More than 100 volunteers gathered Thursday evening at Berkshire Botanical Garden to celebrate a season of service — and each other.

The occasion was BBG’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Party, a time-honored tradition that mixes heartfelt thanks with music, laughter and, of course, desserts (prepared by trustee and unofficial “Cake Crusader” Janet Laudenslager).

Lauretta Harris, president of the BBG Volunteer Association, kicked off the night in signature style: with a performance. The backbone of BBG has always been its volunteers — a tradition going back to the Garden’s founding in 1934. Today, their roles span from gardening and guiding tours to running events and staffing the galleries. Some are new faces; others, longtime regulars. All are essential, and we cannot thank them enough.