Garden in the Woods -- better than I thought!

I've loved Garden in the Woods for nearly 6 years. It's one of the best kept secrets of Metrowest, except to its faithful members and visitors.

It's so much different in the winter than in the summer, when everything is abloom. (Say it -- abloom -- it's a fun word.) So Paul and I stretched our imaginations again this afternoon when we went to visit. Bonnie Drexler, one sweet and helpful person, might I add, but also the program and volunteer manager at the Garden, showed us around a little bit today. They are building a new stage area in the old nursery section (which has been moved to a farm the New England Wildflower Society just bought near Deerfield) and have planned seating for up to 150 people, Bonnie said. The fee for a ceremony and a reception is a modest $1200.

The area will be lovely. We are sure of it. The minor sticking point is having the reception inside. The education center would be the backup and I have to say, not a fancy one. We saw photos of previous wedding setups there and really, it'd take some decorating.

Of course, we could always rent a tent and put it up if it says it might rain. Paul thought of having the reception outside -- setting up tables behind the new theater, which I thought was a great idea. So that may be a good option.

Also, Paul mentioned that we may want to put on the invites "bring a pair of walking shoes to walk the trails." It would be a wonderful thing to see people enjoying the rest of the Garden, as it is one of the most relaxing and naturally magnificent places I know of around here.

Garden in the Woods is right at the top of our list.

Now to call the Warren Center and see if it's available on Labor Day weekend Saturday and how much it would cost. Because that was a nice place, too, with an indoor setting with charm and appeal.

I've also written to the owners of the Arabian Horse Inn to see if we could take a tour on Saturday.

Wish us luck that we can get a decision made and a deposit down before we head out on our vacation next week!

Did you plan an outdoor wedding and it rained? What did you do?