Visiting the Arboretum: All members and visitors need to make a reservation in advance of their visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. We hope to see you soon!

By Lee Anne Laskey

As the leaves glow in the morning light, I toss my coin in the trickling water feature in the Japanese Garden, close my eyes and make a wish in honor of my father's birthday. I couldn't have chosen a more meaningful place to rejuvenate and reflect among the gardens, trails and trees today. Maybe you are on your way today to fill up on Fall here too. I hope so! You won't regret it.

Japanese Garden water feature. Photo by Lee Ann Laskey.

It's an invigorating time of year to embrace the cooler temperatures, bundle up and explore, learn, listen and connect. This peaceful garden looks like a postcard that I've stepped into, with it's golden backdrop and manicured landscape. I hear distant geese and watch a squirrel stuff an acorn in its mouth and scurry up the tree, giving me the evil eye. I laugh and take the cue to head on down the path.

Japanese Garden. Photo by Lee Anne Laskey.

I cut through the rose garden next and stop in my tracks. The White Oak on the hill is illuminated with light and truly stunning. I notice a staff member, Clarence, who is working in the garden has the same admiration. We chat about the lovely view and day ahead. I know I've said this before, but I always appreciate how so many staff members I run into take time from their dedicated garden care to greet grateful visitors like me who share the same passion for this place. I spot another White Oak beauty across the way, protecting the perfect picnic spot for another day. This week, these gentle giants dazzle us all! They can reach 100 feet and live for centuries. They get their name from the whitish color of the undersides of their leaves. The acorns produced are especially large and wildlife love them.

White Oak near the Rose Garden. Photo by Lee Anne Laskey.

As I make my way along Three-Mile Walk, I take longer to look at a Firebird Sargent Crabapple and Autumn Gold Ginkgo off the paths that shine in the warmth of the day. I always go home with another favorite tree don't you? Juncos, Blue Jays and Chickadees, among many other happy birds keep me company.

Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree. Photo by Lee Ann Laskey.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker calls and flies above me. I stop and observe it for a little while. I admire it's barred back and bright red cap. A photographer pauses to enjoy it's rolling call, too, which is heard more in the spring and summer. Look for them to be wedging large nuts into bark crevices, in order to break them into smaller pieces with their beak. Bird behavior is so fascinating, isn't it? The Arboretum is always good for observing them.

Next, I take some notes on shrubs I pass in the Bailey Shrub Walk with pretty autumn interest. The White Lights Azalea, Pink and Sweet Rhododendron, Purple Beautyberry, Redwing Highbush Cranberry and Red Feather Arrowwood Viburnum seem to steal the seasonal show with their warm hues and brilliant berries. Stop and find these winners or search for your own favorites.

Purple beautyberry. Photo by Lee Anne Laskey.

I take in the Chinese Garden water reflections as a crow calls and sit in the benches there that offer peaceful views and more birdwatching. Cars drive by pointing at the beauty on each side of the Three-Mile-Drive, while walkers chat together on the walking paths, families push strollers, stopping at the fun maze and photographers capture all the garden surprises of the moment. 

I get renewed energy wandering the ornamental grass collection last and am obsessed with this exquisite one, Pure Energy Fountain Grass, which is a member of the genus Pennisetum. It has gold foliage and reddish bottle brush flowers. Many in this genus have these lovely plumes, colorful foliage and flowing, fountain shapes.

Pure energy fountain grass. Photo by Lee Anne Laskey.

Come find a new grass variety that you are drawn to or visit an old favorite. I'm thankful for this grass collection and the breathtaking experience that Dr. Mary Meyer has spent so much time creating for us, along with all those that care for it, too. I can't get enough, and it's hard to leave! I make sure to take it in from every angle and watch the sun shift through the delicate softness before heading home.

I take my new energy with me that always comes from the plants & people here. It is exactly what I wished for and more. What will you wish for this week as you throw a coin in the water? Pull out that coat and find the joy that is always here at the Arboretum with it's caring, colorful community of kindness around every corner.

Lee Anne Laskey is a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer.