative ways each scarecrow was decorated! Not only were they a festive addition to the Garden, but they also delighted hundreds of children and guests who strolled through on field trips and visits. Each guest had a chance to vote for their favorite crow and the contest began!

Now that this year’s stroll has ended, the votes have been tallied and we are ready to announce the 2009 Scarecrow Stroll winners!



1st Place goes to “Nyla the Nature Nymph” created by the Brandsma Family.




With so many fabulous scarecrows, it was hard to pick just one!



2nd Place: “Shine on Harvest Moon” by Hibbs Kids

3rd Place: “Boise Foothill Dog Walker” by Lois and Sonya Lenzi

Honorable Mention: “Miss Piggy” by the Community Work Center

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Scarecrow Stroll!

2009 Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series

Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal put on a fantastic show at the Garden last night! They delighted over 3,000 concert-goers with their enthusiastic performance and their humor.

Even the weather cooperated - the forecast for the evening was for a hot night, but a light cloud cover helped cool the crowd and seating on Outlaw Field offered unobstructed views of the colorful sunset and the moon rising over Table Rock.

Thanks to the more than 40 volunteers who helped make this night a huge success! Volunteers helped direct cars to parking, directed pedestrian traffic, provided information at IBG’s membership table, checked tickets, assisted with the bike corral, and served as Garden monitors. Volunteers were also able to take time and enjoy the concert too. Thanks again!

We are looking forward to the next concert in the Outlaw Field Concert Series, Michael Franti and Spearhead. They will be performing at the Garden on September 22nd at 7 pm. Tickets are $35 for General Admission and $45 for Preferred General Admission. Tickets are available through Ticketweb online at http://www.ticketweb.com/ or by phone (800) 965-4827, in person at The Knitting Factory Concert House in downtown Boise, and in person at the Idaho Botanical Garden’s Administration Office.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Michael Franti concert or any of our other events, please contact Karen at (208) 343-8649 or karen@idahobotanicalgarden.org