Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A Virtual Stroll Through Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens has always been on my wish list of gardens to visit and last summer my daughter and I were lucky enough to spend a week in Pennsylvania, touring gardens and taking in historic Philadelphia. Longwood proved to be even better than I expected.

One of the first sights I saw was this beautiful and intensely fragrant arch of Brugmansia.


The Conservatories at Longwood are spectacular (and massive).


There is a stunning indoor Children's Garden. It is centered around water and there were many little ones playing in the water and having a grand time. These storks blow bubbles in their basin.


The conservatories are climate controlled so it is very comfortable to spend the entire day here, which you could easily do.


The Orchid Room smelled heavenly.


Longwood has the most pristine waterlily and lotus ponds I have ever seen. Dead foliage and flowers are removed daily and the water is dyed black so it is more reflective and also inhibits algae growth.


The Gardens are famous for their huge fountains and shows go on all day long.


However, I preferred the smaller Italian Garden and it's lovely formal fountains.


There are 3 tree houses in the garden and they are all wonderful. One had a glass beehive in it with a volunteer who explained the life cycle of bees.

We spent all day in this fantastic garden and could easily have come back for another day or two. I highly recommend a visit.

9 comments:

Darla said...

That first photo took my breath away!!

Anonymous said...

Cindee, I'm hoping to get to Longwood Gardens this spring. Your preview has definitely made me more motivated to get there. Thanks! -Jean

Noel Morata said...

aloha,

wow, i've always wanted to tour longwood, thank you so much for that virtual tour...i want to see more pleeeeease? what a wonderful place to visit :)

noel

Rosie Nixon Fluerty said...

I would have stood in awe of that Brugsmansia archway - that is just incredible. Thankyou for sharing the photos of your lovely trip :) Rosie

Unknown said...

Mmmm. I don't think I'd even get past the brugmansia arch. I'd just lay down on the ground and let the fragrance wash over me.
Must. Win. Lottery. Must see all these places for myself.

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindee~~ I have never seen, in person or in print, a pergola dripping with Brugmansia. The concept is brilliant. The implementation, stunning. How nice that you've got a daughter who enjoys touring gardens with you. I'm still waiting for that day. :)

sweetbay said...

I love the archway of Brusmansia. It's gorgeous.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks Cindee for visiting my blog. This is a return call and I really enjoyed the tour you took me on.
I visited Philadelphia in May last year and I must say it was a lovely city - no time for the gardens - but you have made up for that.

Anonymous said...

The brugs were not blooming when I was there. The arbor is spectacular.