Lushness at Longwood!
June 28, 2008
High 86 F
Low 62 F
For anyone who hasn't visited Longwood Gardens I would highly recommend a visit. Longwood is a great family destination with masses of bedded annuals,
walking paths, 
formal gardens,
fountains, 
and now, even tree houses. 
The tree houses are a recent addition and kids and adults alike were clamoring up the stairs for the birds' nest views each afforded. Longwood currently occupies 1050 acres in Kennett Square, PA which is about thirty miles from Philadelphia. I am not in love with the mass bedding of annuals 
but most of the general public seems to love the impact of hundreds of colorful annuals. I do find the shape of these rose arbors
satisfying and that the roses were in full bloom just made them more so. 
There are interesting containers along many of the 
pathways.
One of the largest draws at the garden is the conservatory
which covers 4.5 acres with twenty different gardens inside. 
I think it would be of even more interest 
when the weather is cool and dismal in the winter.
There is an explosion of color inside with the lawns, plantings, and pools but at this time of year, I find the outside gardens, such as the waterlily courtyard, 
more inviting. The vegetable gardens are also of great interest not only for the varieties of vegetables grown and the layout, 
but for the trellising structures used for the peas, 
green beans, and the
tomatoes. There are bamboo tee pees 
for the kids and a sitting area complete 
with chairs and table. The vegetables look luscious 
and some are ready to pick. 
I wonder who gets to eat these? There is no classic perennial border at Longwood. There is this
modernistic garden of pathways and perennials but no voluptuous English border. I find that a bit interesting and wonder about this omission. I would love to see a curving perennial border in one of the garden areas. There is certainly enough room and it is to be expected don't you think?
Longwood Gardens is a place which is dedicated to education and the enjoyment of horticulture. It is meticulously maintained and those who work there should be applauded!