Ensuring a Beautiful Tomorrow
Our Science Strategy
At its heart, our science strategy reflects who we are: a passionate community of experts committed to deepening the world’s understanding of plants—from how to grow them with extraordinary care to how to protect their future in the wild.
Science Series
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Cracking the Code on Endangered Plants
February 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Cracking the Code on Endangered Plants
Understanding how to grow plants—and helping them thrive—is one of the most powerful tools for protecting the plant diversity that surrounds us.
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Fleeting Beauty of Spring Ephemerals
March 7, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Fleeting Beauty of Spring Ephemerals
The first heralds of spring appear not in towering trees but on the forest floor—small, delicate plants known as spring ephemerals.
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The Stories Behind Our Plants
April 19, 2026 at 1:00 pm
The Stories Behind Our Plants
Every plant has a story to tell—from its discovery in the wild to the research, trials, and care that allow it to thrive in the garden.
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How To Protect Your Native Plants
May 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm
How To Protect Your Native Plants
Discover how Longwood identifies, manages, and prevents the spread of invasive plants as part of our commitment to healthy, resilient landscapes.
Gardens
Pride-of-Madeira in Bloom
Echium candicans ′Select Blue′ is one of the stars of our early spring Conservatory display. Endemic to the island of Madeira, it grows there on rocky cliffs and terraces, but is considered rare in its native habitat. Commonly found in California landscapes, it is attractive to honeybees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, but is generally unpalatable to deer and other browsers.
Upcoming Classes
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The Magic of the Blue-poppy
Online Class
The Magic of the Blue-poppy
Fully online. Get an in-depth look at this captivating plant, exploring its natural history, the story of its cultivation and display at Longwood Gardens.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm -
Chaos Gardening
In-Person Class
Chaos Gardening
Explore chaos gardening, an approach that embraces natural growth patterns, experimentation, and reduced control in the garden.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 4:30-6:00 pm -
Cameraless with Shoshannah White
Photography Master Class
Cameraless with Shoshannah White
Explore cameraless photography through botanical image-making, using the flatbed scanner as a creative tool in place of a camera.
Friday, April 10, 2026, 12:30-4:30 pm -
Colors of the Floral Rainbow: Orange
In-Person Class
Colors of the Floral Rainbow: Orange
Dive into the energy, warmth, and playful spirit of orange blooms—celebrating their boldness and joyful presence.
Elective Class for Floral Design Certificate
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 3:00-5:00 pm
Distinctive Dining at 1906
Delight in garden-inspired dining where seasonal flavors, elegant ambiance, and culinary artistry create an unforgettable experience. Nestled beneath the iconic Main Conservatory and overlooking the dazzling Main Fountain Garden, 1906 redefines what it means to dine in style. Advance reservations recommended. Walk-ins welcome at the Bar and Lounge.
From Our Blog
Behind the Scenes of Garden Glow
Reversing the Red at Longwood
Echoes of Excellence: Must-See Debuts
Growing Tomorrow’s Garden Leaders: Inside the Longwood Fellows Program
Longwood Science: Past, Present, and a Purposeful Future
Host an Event
Private Events at Longwood
The renowned Longwood experience you’ve come to expect takes a new, unforgettable form with Events at Longwood—and we can’t wait to welcome you.
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Tag your photos with #longwoodgardens
March 4, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Praised for her “rare musicality” and “lovely lyrical grandeur” (The New York Times), Chelsea Chen is one of America’s leading concert organists, whose programs feature a unique mix of traditional organ repertoire along with piano/orchestral transcriptions and contemporary music.