- The Plot
- Posts
- A Midnight Guide to Gardens
There’s a chill in the wind and the first signs of Autumn are appearing. Namely, the return of pumpkin spice flavoring to well–everything. As the nights grow longer, I flutter mothlike to light shows in Midwest gardens and arboretums. GLEAM was the first of the season in Madison, and punches above its $15 ticket price. It was a potent spell of light and sound, which made for a truly magical evening.
It began with a walk through the Bolz conservatory, and I could have spent the night in there–suspended in time and tiny green glimmering lights. Then it moved through a series of immersive art exhibits in the outdoor gardens that were created by various national and international artists. From cosmic portals to ancient giants conducting a forest ritual, GLEAM is a gentle reminder of the healing power of art for harrowing times.
For this week's newsletter, I’ve compiled a list of upcoming light shows happening in the Midwest. It starts with GLEAM, which features immersive art exhibits, and extends into holiday shows. My challenge for you is to attend a local one, and travel to another. Tag me on Instagram so I can see or reply to this email!
When: Aug 30 – Oct 25, 2025 (Wed–Sat nights, timed tickets).
Details: 10th anniversary, theme “Reflection,” international + local artists on 16 acres.
When: Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026 (4:30–9:30 p.m.).
Details: One-mile light trail with immersive installations. Special nights: IllumiBrew beer preview, Electric Illumination DJ parties (21+), sensory-friendly nights, dog admission nights.
When: Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026.
Details: 1.3-mile illuminated trail, cocktails, and fundraising preview event Nov 13.
When: Mid-Nov 2025 – early Jan 2026.
Details: Garden paths lit with tunnels, giant snowflakes, and interactive light features. Family nights and s’mores stations.
When: Nov 2025 – Jan 2026.
Details: Over 1 million lights, holiday drinks, firepits, family photo ops.
When: Ongoing
Details: There is not a light show, but the arboretum hosts educational night walks about Owls and other wildlife.
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to the weekly digest here.
This Weekend in the Midwest Garden
Dust off your skeletons: Set them up in the garden digging their own graves or pushing each other around in wheelbarrows.
Fall Planting Continues: Get stuff in the ground now and let it get established before Winter. I’m using the Nextdoor app to ask if anybody has perennial divisions with a couple of hits already!
Divide Overgrown Perennials: It’s time to divide crowded perennials to move around your garden or gift to your neighbors.
Plot Notes From My Garden
What I Loved This Week
Read: My sisters new newsletter - She wrote her first article recently on Substack and you should go subscribe! We should start a family publishing company at this point.
Watch: Reclaiming Concrete: How Swiss Cities are Going Green - A team focused on breaking up concrete and replacing it with native plants.
Listen: Moving Past Peat - Can we break off horticulture’s love affair with peat and leave it in the bog?
Connect: Johnny Hincks - He’s mad fit and weird as hell. Always entertained by his gardening antics.
Reader Feature:
I asked what was blooming in everyone’s gardens in September on Instagram and Liz Sinclair from Aster + Lupine Garden Consulting sent over a few photos. Check out her Instagram for more of her lovely garden.
Ohio Goldenrod
Great Blue Lobelia
Snakeroot
Written for 112 beautiful readers. 💌
This newsletter grows best by word of mouth. Forward The Plot to your friend that loves to garden!
Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch
Ken Welch is a horticulturist and research professional at UW–Madison. He’s drawn to native ecosystems, community gardens, and helping others grow confidence in their craft.
There was a short time when my native plants were Californian, but don’t worry, your author is Midwest born and raised.
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to the weekly digest here.