PRESS ROOM
 

Garden d'Lights, 2007

November 2007

Can you imagine a garden of flowers created entirely out of lights?  There is just such a garden in Bellevue this winter from November 24 through December 31. Growing larger each year, Bellevue Botanical Garden’s “Garden d’Lights” will put you in the mood for Holiday cheer with nearly half a million lights twinkling gloriously from 5:00 to 9:30 each evening.  And the best part, it’s still free! 

Everyone from toddlers to great grandmas with walkers or wheel chairs will be enthralled.  Even young men and women in their teens have been heard admitting that the garden is “cool”.  Each year several young ladies say “yes” to the all important question when popped in the romantic atmosphere of Garden d’Lights.  Many families return year after year.

It takes almost a month to set up the thousands of lights that make up this fantastic display, and the results are enchanting.  Entering through a blaze of Rhododendron, then through arbors of Wisteria and Laburnum, you are led to gaze across the lawn to gardens of Lilies, Alliums, Delphinium, Weeping Cherry trees, Sedum, and much more, all created out of colored lights.  New this year is a tropical garden in some of the most vibrant light colors newly available, surrounding the main plaza.  As you stroll the garden , you will encounter new light critters as well as the trusted favorites, Willy the slug and Charlotte in her web.

Garden d’Lights has become well known nationally and even internationally for the display, attracting visitors from all corners.  It is a gift to the community made possible by the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society in partnership with the City of Bellevue.  HomeStreet Bank, Children’s Hospital and Bellevue Downtown Association help sponsor the event, with Classical KING FM 98.1 providing on air advertising.  The real heroes of this event though are the hundreds of volunteers that make and install them.  It is truly a labor of love and endurance.  Your donations are welcomed and needed to continue this delightful event.  You can make your donation at donation boxes in the visitor center, historic Sharp Cabin or in Goldiwarts’ slot, the donation frog on the main plaza.  There is a $5 per vehicle fee for preferred parking in the garden lot.  Free parking is 1 block to the east at Wilburton Park. 

Udell Fresk, chair of Garden d’Lights since 2004, was recently presented with the INPRA (International Northwest Parks and Recreation Association) ‘Citizen of the Year’ award for her thousands of volunteer hours heading up the event and others at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.

ANNOUNCING THE INPRA* CITIZEN OF THE YEAR, UDELL FRESK!
November 2007
Udell has been the driving force behind Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden since 2002. She participates in almost all aspects of the event. Udell plans what flowers and creatures will be highlighted, makes the pattern, produces the prototype, and finally conducts classes and advanced workshops. The classes and workshops alone account for 2/3's of Udell’s hours (well over 1000) that she donates yearly.

Set up for the event happens during November. Udell is at the Garden just about every day. She organizes large work parties of volunteers who donate their time to set up Garden d’Lights. She also organizes other volunteers into experts at diagnosing and fixing light strands that do not work.

What Udell does is so extraordinary, and includes:

Well over 1000 hours yearly of personal time that she cheerfully donates to Garden d’Lights.

Her organization of other volunteers to assist with all aspects of Garden d’Lights.

The creativity and variety that she brings to the event. No two years are ever the same. This year will feature a tropical garden.

Her enthusiasm and love for Garden d’Lights as well as her desire to make the event better year after year – and she succeeds!

Her ability to recruit and retain faithful long-term volunteers.

She never puts herself ahead of the other volunteers. She does not seek to be recognized for her efforts, but she always makes sure that all others who work on Garden d’Lights are publicly thanked.

*The International Northwest Parks and Recreation Association is a dynamic and growing organization and through the years has been a significant resource and contributor to the parks and recreation profession in the Pacific Northwest.

The organization is primarily Park Maintenance and Operations oriented with emphasis on Maintenance Administration, Facility Maintenance and Field Operations. Participation by all levels of management, supervisory and field staff is actively encouraged and vital to the success of the organization. INPRA membership covers Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and the Yukon Territory

Over the years, the INPRA has enjoyed wide support and sponsored yearly Training Institutes and The Pacific Northwest Administrator's Academy.

INPRA Purposes and Goals

To promote educational and training opportunities for park professionals and encourage study and research.

To sponsor an annual training institute devoted to the exchange and presentation of ideas and philosophies related to the field of parks and recreation.

To continually strive to insure that high quality park and recreation facilities are provided in our communities.

To create a strong sense of fellowship, cooperation, and spirit among the INPRA membership.  

Press visits:

Press is welcome to come any time to film or visit – we love advance notice though.  If you’d like to interview or speak with someone, please contact me in advance by return email. 

Ongoing (year-round) Volunteer Opportunities at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St,  Bellevue, WA  98005:

Horticultural Assistants:  Work with Garden staff or interns to plant, prune, create and maintain paths, and detail the garden.  Contact Bellevue Botanical Garden’s office at 425.452.2750 or jmock@bellevuewa.gov.

Special Events:  Help organize and participate in Garden sponsored events throughout the year, including Living Lab, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, Bellevue Kid’s Fair, Mothers’ Day Social, Plant Sales and the Rare Affair Fundraising Auction.  Contact BBGS at 425.451.3755 or bbgsoffice@bellevuebotanical.org.

Boards and Committees: Participate on the BBGS Board of Directors; committees include planning, assisting with educational programs, fundraising, marketing, events and programs.  Contact BBGS at 425.451.3755 or bbgsoffice@bellevuebotanical.org.

Plant Photography and Documentation: Photograph plants and organize plant information for use on the BBGS website.  Contact BBGS at 425.451.3755 or bbgsoffice@bellevuebotanical.org.

Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St,  Bellevue, WA  98005:

October, November, December

Garden d’Lights:    We need greeters to welcome and assist the public, take donations and generally be a part of this popular Northwest tradition.  Every evening, November 24 – December 31, from 5-9:30, shorter shifts available.   Also volunteers are needed to help install, and/or take down lights for this popular seasonal event which takes year round efforts.  Contact BBGS at 425.451.3755 or bbgsoffice@bellevuebotanical.org.

BIRD WALKS with East Lake Washington Audubon Society every month on the second Wednesday,  9am - Noon.  Pre-registration Required.  Call the Audubon office at 425-576-8805