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Following on the heels of another edition of the Berkshires' longest running Harvest Festival (The Botanical Garden's 65th Annual, held the first weekend in October, on Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd, 10 AM to 5 PM each day, free admission, nominal fees for rides. Enjoy workshops, games, food and fun for the whole family, all to benefit the BBG!), the wintertime offering from the Berkshire Botanical Garden is a great way to interact with the natural beauty of the Berkshires, as well as to get caught up on some of that Holiday shopping. According to John Parker, this event is an important (and fun!) fund-raiser for the BBG. Local artists donate custom and one-of-a-kind wreaths for sale and display. The "windows and doors" of the event's title are important so patrons can see how these decorations would actually look hanging in their homes. This type of sculpture, both practical and free-form, exemplifies the innovative art of Berkshire County. These exhibit and sale displays take up the main Exhibit Hall in the Center House Gallery.

Throughout other areas of the BBG there are also many varieties of holiday plants and fresh greens for sales, poinsettias, garland centerpieces, decorations and "boxwood" (hard pine) holiday crafts. A limited number of specially selected vendors will be present showing their wares for review and sale, including the Homemade Herb Associates with their tasteful (and tasty) offerings. This year's theme is "A Scandinavian Christmas." Inspired by chairperson Gail Shaw, the theme of this year's holiday festivity is a celebration of the food, crafts, entertainment and legends of Scandinavia. "Deep in our collective memories are visions of dark and pungent forests, candlelight and shadow, hearty and healthy food and drink, and the rich and redolent fragrance of Christmas." Well! The event is open both days from 10-4, but John also described a "Preview Party and Smorgasbord" on Friday, December 3 from 5 to 8 PM where the cognoscenti may come for drinks and fancy hors d'Oeurves and see what is happening before the official opening. A further advantage, adds John, "before the best stuff gets bought!" This is a great way to help an important local cultural landmark, as well as to purchase some unique gifts.

Since 1934, Berkshire Botanical Garden, the only one of its kind in the area, has been making the wonder of nature accessible and understandable on 15 acres of intimate landscapes, historic herb Garden, perennial and vegetable Garden, woodland trails and two ponds with over 200 varieties of day lilies, spring daffodils and flowering crabapples. In addition to this holiday-flavored exhibit, there are many interesting offerings; this year featured a unique and artistic melding of fauna and statuary sponsored by the Renaissance Guild. There are also seasonal display Gardens to demonstrate the spectacular arboriculture possible in Western Massachusetts. Call the Botanical Garden for more information on lectures, workshops and demonstrations. Other upcoming events at BBG include: Pastels in the Autumn Garden, October 9 and October 16, learn techniques for garden-inspired pastel drawing. Preserving Public and Private Trees, October 14, a special presentation on all aspects of tree care and preservation. Stone Steps, Paths & Copings, October 15, 16, paving with stone. All About Orchids, October 23, cultivate and care for orchids. Call for details!

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