2025 Winter Garden Poetry

Lakewold Gardens is once again hosting Winter Poetry in the Gardens. Join us as we celebrate the poets whose work has been selected to be included in the 2025 Poetry in the Garden audio tour. Your ticket includes admission to the gardens. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

10:30-12:30 Workshop with Sarah A. Chavez ($5)

Join author, poet, and UW Tacoma professor Sarah A. Chavez for the workshop Eating Present Through the Past: Food Writing Towards Connection. Food and eating practices represent not only nourishment for the body, but also metaphor and sensory memory of a moment. This workshop will be a joyful exploration of food writing (or writing about food) and the ways in which eating/prepping/baking/cooking/recipe learning/abstaining and writing go hand-in-hand.

Food traditions, whether passed down from ancestors, created a year ago with friends, or as personal ritual help us not only be on a path toward whatever our version of health and happiness is, but it also acts as a bridge to be in relationship. Together we will discuss a bit about the role food plays in our lives, then work through a few writing exercises that will guide us toward meditation on the myriad ways in which food connects us to community. Participants should bring pen and paper with them. Light refreshments will be available to accompany the writing process.

"After a full belly, all is poetry." -- Frank McCourt

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch on your own

Bring a light picnic to enjoy at the Gardens or visit one of the many restaurants in Lakewood. You can take the time to walk the grounds if you wish.

1:30 - 4 pm 2025 Call to Poets Winners and open mic

Our selected poets will share their work, followed by a Q&A session. Plus, an open mic session for all attendees that will round out the day. Bring your poetry!

Host or Publisher Lakewold Gardens