Tuesday evening about 50 friends of the Arboretum gathered in the gardens for the 2nd Annual Fuchsia Festival, which features a barbecue dinner set among the fuchsia plants that are now in full bloom.

“We have the Hellebore Tea in the spring and wanted another fundraiser that brings attention to other garden collections,” said Event Coordinator Maria Van Zanen. “Everyone who came to last year’s Festival, which took place in September, had a great time, so we decided to make it an annual event.”

Arboretum volunteers host tables set in the Arboretum’s Perennial Garden. Invited guests buy a seat, and are treated to homemade meal.

This year, hosts grilled steak and chicken served with salads, desserts and beverages.

“The Fuchsia Festival is a way to celebrate the stunning fuchsias, our beautiful gardens and raise funds,” said Amy Hardebeck, Executive Director of the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation. “In the future, I’d like to open this event to the entire Maple Valley community.”

The next Volunteer Saturday is 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow. The next free docent tour takes place Aug. 17.

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer, donate or become a member.