The Start of the Partnership
Our partnership with RHS started in 2023, with our experience illuminating heritage gardens and creating immersive experiences, we showed how we could enhance the gardens with innovative lighting treatments, installations and features. Showcasing our diverse portfolio and reputation for delivering creative solutions combined with our commitment to sustainability made us the perfect fit for this partnership.
RHS Glow, running for three years prior to our partnership, wanted to maximise guest interaction and highlight the true natural beauty of the plants, and landscapes all year round. The creative brief emphasised the importance of sustainability and the desire to spotlight gardens as the true stars of the event. LED lighting was prioritised to reduce power consumption while minimising subcontracting ensured operational efficiency.
Wisteria Walk
Having worked closely with the team behind this project, we were inspired to create unique, innovative installations that were inspired by botanical elements and seasonal themes, bringing the gardens to life after dark, while also completing the brief; to create moments of new discovery and enchantment. A testament to this approach was the very popular wisteria walk installation at Wisley.
A Glowing Success
As with any ambitious winter project, transforming five unique gardens into an awe-inspiring attraction for RHS Glow came with its challenges. Unpredictable weather and the need to power the event sustainably tested us. However, by putting collaboration at the heart of the project, these challenges only strengthened our apporach, enabling us to deliver an exceptional experience day after day.
In 2023, Glow attracted over 250,000 attendees, making it a huge success. They saw increased ticket sales and improved footfall to all the sites.
We worked closely with RHS to optimise logistics, minimising road volume and also implemented innovative material handling techniques that wouldn’t damage the plants or garden spaces. Through collaboration with arborists and careful consideration of plant health, we ensured that the project not only delivered visually stunning displays but also respected and preserved the natural environment. Taking this one step further, our conscientious approach to waste management, including recycling plastic waste and using biodegradable alternatives, underscored our commitment as a B Corp to sustainability from all corners of the production.
Our goal was to create an immersive experience showcasing the horticultural significance of the landscapes. From the start, we prioritised collaboration with RHS, beginning with multiple site visits to understand each garden's unique characteristics and RHS's objectives.
Alex Keighley
Senior Project Manager - SLX
The Result
In collaboration with RHS, we didn’t just illuminate the gardens; we transformed them, attracting many visitors to what were once quiet, unvisited spaces in winter. Our creative approach and technical expertise, allowed us to elevate RHS Glow, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and setting a new standard for immersive winter light events.
As plans for the RHS Glow 2024 continue to develop, one thing remains certain: sustainability, collaboration, and innovation will be the driving forces. As we explore new avenues, we are poised to once again illuminate the gardens, cementing our legacy as pioneers in outdoor lighting solutions.
