Glow – RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate

The latest interactive winter installation at RHS Harlow Carr is entitled Glow, which is an interesting name to choose. Initially your reviewer came away from the experience feeling that the word ‘Glow’ does not do enough to describe the beauty of what is on offer and the feeling of joy that this exhibition elicits when wandering along the pathways, looking at the gardens in all their multi-coloured glory. But the more thought given, the more it was obvious that the word is not just being used to describe the lights on show, which are indeed often glowing, but it was more about the feeling that is engendered through participation in the experience. A warm, fuzzy glow and a feeling of contentment and calm was what is felt throughout the time at the installation – so it is in fact aptly named.

RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Harlow Carr has a strong reputation for being much more than gardens, it often plays host to theatre productions and provides a beautiful setting for art trails and sculptures. This particular installation exposes the true beauty of the gardens through a host of multicoloured lights, used to frame and spotlight particular trees, plants and structures as well as using individual lights including lamps and lanterns.

A guided trail around some of the gardens (you can only go on one route) provides a number of photogenic opportunities along with some playful use of lighting to capture unexpectedly beautiful elements. The reflection of the gigantic multicoloured trees in the lake below it is a sight to behold on its own.

Along with the clever lighting there is also music playing at times throughout the trail. There could be more of this and it could be a little louder, occasionally it had the ambience of lift music rather than adding solidly to the experience. A particularly good extract of classical music is played when participants walk over a little bridge and descend down a slight hill which is very effective and indeed magical. The walkways are entirely step free, making it easy to see and feel the way despite the lack of functional lighting.

A little treat towards the very end is the opportunity to buy hot chocolate (spiced rum or normal) and a mince pie from firm Yorkshire tea room favourite, Betty’s, and this very much added to the feeling of warmth exuding from the exhibition, despite the cold.

This is very much worth a wander around, just remember to wrap up warm!

Runs Wednesdays to Saturdays until 30th December 2023.