Part VII: GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens!

in Garden Focus by Britt — December 5, 2009 at 10:00 am | 0 comments

One of the great things about Lewis Ginter is the phenomenal events they do.  The one I went to tonight is one of the most attended of the year with over 50,000 people coming from around the region.  GardenFest is the wonderful holiday display of lights and events that run from November 27, 2009 – January 11, 2010 next year.  With more than a half-million lights, this massive display is a fun way to spend a late night out!

This year’s illuminated theme is Wings of Wonder which highlights dragonflies, butterflies, bees (gotta love that!) and various other insects that light the way as we travel the gardens.  The inspiration for this theme is the book, Dashing Through the Snow (Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends) by David Kirk.

The entire garden areas are a fanciful feast of lit flowers, trees and insects.   It’s no surprise at all why that they do so well each year!  The families I ran into were having a wonderful time!

There were also many others throughout the strolling experience.

The Children’s Farm Garden was laced with thousands of lights creating a maze of fun for little ones and families alike. 

The Adventure walk and Treehouse was also illuminated fun!  I was swiftly passed by numerous running youngsters with parents calling after them.

In addition, visitors are able to purchase s’more fixings in the Children’s Garden shop which was just as festive as the rest!

Just as expected the fire was roaring and there were already kids toasting their marshmallows.   A great evening indeed!

The Asian Valley was full of various electric insects reflecting the water.  The walk way itself glowed with warm reds and yellows.

There was an immense Cone flower strung over the Sunken Gardens that made for a picture perfect entry in the evenings events.

One of the really fun displays is the huge Peacock that fans at least 30 feet by my guess!

The Bloemendaal House was aglow with lights, tall Candy Canes and lights on a swing!

The entire gardens is lit up and ready to go between 5-10pm through January 11, 2010.

The wonderful highlight of GardenFest is not just the lights but the Christmas Display in the North Wing of the Conservatory!

Lewis Ginter highlights that the wing also houses, “the train display with a frozen landscape of crystal-encrusted hand-crafted cars winding through a glistening miniature village of snow- and ice-coverd cottages.”

GARDENFEST OF LIGHTS 2009
• GardenFest 2009 runs Friday, Nov. 27, 2009 – Monday, Jan. 11, 2010; 44
nights (closed Dec. 24 & 25).
• Admission: $10 adults; $9 seniors; $6 children (ages 3 – 12); free for
children under age 3.

For more information visit www.lewisginter.org

I have to say this week has been a blast!  Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond is a great place for flower photographers such as this Bee, single strollers, couples and families.  As you’ve seen all week, this is a huge garden complex with lots to see and do.  I still haven’t had a chance to eat in the Japanese Tea House!  If your in the area and you want a fun evening of making s’mores by the bonfire or just walking amongst the lights head down to Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Well it’s time again to head to a new garden tomorrow and start a new week of features!  Come back for a nice surprise!

‘Til Tomorrow!

Britt

Related posts:

1. The Photo Garden Bee Lifts off in a Hot air balloon over Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
2. This the last night of holiday lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden!
3. Part V: The Conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
4. Part I: Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
5. Part IV: The Asian Valley at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Tags: Feature featured Lewis Ginter