1 minute read
Transforming the Gardens
Winter Wonderland is almost here!
Tickets are on sale Sept 1 at Reddinggardenoflights.org
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From sunny morning walks to magical winter nights, the McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a place where memories are made year-round. During the holiday season, the space is transformed into the renowned winter wonderland of Redding Garden of Lights! So, how does Turtle Bay accomplish such a drastic change between seasons?
The set-up process begins in August with the lighting of hundreds of trees in the Gardens. Our team lights the pathways, places structures, and ensures that the show is ready for visitors. According to Josh McNulty, Director of Grounds & Maintenance, the team’s work is not finished once guests begin experiencing the holiday magic. “We actually add a lot to the show even after it starts. Three weeks into the show we’re still adding lighting,” says McNulty. With over one million lights, many would expect the need for an astronomical power supply to fuel the show, however, most of the lights in the Gardens are LED.
Another factor to consider in the show’s preparation is how the team continues to care for trees and plants in the midst of the festivities. Gardens Supervisor, Hannah Sweeney, explains that the team has been able to work around the plants or relocate certain species to accommodate the show’s features. A large part of the landscape is actually untouched during the set-up process (unless you consider the deer, squirrels, and other animals that the team sees while constructing the elements of the show).
Our team is in the beginning stages of assembly for Garden of Lights, with lots of new features to look forward to this season… After all the show is a year-round effort! According to Garden of Lights Coordinator, Thyda Hoth, “There’s always lots of behind-the-scenes work. Whether it’s traveling to other light shows for new ideas or holding workshops to talk about how we are going to expand 4-5 years down the road.”
