“Spooky Season” encompasses all that we love as the chill of autumn approaches: the imagery and customs associated with Halloween and fall, like ghost stories, cozy sweaters, crackling leaves underfoot and gathering mist. In this tour of the Washington Park Arboretum, UWBG Tour Guide and NHS Board Member Cynthia Welte will highlight striking autumnal color interwoven with stories about creepy and sinister plants in the Arboretum collection. (Poisons, witches, fairies and a botanical touch of the dreadful!) You’ll be guided through the vibrant Japanese Maple collection, Sorbus collection and more. Learn the folklore behind some well-known plants, meet new favorites, and be amazed at the mysteries of leaves and fall color. Be not afraid – this tour takes place during daylight hours.

Guide’s Bio:

Cynthia has been working in Seattle horticulture for over 25 years as a gardener, educator and in botanical garden administration. In all her roles, she inspires others toward deeper understanding and appreciation of plants and the natural world. She teaches horticulture at Edmonds College, leads tours at the Arboretum, serves on the board of the Northwest Horticulture Society and gardens at home in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood.