The South Coast Botanic Garden Has Their GLOW On! By Steve Tabor
The South Coast Botanic Garden Has Their GLOW On!
By Steve Tabor
The South Coast Botanic Garden’s (Garden) Garden Lights and Ocean Waters (GLOW) exhibit is open and runs through January 17, 2022. Using creative lighting techniques and a variety of ambient music, the Garden transforms its tree and plant collection into a creative fantasy highlighting the importance of sustaining our planet’s water sources.
From the moment you enter the driveway, you are greeted with a rainbow of colors lighting the variety of trees and plants leading to the Garden’s parking lot. Inside the Garden, this year’s exhibit features colorful displays created throughout the Garden and its pathways. Waterfalls flow within the Banyan Grove, the Fuller globe is transformed into a giant beachball and the Desert Garden into an Electric Desert.
In addition, the Garden is hosting special nights through mid-January which includes:
December 8th Ugly Sweater Night
Featuring opportunities for kids and adults (ugly sweaters optional) to take a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
December 15th Neon Light Night
Guests are encouraged to wear neon colors or wear neon on inspired accents to celebrate the Electric Desert exhibit.
January 5th Kids’ Beach Night
It’s summer in December, as visitors young and old are encouraged to celebrate their inner child and experience the giant Fuller globe beachball and the nearby Beach exhibit.
January 12th Conservation Night
The Garden is partnering with the Aquarium of the Pacific to highlight their water conservation and sustainability efforts.
In addition to the displays, the Garden has added light food and beverage venues at its Rose Garden and the lawn near the Banyan Tree Grove. Their menu selections and days of operation may vary. The Garden uses a cashless system, so have your credit or debt card at the ready.
When visiting GLOW, MaryLynn Mack, Chief Operations Officer, encourages visitors, “Be sure to stop and enjoy the exhibits. Even your viewing angle will cause changes in the lighting. The GLOW lighting patterns uniquely expose and shadow the tree canopies and plants that are significantly different from their daylight lighting patterns. It’s important that besides looking forward, look behind you, and above and beneath you. Additionally, some of the exhibits such as the Electric Desert have dynamic lighting displays which create an extraordinary impact on your experience.”
Mack notes, “Tickets for weekends are selling rapidly, so if you’re planning a weekend visit, purchase your tickets soon.” GLOW is open seven days a week from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the last admission time is 8:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are required, and tickets are available online. Children under eighteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Mack explains, “Some of the GLOW experience may be impassable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues. Monday nights have been designated as accessibility nights and a select number of tickets are available for the Garden’s tram service. Tickets should be reserved prior to your visit by contacting Guest Services at 424.452.0920. Without reservations, we cannot guarantee we will be able to fully accommodate the accessibility needs of our limited mobility visitors.”
In addition to photographing the variety of natural displays, many of the areas feature themed displays that provide excellent backdrops for selfies or more formal portraits. For best results, rather than using the flash on your cell phone, consider illuminating the faces of the subjects with a flashlight from another cell phone or another light source that will highlight the subjects without impacting the background. For those using a SLR, DSLR or mirrorless camera, be sure to bring your external speedlight. Due to access and safety issues, tripods are not allowed inside the Garden.
Mack points out that businesses and companies planning a holiday event, should consider GLOW as a company outing. Packages can be arranged through the Garden’s Special Events office that include visits to GLOW as well as catering and meeting spaces.
Mack insists whether you visit as part of a large group, a family or an individual, the GLOW volunteers greatly enhance your experience. She highlights their enthusiasm and their interactions with the Garden’s visitors have had a tremendous positive impact on this year’s GLOW experience.
The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274.
For further information about GLOW and the Garden visit 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.
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