Gorgeous GLOW Returns to the South Coast Botanic Garden

By Steve Tabor

“Water is life!” exclaims MaryLynn Mack, Chief Operations Officer for South Coast Botanic Garden (Garden), and fulfilling their promise to make Garden Lights and Ocean Waters (GLOW) a holiday tradition, GLOW returns to the Garden beginning Saturday, November 20, 2021 for its second year, continuing to highlight the importance water plays in our daily lives.

The year’s exhibit takes visitors through bayous, along a lake and a beach, as well as a coral reef created by incorporating the Garden’s plant and tree collections along with lighting displays designed and installed by Anthony Bogdanovich of California Outdoor Lighting of San Pedro.

Mack indicates that the Garden was pleased with the success of last year’s exhibition, but it was not what we originally envisioned due to COVID restrictions. This year’s exhibition is GLOW 2.0 with more than twice the number of lights, interactive displays, visitor experiences, food and beverage venues and ambient music throughout the exhibition. Mack says, “We are truly upping the experience, beginning with a colorful display of lights to greet visitors as soon as they turn off of Crenshaw Boulevard.”

Because of the easing of COVID restrictions, Mack says, “The Garden is able to offer visitors a more interactive experience than last year’s presentation. Strolling through the Bayou will be an experience to remember.” Also, there will be three areas for visitors to purchase and enjoy light snacks and seasonal beverages. Mack states, “Our musical selections include New Orleans blues, classical, pop, and country music.”

The Promenade to the Rose Garden will be a sea of real and virtual bubbles. The Rose Garden is also one of the venues where visitors will be able to find food and seasonal beverages. In addition, dedicated space will be available for guests to gather and enjoy the evening.

Through the use of creative lighting displays the Banyan Trees will be transformed into waterfalls, the Staghorn Ferns on the Living Wall into a coral reef and Lower Meadow into a lake. Even the exterior of SOAR Butterfly Pavilion is converted into a colorful display. Mack indicates, “The Courtyard will be a nod to San Pedro and its special relationship with water.” She is holding tightly on any other details about the display, but feels visitors will certainly enjoy the experience.

Mack indicates, “Visitors should allot at least 90 minutes to visit GLOW. However, the Garden will allow visitor to remain as long as they wish to enjoy the exhibits or simply, in the spirit of the holidays, share some time with friends and family.”

As far as COVID restrictions Mack points out, “According to guidelines, vaccinated visitors are not required to wear a mask and unvaccinated visitors should wear a mask. Unlike last year’s experience, visitors are not required to circulate in a specific direction along the pathway and they can revisit areas as much as they desire.”

GLOW runs from November 20th through January 17th. Tickets are $24.95 for Garden members and $34.95 for non-members. Children under four years of age are free. Designated entry times begin at 5:30 p.m. with the last admission at 8:30 p.m. The Garden closes at 9:00 p.m.

Although Opening Night, November 20th and the evenings during the Thanksgiving holiday are sold out or have limited availability, there are still plenty of dates and times available.

Mack indicates that there are ample volunteer opportunities for Greeters and Path Guides. Volunteers shift are approximately two hours and volunteers can visit the Garden during their scheduled night. There are additional incentives for volunteers who assist on multiple evenings.

Mack points out, “Volunteers must be at least sixteen-years-old, and this is an excellent way for teens to accumulate Community Service hours. For small companies or businesses, community groups, or a group of friends volunteering is great way to share with colleagues and friends enjoying the holiday season!”

Location

For additional information about visiting GLOW or volunteer opportunities can be located on the Garden’s website. The South Coast Botanic Garden is located 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. in Palos Verdes Peninsula. For more information, visit their website at www.southcoastbotanicgarden.org.

Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.