Indoor Beauty Meets Outdoor Serenity During Winter Wonder at Longwood Gardens on View January 20 – March 24, 2024

KENNETT SQUARE, PA- Beauty blooms indoors and tranquility thrives outdoors during Winter Wonder at Longwood Gardens, on view January 20 to March 24, 2024. In addition to the timeless allure of Longwood's grand Conservatory where nearly two acres of flourishing gardens prosper under glass, the Winter Wonder season brings new educational opportunities, captivating performances, and the chance to get away without going away. To purchase tickets, visit longwoodgardens.org.  

“Our Conservatory, embellished with colorful blooms, lush foliage, and inviting fragrance is the perfect antidote to winter’s chill,” says Sharon Loving, Chief Horticulture and Facilities Officer. “Longwood is the ideal destination for an immersive and rejuvenating day trip this season.”

Horticultural Marvels
Explore a sanctuary of blooming plants from around the world in the Conservatory. Admire the ethereal beauty of Streptocarpus ‘Concord Blue’ hanging baskets, revel in the mystery of Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon,' and stand in awe of the cascading blooms of Clerodendrum schmidtii (chains-of-glory). The Orchid House showcases nearly 300 lively blooming orchids, with the display evolving each week to feature new and captivating varieties.

From January to March, fragrant Orange Jasmine (Murraya Paniculata) blooms in the Conservatory along with starbursts of Clerodendrum quadriculare. In March, the elegant Echium candicans ‘Select Blue’ make a graceful return to the Conservatory with unique and towering forms. Not to be missed, Longwood's famed blue-poppy (Meconopsis 'Lingholm') showcase their mesmerizing sky-blue petals in the Main Conservatory mid-March. 

“Native to the high elevations of the Himalayan Mountains, these blue poppies are a must-see and an impressive feat achieved through the precise techniques of our skilled horticulturists,” said Loving.

Experience the subtle beauty of winter outdoors as the landscape transforms into a canvas of muted hues. Wander through the tranquil Hillside Garden or immerse yourself in the symphony of copper and umber tones in the 86-acre Meadow Garden, showcasing the harmony of aesthetic design and habitat preservation.

Talks and Classes
Longwood offers a variety of educational opportunities and experiences that encourage new skills and a greater appreciation for horticulture. From free talks and lectures to more in-depth classes, guests can discover more about our gardens in a variety of ways.  

Join Longwood’s talented staff for a look at the science and research required to create the dazzling displays that make Longwood a great garden of the world. The Science Series delves into a variety topics including the technologies and talent that goes into growing our plants, an overview of the impact research we are carrying out around the globe; how we keep our surrounding ecosystems thriving, and much more. Each lecture is free with Gardens Admission.

Science Series: 
•    Saturday, January 20, 1 pm: Innovative Greenhouses. Extraordinary Plants 
•    Saturday, February 10, 1 pm: Plant Exploration in Tanzania 
•    Saturday, February 24, 1 pm:  Longwood Research, Down to a Science 
•    Saturday, March 9, 1 pm: Managing our Natural Lands

For those looking to improve their plant knowledge and gardening skills, Longwood offers classes and hands-on workshops for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. Classes throughout the winter months include Grow and Know: Citrus Trees on January 23, Valentine Florals: Beyond the Bouquet on February 6, Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening on March 16 and more. See the complete list of classes, workshops, and courses at longwoodgardens.org.

New displays this season include our Floral Features that spring up January through March. These exquisite cut flower designs, created by Longwood’s inhouse floral design team, can be found for a limited time throughout the gardens, each featuring a unique design and different plant palette. Floral Features will be on view in the Camellia House from January 19 through January 28, in the Main Conservatory from February 23 through March 3, and in the Peirce-du Pont House Conservatory from March 15 through March 23.

Captivating Performances 
Longwood’s lush Conservatory serves as an inviting venue for live performances. A stellar winter lineup features renowned artists in classical, jazz, and organ music for those looking to expand their musical horizons. Highlights include performances by the likes of Nicole Keller on February 9, the Martha Redbone Roots Project on March 14, and more. Limited tickets for performances include all-day Gardens Admission.

Winter Wonder runs January 20–March 24, 2024. The Gardens are open every day except Tuesdays from 9 am–5 pm. Admission prices are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (age 62+), $13 for students (ages 5–18 or with valid student ID), and free for ages 4 and under. Group rates available. For more details, visit longwoodgardens.org.

About Longwood Gardens
In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,100 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatory. Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Open daily, Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.