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Orchid Extravaganza: “Big Lip” is Big News

Orchid Extravaganza: “Big Lip” is Big News

We’re excited to showcase a beautiful representation of the new and exciting Phalaenopsis “big lip” breeding lines, displayed for the first time here at Longwood.

By Greg Griffis and Lee Alyanakian, on January 24, 2020
Crafting an Orchid Orb, Floating on Air
a wide view of the fern floor

Crafting an Orchid Orb, Floating on Air

Taking the opportunity to experience firsthand (and hands-on) how that magic happens, and to see all the precise steps involved in the process of creating an orchid orb, is something I will never forget.

By Katie Mobley, on January 21, 2020
Climate Change and Our Trees
sunlight peeking through the tree tops above a walkway in the forest

Climate Change and Our Trees

Trees are an exceptionally important part of Longwood Gardens’ heritage and our future … they are nothing less than the backbone of our Gardens. When considering our tree management efforts in the context of climate change modeling, we not only consider the future, but also the present.

By Shawn Kister and Katie Mobley, on January 13, 2020
Inspiring a Love of Nature
a small boy holding a magnifying glass up to his eye

Inspiring a Love of Nature

Even though we find ourselves in the winter months right now, it’s still a fantastic time (as is any time) to broaden children’s understanding of the natural world around them.
By Michelle Cugini, on January 6, 2020
Full Circle
headshot of person with yellow bushes in background

Full Circle

Longwood Fellow Barbara Wheeler reflects on an educational journey that has spanned the globe.

By Barbara Wheeler, on January 1, 2020
Tremendous Tillandsia: How to Care for These Gems
close up of an air plant ornament

Tremendous Tillandsia: How to Care for These Gems

From textural Tillandsia xerographica perched above the waterfall in our Cascade Garden, to tiny Tillandsia tectorum and Tillandsia ionatha tucked into wire and cup ornaments in our Silver Garden, Tillandsia are definitely having a Christmas moment.

By Joyce Rondinella, on December 31, 2019
Tunnel Vision
wire tunnel wrapped in white Christmas lights

Tunnel Vision

With its carefully thought-out design, the tunnel provides an immersive experience, encircling those who explore it in an expanse of 7,000 gold and warm white lights.

By Katie Mobley, on December 23, 2019
Health and the Garden: Fellows Leadership Salon
child in wheelchair uses shovel to place soil in hand-painted flowerpot

Health and the Garden: Fellows Leadership Salon

The public garden community readily encourages their communities to engage with plants and the green spaces around them … the desire for this engagement is ever-present in our work.

By Nanette Wraith, on December 20, 2019
Shapes that Speak Volumes
tall shrubs decorated in white lights line the walls of a corridor

Shapes that Speak Volumes

For this year’s Christmas display, we drew inspiration from the unique figures found in nature to the iconic contours for which Longwood is known.

By Jim Sutton, Display Designer, on December 12, 2019
A Tale of Three Ribbons

A Tale of Three Ribbons

The sheer size of these three wooden ribbons—totaling no less than 350 total feet and made up of 50 individual ribbon modules all joined together—is meant to play up a spirit of fun and imagination and engage the viewer in a sense of wonderment.

By Kevin Bielicki, on December 5, 2019
Farewell to a Beloved Beech
branch with bright orange and red leaves

Farewell to a Beloved Beech

Measuring about 90 feet in height, this particular copper beech is among those ordered in either 1928 or 1933 by Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont, as well as one of Longwood’s champion trees.

By Katie Mobley, on December 3, 2019
Pining for the Perfect Christmas Tree?
A close up of a Christmas tree with white pine cones, gold and red ornaments, and gold decorations

Pining for the Perfect Christmas Tree?

Beyond the three types of cut trees you’ll find here at Longwood during A Longwood Christmas, there are many other types to consider for your home.

By Troy Sellers, on November 26, 2019
Craving Some Christmas Whimsy?

Craving Some Christmas Whimsy?

You’re in for quite a treat this year. As part of our celebration of the shapes of the season, we have transformed our iconic Music Room into a playful, fanciful upscale confectionery shop … and the result has us feeling like, well, a kid in a candy store.

By Katie Mobley, on November 20, 2019
Interaction as an Approach to Education: Fellows Leadership Salon

Interaction as an Approach to Education: Fellows Leadership Salon

At both Chanticleer and Barnes, there are no labels; there are no rules of how to experience or understand the subject, whether they are plant combinations in an artful landscape, paintings, or sculpture. There are no right or wrong interpretations.

By Mae Lin Plummer, on November 19, 2019
How to Turn Fallen Leaves into Springtime Mulch

How to Turn Fallen Leaves into Springtime Mulch

Fall is here and the trees are busy dropping their leaves. What should you do with all of these leaves? Turn them into fantastic mulch for the springtime!

By Matt Taylor, on November 8, 2019
Chrysanthemums: A Class of Their Own
close up of a light pink chrysanthemum with long petals

Chrysanthemums: A Class of Their Own

Cherished for their exquisite beauty, rich hues, and delightfully distinct variations, chrysanthemums are in a class—or rather 13 classes—all their own.

By Katie Mobley, on November 4, 2019
Together, the Grass is Greener: Fellows Leadership Salon

Together, the Grass is Greener: Fellows Leadership Salon

For our latest salon, we traveled to Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles … and host of professional and college football games, blockbuster stadium concerts, monster truck rallies, and more.

By Becky Paxton, on October 28, 2019
Character Development of a Bonsai
root system of an azalea bonsai tree

Character Development of a Bonsai

It’s been five months since we shared with you the initial steps in training one of our azalea standards into a bonsai … and the many challenges about the process. Despite its challenges, the azalea has made tremendous progress and I’m so excited to share that progress with you.

By Kevin Bielicki, on October 23, 2019
Striking a Chord

Striking a Chord

For someone of only 21 years of age, Sebastian Heindl has had quite the career in music … and one, as it seems, that the sky would be the only limit.

By Katie Mobley, on October 7, 2019
The Making of Blooms & Bamboo

The Making of Blooms & Bamboo

Making its official opening October 3, our Blooms & Bamboo: Chrysanthemum and Ikebana Sogetsu Artistry is unlike anything ever seen at Longwood … or anywhere else in the world.

By Katie Mobley, on October 2, 2019