By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The awe-inspiring Enchanted: Forest of Light, held at nearby Descanso Gardens in La Cañada, is an experience that none should miss. Through the introduction of specialty lighting, Descanso at night is transformed into a world few would recognize.

The magic is achieved through light and music, and on Thursday night the Los Angeles chapter of the Illuminating Engineering Society – IESLA –hosted a behind the scenes tour of Enchanted. The tour, directed at lighting and design professionals, provided an overview of the expansive project. Designers benefitted by getting ideas after seeing lighting used in different ways in an outdoor environment and learning about the latest and greatest technology in lighting and controls.

The event included a brief presentation by Chris Medvitz of Lightswitch, the multi-talented force behind Enchanted: Forest of Light. Medvitz explained the many challenges of creating Enchanted, from making sure that guests would not trip on cables to ensuring that the Gardens – a habitat for many types of animals – would not be disturbed.

“Chris understood the Gardens and the vibe we were going for,” said Jennifer Errico, marketing manager for Descanso Gardens.

Enchanted: Forest of Light is an interactive nighttime experience. The Gardens are divided into 10 separate areas, each showcased by different lighting and or techniques. The first display ticketholders will find on the one-mile walk is Flower Power. It encompasses thousands of illuminated tulips awash in radiant colors that constantly change and are accompanied by soothing music. The Symphony of Oaks is reminiscent of the game Simon, with platforms under each tree that guests can step on, creating unique light patterns. Those in need of rest can take a seat on one of the many lighted benches in the area. The Ancient Forest, Descanso’s newest garden, is like stepping back in time when dinosaurs walked the earth. It centers on a collection of cycads that includes more than 180 plants representing 60 varieties including several endangered species. Slowly changing lights on the giant trees and ferns have visitors listening for thunderous footsteps in the distance. Amid these exhibits guests will find the Gardens’ Heritage oaks, bathed in white light.

Errico said that Enchanted: Forest of Light is one of several programs that Descanso Gardens offers, and it is one of its most popular.

“This is our third year having Enchanted: Forest of Light,” she said. “Many of our guests are first-time visitors. It’s a nice introduction to the grounds.”

She added that even repeat daytime visitors to the Gardens will find a whole new world when visiting Enchanted.

“It’s like seeing the space totally new and completely different,” she said.

Descanso Gardens wanted to have an event during the holiday season and investigated shows around the country before deciding on Enchanted: Forest of Light. It wanted to showcase the gardens, the beauty of the plants and living things that are housed on the grounds. But there were certain considerations that needed to be kept in mind when designing Enchanted.

“We think of ourselves as a habitat for the animals – deer, bobcat, squirrels, bunnies, ducks, geese. [Nearly] everything found in the foothills pretty much can be found on our grounds,” Errico said.

To avoid impacting their night space, Errico said that the areas they typically go to in the evening – behind the lake and the camellia collection – were purposefully left out of the Enchanted experience.

But with so much to see, ticketholders won’t notice their absence.

Enchanted: Forest of Light is on display at Descanso Gardens now through Jan. 6. For ticket information and details, visit www.descansogardens.org or call (818) 949-4200.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge.

  robin goldsworthy