The power of subtlety

During “Nights of a Thousand Candles” on a cold evening in December, I was immersed in awe and wonder. This was my introduction to Brookgreen Gardens (Murrells Inlet, SC) and it was magical. 

Garden paths led to different wondrous spectacles of light and entries into enchantment. After passing by the Alligator Bender sculpture there was the arrival at the back garden wall.

Outside the back garden wall, candles illuminated a sloping hill that led into the dark night.

The energy of man-made lights had suddenly transformed into the energy of candlelight (flame/fire). A multitude of flickering flames, each one held presence and pierced the darkness on the hill. A ground of remembrance. In my journal I noted: It reminded me of All Souls Day—and remembrance—the candles representing the souls of the departed. 

If those candles hadn’t been lit outside the garden wall, I would have remained enveloped in the spectacle of light. But the subtlety of that candlelight had its own power and presence. There was mystery and it hatched my curiosity. That candlelight was the reason I returned to Brookgreen Gardens near the end of March 2026.

Is a bad photo better than nothing in this instance?

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