The Montréal Space for Life launches Gardens of Light - When the night reveals its secrets...

MONTREAL, Sept. 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - From September 6 to November 3, the Montréal Space for Life invites you to take an evening stroll through nature in its Gardens of Light at the Montréal Botanical Garden. At nightfall, nature's beauty and diversity are revealed along a magnificent trail showcasing the Chinese Garden's traditional, colourful Magic of Lanterns and lighting that invites contemplation and serenity in the Japanese Garden. A new feature consisting of fifteen elegant metal sculptures inspired by plants and created under the artistic direction of Montréal artist Danielle Roy "reflects the lyrical colours of the night to guide us to the two gardens in the seasonal spotlight."

"This year, visitors are very fortunate," adds Gilles Vincent, Director of the Montréal Botanical Garden. "Until September 29, we are offering them a twofold experience; in addition to the Gardens of Light in the evening, during the day they can stroll along the spectacular path of the Mosaïcultures Internationales. Two good reasons to get close to nature!"

"The Montréal Space for Life is THE Montréal destination," states Charles-Mathieu Brunelle, Executive Director of the Montréal Space for Life. "Since the beginning of the year, 1.7 million people have chosen to visit one or another of our institutions, and there is still much more to experience: The Gardens of Light is unquestionably this fall's must-see event."

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 Strangler fig 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.

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!

SOURCE: Espace pour la vie

Karine Jalbert, Communications Coordinator
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Nadine Fortin, Communications Coordinator
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