November 27, 2024 | By Caitlin Conner 

This Thanksgiving, the team at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has a lot to be thankful for. We’re in the midst of our busiest time of year, with Holidays in the Garden opening to the public on Friday. From the The Trailhead Store to our expanse of Piedmont Prairie to the miles of trails that surround the Garden, we spend each day surrounded by nature and its beauty. This beauty is maintained and enhanced by our talented Horticulture team, who have been working hard to nurture the property to grow and evolve to its highest potential. Their hard work is reflected in the awe and wonder inspired by this year’s Holidays at the Garden light display, which we’re thankful to offer to the public for an evening of magic.

 

What else are we thankful for?

  • A warm beverage at the Trailhead Store.
  • The cozy holiday décor spread throughout the Visitor Pavilion and Great Hall.
  • A brisk walk down our sprawling trails as the temperatures dip, taking in the peace and serenity of winter.

Most of all? We’re thankful to foster a community of members, guests, donors, and volunteers dedicated to the conservation and celebration of natural spaces like DSBG. A great example of this community happened on Friday, November 22 at our Member Preview Night.

Member Preview Night is a heartfelt thank you to our members for their year-round support. It gives them the opportunity to experience Holidays at the Garden a week before it opens to the public free of charge. It’s a wonderful way to get our members of all ages together for a festive celebration of nature and the holidays.

Membership Manager Brittney Speaks filled us in on why Member Preview Night is so important: “Member Preview Night is our way of expressing gratitude to each of our members who make up our Garden community. It’s our gift to them—a special evening to kick off the holiday season together and celebrate the magic of the Garden’s dazzling lights before the official event begins!

There’s truly nothing better than seeing their bright, joyful faces filled with excitement and anticipation. For me personally, this night holds a special place in my heart. It’s a rare opportunity to see so many of our members in one place, as they share this moment with their friends, families, and loved ones.
 
What makes my role at the Garden so meaningful is the chance to connect with each and every one of our members. Whether it’s a quick hello at the entrance or a shared laugh, or awe over a display, these moments remind me of the unique and supportive community we’ve built together. Member Preview Night is a celebration of that connection, and it fills my heart with gratitude every year.
 
Thank you to our members for being part of our Garden family and for sharing your love of nature and the holidays with us. It’s truly a joy and an honor to celebrate with you during this magical season.”

This year’s Member Preview Night proved to do just that. During the event, we asked some of our members why they are thankful to be a part of the DSBG community/being able to experience Holidays at the Garden. Here’s what they had to say:

“This is our first Christmas outing as a family. [Holidays at the Garden] gives us the space to do that.” – Jeannette and Austin Cundiff with new baby Addison

“It’s really nice to see everything with my family.” – Ryleigh (pictured in the middle)

“We’re been members from the beginning, and it’s been a blessing to watch it grow. There’s always something new to look at, so we come every season. We’re really appreciative of the care the Garden gets from volunteers and staff. It’s always a great experience.” – Ellen and Bob Cinq-Mars

“I’m thankful to bring my kids and let them run around in the Lost Hollow. It’s always beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing. I love all the different exciting displays.” – Rachel Branagan

“There are many opportunities to enjoy different varieties of plants. We love coming with our family and grandkids. It’s a unique space and experience for all generations to enjoy.” – Dan and Linda Bargar

“We love Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens because we homeschool and we love coming to see what’s new. The kids love to nature journal and go into the conservatory to see all the plants and the mist coming down. At Christmas it’s magical, we love Scarecrow Hollow…it’s just fun all year round!” – Jordan and Gabrielle Tubbs

“We love the beauty of the flowers and being able to bring our grandchildren with us. It’s always so peaceful.” – Angie and Bert Milburn

It was beautiful to hear why our members love being part of the DSBG community, because that’s what Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is all about: helping all find their path to nature. For some of these folks, that path looks exploring Lost Hollow with the kids. For others, it looks like a day of tranquility and reflection. For some, it’s about learning something new about the plant life.

One common thread in all their stories? Family. Hearing couples talk about visiting the Gardens together for years and multiple generations of family making visiting DSBG a holiday tradition made it even more apparent that DSBG is the place to make lasting memories with the people you love. Now that’s something we can all be thankful for!

From all of us at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!