Holiday Lights.

The Botanical Garden's holiday light festival has been on my must-see list for several years (I was surprised this was "only" its sixth season...seems like I've been wanting to go for at least ten!) and yesterday, along with my mom and sister, I went.

We planned to get there when it opened at 5:00pm so we could see a little of the garden before it got dark (sunset here is about 5:30pm). And what with Atlanta traffic and all, we left my house at 2:45 and enjoyed a leisurely late lunch at a restaurant close to the garden entrance. All that planning paid off - we were there just before 5:00 and it was perfect.

The camellias were beautiful.

Early evening light is also flattering on faces!

I was struck by how well the garden has adapted to the changing seasons*. My favorite places are just as beautiful without all the green.

and of course the lights give them (and us!) plenty of opportunity to play!

The garden staff (some paid, some volunteer) were most obliging to take photos.

The woman who took this one commented on our mother daughter night out and how we should cherish the time; her mother passed away this fall. It's certainly not a great picture of us, but in the spirit of the evening, I'm including it!

That poinsettia tree was the centerpiece of a stunning indoor exhibit with orchids, paper whites and amaryllis

I'm not sure why I didn't take more photos (but I'm sure you get the idea)!

When we came back outside, it was full-on dark ... and the lights were definitely putting on the show.

It was a beautiful evening!

...and we woke up this morning to rain! our first since early October. So glad we visited yesterday... I have a feeling things won't look nearly as pretty today (those camellias!!!)

Off to get ready for another Tuesday with Charlie (and one last visit with my mom). Happy Tuesday!

*Here are the posts from my  May and September visits to give you an idea of late spring and summer.