Gardens of Light 2013 The night reveals its secrets

MONTREAL, Aug. 27, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - From September 6 to November 3, 2013, The Montréal Space for Life invites you to take an evening stroll through nature in its Gardens of Light. As darkness falls, the Botanical Garden lights up to show off the beauty and diversity of nature. Under the artistic direction of Montréal artist Danielle Roy, some fifteen metal set elements inspired by plants stand along the trail, lighting the way for visitors. "Leaves flutter away delicately, reflecting the lyrical colours of the night to guide us, like children, to the two gardens in the seasonal spotlight," Roy explains.The Chinese Garden brings back its traditional colourful Magic of Lanterns event, this year highlighting the living treasures found in the tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna. Meanwhile, the Japanese Garden makes expert use of light and shadow to create an atmosphere conducive to serenity and contemplation.

Chinese Garden: Spotlight on the exceptional biodiversity of Xishuangbanna
This year, The Magic of Lanterns pays tribute to the great biodiversity of the lush tropical rainforest of Xishuangbanna, known as the jewel in the crown of the plant kingdom. Don't miss the magnificent banyan tree in the centre of Dream Lake, surrounded by frogs, butterflies, Mekong giant catfish, water buffalo, hornbills and more. There are also works depicting the people of Xishuangbanna, the Dai and the Hani. The lanterns were designed in Montréal by the Botanical Garden's artistic designer, My Quynh Duong, and then made in Shanghai. The use of decorative lanterns to illuminate and embellish festivities goes back to the Han dynasty (206 BC to AD 220). These days, lanterns are most often used to mark the start of the Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar.

Japanese Garden: Soft, inspiring light
For the second year, the Japanese Garden is illuminated by the Québec firm JutrasBathalon Bureau d'étude lumière, revealing the autumn colours of the garden's plants as well as many of its key features, such as stones, lanterns, bridges and waterfalls. Discover new views and perspectives as the light sculpts angles, accentuates details and heightens textures in the already breathtaking Japanese Garden. The rhythm of the seasons is profoundly echoed in the Japanese spirit, and it is not unusual to see gardens illuminated to signal the arrival of the fall in this land.

In September: Gardens of Light by night and Mosaïcultures Internationales by day
From September 6 to 29, the Mosaïcultures Internationales and Gardens of Light events will be running simultaneously at the Botanical Garden. During this period, the ticket price for Mosaïcultures Internationales (valid for two visits) includes admission to the Gardens of Light in the evening. Accès Montréal cardholders may still purchase a Mosaïcultures event pass for unlimited access to both events until September 29. An opportunity not to be missed!

Information on schedules and rates: espacepourlavie.ca

The Montréal Space for Life is the world's first ever site dedicated to both human beings and nature. It includes the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden and Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium. Together, they are committed to preserving and enhancing biodiversity, and call on citizens locally and around the world to join this bold and creative urban movement.

 

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Jardin botanique de Montréal

Karine Jalbert, Communications Coordinator
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Nadine Fortin, Communications Coordinator
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