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Canopy Cathedral

About this Outdoor Garden

Experience the sounds of Longwood when you linger on reclaimed church pews and listen to the call of native birds and the laughter of children—and adults—in the treehouse.

The grandest of our treehouses, this ornate two-story house was inspired by a Norwegian church. Stroll out to the balcony, which offers sweeping views of the Large Lake.

History of this Garden

Longwood’s three treehouses were built in 2008. It took four months to build them using mostly reclaimed materials. The structures are supported by a pin foundation system, which leaves surrounding tree limbs and roots unharmed.

Bloom Highlights

Catawba Hybrid Rhododendron

This evergreen, hybrid rhododendron is a very heat and cold tolerant variety that has been popular in gardens for a century. Growing up to 10 feet tall, 'Roseum Elegans' is best planted in a shaded area and sheltered from wind and winter sun.

Carolina Allspice

Carolina allspice is a native, deciduous shrub that grows to a height and width of approximately seven feet. Its reddish-brown flowers bloom in May and June and have an extremely spicy fragrance. Its glossy green spring and summer foliage turns a golden yellow in autumn. ‘Michael Lindsey’ has many benefits for the gardener, including disease and pest resistance and adaptability to many soils and all light conditions. It is hardy in zones 4 to 9.