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The Gardens

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The Main Conservatory

The Orangery

Visitors enter the Conservatory Complex through the Orangery, the stateliest of all the indoor display areas. This greenhouse was originally used for growing edible citrus fruits. Today, the majestic glasshouse features a kaleidoscope of flowers, bulbs and foliage that exude color and fragrance and change frequently through each of Longwood's seasons.

Noteworthy Plants: Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) grows up the columns just as it did in the days of Longwood's founder Pierre du Pont. Birds-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae) and an old Rhaphiolepis (Rhaphiolepis x delacourii) are permanent residents in the ever-changing floral display conservatory.

The Exhibition Hall

The Exhibition Hall has the original, sunken, marble floor which is usually flooded with a few inches of water for reflection. Australian tree ferns thrive in the humid environment. Occasionally the floor is drained and used for special displays and events.

Noteworthy Plants: Bougainvillea is trained on the pillars and is original to the conservatory plantings from the 1920s. Seasonal displays may include flowering bulbs, oleander (Nerium oleander), crape-myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), geraniums (Geranium maderense), Marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens) and petunias. Flower shows from the Rose, Lily, Rhododendron, Orchid and Bonsai Societies also take center stage in this room throughout the year.

Displays & Upcoming Events

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What's in Bloom

A team of Longwood Volunteers gathers horticultural highlights from the Outdoor Gardens and Conservatory. Download a pdf of their top picks for the week, including photos and locations.

Find out what's in bloom

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Secrets of Victoria: Waterlily Queen

On view May 25–September 2

Journey to the wild, remote flood plains of South America and to the great gardens of Europe and North America to discover Victoria, the waterlily queen.

Find out more

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Festival of Fountains

May 25–September 2

Stand before towering fountains, wander shady groves, see fireworks light up the night sky, and enjoy concerts in the most beautiful outdoor settings.

Find out more