Garden Glow events across the country provide a way to experience gardens in a whole new way during the winter months.
Held at botanical gardens and estates, the after-dark events feature countless twinkling lights and often include music, interactive displays and even hot chocolate and s’mores.
For the first time, the Madison Station Botanic Garden in Madison is sparkling during its Holiday Glow from 4:30-10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 7. The Glow is a free event.
“I had someone tell me it looks like a Hallmark movie,” said Miriam Harris, a volunteer who serves as the director of the garden that occupies eight acres surrounding the charming country cottage known as the Montgomery House on Main Street.
Harris dreamed of having the garden illuminated for the holidays just as many gardens throughout the country are. She lined up numerous sponsors to provide funding so a professional lighting company could be hired to make it happen.
The Glow is a family-friendly event that brings attention to the unique area during a time of year when it might be overlooked.
“We are highlighting our garden,” Harris said.
Visitors are welcome to stroll along the garden paths that are lined with white lights.
Pink lights and red lights dress the rose garden, which in the coming year will be abloom with color.
One of the most dazzling features of the glowing wonderland is an American sycamore tree lit so it resembles a tie-dyed design.
“The mayor told me that tree is absolutely stunning,” Harris said.
Another tree is wrapped with red and white lights as if a gigantic candy cane, while lights that seem to drip fall from the branches of other trees.
Novelty lights in the shape of rooster, a peacock and two chickens look right at home in the garden’s kitchen garden.
Lights in the shapes of a toy soldier, a deer, Christmas gifts and ornaments are also part of the landscape.
Madison resident Missy Kinkade describes the Glow as magical.
“Every time I drive by at night, I see people walking through the Garden Glow,” said Kinkade, a longtime friend of Harris. “It’s something new that people are enjoying.”
Kinkade believes the event not only adds to the holiday presence along Main Street but also makes the location of the garden better known to anyone who has overlooked it.
Early on, a few residents of the garden attempted to disrupt the Glow, but they didn’t succeed: Squirrels chewed through some of the lights, but repairs were made so they could continue to shine.
Harris, who has visited botanical gardens from Nashville to New York, hopes to grow the Glow so it’s bigger and even better next year. “I’d like to spotlight the water tower on Main Street next year,” she said.
A Master Gardener, Harris works in the garden for 10-15 hours, sometimes 20 hours a week, alongside Toni Harris, another Master Gardener, and Elise Moppert, who is in the process of earning the Master Gardener distinction.
“Gardening is my hobby, my passion,” Miriam Harris said. “I love the garden. It’s a privilege to work in it.”
The Madison Master Gardeners, local businesses, civic clubs and other organizations also lend a hand with tasks.
The late Miriam Ethridge, wa Madison resident known for her love of flowers and civic pride, and Alan Hoops, landscape architect for the city of Madison, get credit for the design of the garden.
“That was the beginning of something special,” Miriam Harris said.
Numerous individuals and businesses have made contributions to the garden and given time to make it what it is today, said Miriam Harris, noting that she hopes to add a Japanese garden and additional fencing.
More than 50 species of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals can be found in the garden, which has become a location for receptions, weddings and photographs.
“I’ve had photographers tell me that it’s the most popular place where they take photos,” Miriam Harris said. “A friend told me she had received two Christmas cards that featured photos taken in the garden.”
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