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Nightscape Photography Tips
topiaries with blue, pink, and yellow lights

Nightscape Photography Tips

With the opening of Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective, our guests will have many fascinating subjects to photograph. However, nighttime photography poses a unique set of challenges, and requires a much different approach than taking pictures during the day. Read our blog for some tips to avoid blurry, washed out images. We love to see the Gardens through our guests’ lenses—please share your pictures using #Nightscape2015.

By Jennifer Fazekas, on June 29, 2015
Make Your Own Edible Ornaments

Make Your Own Edible Ornaments

Learn how to make edible ornaments for your own backyard, then watch in wonder as birds and squirrels enjoy the treats throughout the winter. Photo by Steve Fellows.
By Abigail Palutis, on December 19, 2014
The Holiday Dish at 1906

The Holiday Dish at 1906

Even in winter the chefs at Longwood’s fine dining restaurant, 1906, bring fresh and seasonal flavors to our guests. The new menu just debuted, and Chef Will Brown and his team invite you to peek inside the kitchen to take a look at some irresistible selections. Follow the recipes we’ve provided and share some of 1906’s magic with your family this holiday. Photo by Erin McLaughlin.
By Erin McLaughlin, on December 18, 2014
Growing Orchids at Home
multiple orchid flowers on display at Longwood Gardens

Growing Orchids at Home

Our guests frequently ask me how to properly take care of orchids at home. Many home gardeners are intimidated by orchids, thinking that they are difficult to grow. However, with some simple instructions, many home gardeners will find great success. If you are considering buying an orchid, the most important thing to be aware of is the type of orchid you are purchasing so that you can replicate the conditions of the orchid’s native habitat within your home.

By Lorrie Baird, on March 31, 2014
Tree Selection and Planting In Your Home Garden

Tree Selection and Planting In Your Home Garden

Trees have an immeasurable number of benefits such as being planted for use as shade or wildlife habitat in parks and recreation areas, or as sustainable forests to provide lumber. However when it comes to your home garden, it can get a little more personal.

By Tyler Altenburger, on November 25, 2013
How to Press Flowers & Create Handmade Greeting Cards

How to Press Flowers & Create Handmade Greeting Cards

For centuries, botanists, artists and hobbyists have enjoyed the art of pressing and drying plants. At Longwood Gardens we maintain a herbarium, an organized collection of preserved plant specimens. Our herbarium is comprised of almost 12,000 pressed and dried plant specimens.
By Ellen Bortner, on July 25, 2013
Top 10 Plants for Night Gardens
long, thin flower spike is covered in small, white flowers

Top 10 Plants for Night Gardens

When you hear the word “garden,” chances are you think of green plants and brightly colored flowers blooming under a bright sun. But did you know that there’s such a thing as a night garden, too—a garden is designed to thrill the senses when the sun has gone down, the air is cool and the bustle of the day has diminished?

By Jim Sutton, on June 27, 2012
Nighttime Photography Tips
multi-colored lights along a lake at night

Nighttime Photography Tips

Field of Light at Longwood Gardens Longwood Gardens can be a paradise for photographers, with acres of flowers in bloom, interesting architectural details around every corner, and stunning natural areas. This summer, with the opening of Light: Installations by Bruce Munro, our guests have yet another fascinating subject for their images. However, nighttime photography poses a unique set of challenges, and requires a much different approach than taking pictures during the day.

By Jennifer Fazekas, on June 20, 2012
How to Make Gingerbread Ornaments at Home

How to Make Gingerbread Ornaments at Home

We are thrilled to welcome Liz Marden & her daughter Kat Marden from Liz Marden Bakery & Cafe in Kennett Square, PA as guest bloggers for Behind-the-Plants! Liz and Kat created more than 8,000 gingerbread cookies--as well as two stunning gingerbread models of the Conservatory and the Peirce-du Pont House--that are used throughout this year's Christmas display. They share their "construction grade" gingerbread recipe below!

By Liz Marden, on December 14, 2011
Now We Are Cooking… with Summer Vegetables!
close up of hands holding a bundle of green snap peas

Now We Are Cooking… with Summer Vegetables!

Summertime is full of sunshine, blue skies, and the EXTREME temperatures that veggies love!

By ksterner12, on July 28, 2011
How to Make Your Clivia a Blooming Winner
close up of orange Clivia Miniata with green and yellow center

How to Make Your Clivia a Blooming Winner

One of the most frequently asked questions on growing clivia is “how do I get my clivia to bloom?” Recently I visited with the Director of the North American Clivia Society and Executive Director of the Delaware Nature Society, Mike Riska, to get his expert advice on clivias. Mike has grown clivia for many years, and has won numerous awards for his plants—both from the Philadelphia Flower Show and from Longwood Gardens. In this video, he shares some pointers on how to get a clivia to bloom, and gave advice on growing and grooming your plants for competitions.

By Alan Petravich, on December 14, 2010
Fuchsias Galore!

Fuchsias Galore!

It's my favorite time of year in the Conservatory with the arrival of more than 60 Fuschsia baskets, each measuring more than three feet in width!

By Karl Gercens, on July 21, 2009