Longwood Gardens PA

Tiny and I visit Longwood Gardens, PA almost every time we vacation in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. We especially like to visit this botanical garden in the winter.

It gives us a chance to stroll the snow-blanketed grounds which is fun for us because it's something we never get to do at home in Florida.

I think this is the only time I've ever seen clerondendron 'Blue Butterfly' trained to standard.

This is inside the conservatory at Longwood Gardens, PA.

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If our thin blood gets chilled, there are lots of indoor displays to explore while we warm up. There is also a cafeteria style restaurant on the grounds where we sometimes go to get off our feet and replenish our energy reserves with a hot cup of soup.

The folks who decorate this place really like to put on the glitz during the holiday season.

We've been there at every season of the year and the plant displays are always gorgeous, but they are positively show stopping between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There's something about the way they combine plant colors and use lighting that, well, you just have to see it to appreciate it.

There are ice skating shows, fountain shows, and a light festival after dark.

Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania encompasses 1,050 acres. There are 20 indoor and 20 outdoor display areas.

You'd think it would be hard to pick a favorite from a list this long but, for me, it isn't.

I like the conservatory best.

The choice is made easy by the fact that all 20 indoor gardens are housed inside this building.

According to longwoodgardens.org it takes an hour and a half to stroll through this display.

Don't you believe a word of it.

You will be there all day.

It's a plant lovers' paradise! I would move into the conservatory if they would let me. I wonder if they would agree to bury me there...

I think what I like so much about the conservatory is that it's inside. I doesn't matter what the outside weather is like, it's always perfect in the conservatory.

When you're on vacation and it rains, your options are always limited. Spending the day in the company of fragrant orchids and lush, green ferns is so much more satisfying than fighting through the crowd at the mall.

The displays change with the seasons so it is worth returning often. If you go, be sure to see the bougainvillea trained on the pillars of the exhibition hall. It dates back to the 1920s! How's that for botanical longevity?

Another interesting area is the acacia passage which is flanked on either side by cinnamon wattle trees.

The weeping branches arch romantically above the walkway.

In late January, these Acacia leprosa trees burst into fluffy yellow bloom and add their unique fragrance to this part of the conservatory.

Longwood Gardens, PA is open every day but the hours are subject to change so check their web site before visiting. Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $6 for students. Kids under 5 are admitted for free. There is a discount available for groups. Parking is free.

Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road/US Route 1
Kennett Square, PA 19348

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