Longwood Gardens




It has taken us a bit longer to get out and explore the area where we moved to, but one place that I had been eagerly looking forward to has been Longwood Gardens, one of America's largest and oldest botanical gardens. Longwood Gardens started as a working farm at the turn of the 19th century. Later it would change ownership to the Du Pont family who developed a massive and stunning conservatory on the estate.


On our recent visit a breathtaking exhibit of orchids were on display, one so extravagant that it was obvious that no expense or orchid was spared in the making. A splendor of topiaries, ceiling tall arches, and walls composed of hundreds, if not thousands, of orchids were presented. For those of you who know how hard it is to get an orchid to rebloom (I nearly cried when one of mine rebloomed last year), you can appreciate the work it took to construct these orchid monuments and the special rarity of each one of these flowers.

Longwood Gardens has something for every season. Right now fields of seemingly everything are in bloom from tulips to hyacinths, azaleas and cherry trees. The biggest show is reserved for the end of the year during the dead of winter when bright lights are strung up and garlands deck the halls for the Christmas season. However each month offers an opportunity to see unique flowers at their peak so it won't be long before we return to this magnificent horticultural destination. 

16 comments:

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

What a beautiful place!

And I love the pic of you and the little man! He is not so little anymore... :)

OysterCulture said...

What a beautiful place and what a great shot of the two of you. Thanks for letting us tour vicariously through your photos and words.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

One of our patients gave us a gorgeous orchid from your photo before Christmas and it is still blooming. They have to be the longest blooming flowerers on the planet.

tasteofbeirut said...

I have to say it; in America everything like this is over-the-top and fabulous! Wish I could visit this place at some point. Lovely pic of you and the little man, your smile reveals so much inner joy, it is beautiful.

Kim said...

Looks like a fun activity for the whole family. Lots of color for Alex and an enjoyable time for Mom and Dad. A definite win-win situation:)

bunkycooks said...

I used to love to go to Longwood Gardens as a child. It is so beautiful there and you look so happy with Alex. :-)

Chiara said...

my favourite flower is the little one near you, Alex is so pretty!

Claudia said...

You made me fall in love with this season all over again. It's so fleeting - you must catch it when you can.

Lauren said...

I had no idea this place existed! I love botanical gardens - will have to make a trip down soon! You much have loved that orchid exhibit.

You look great, btw!

sally said...

Beautiful! I love orchids.

Barbara said...

Beautiful, Christine!
And your little guy is growing so fast!

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Oh, how beautiful! What an amazing visit for Spring. I've only been once in the winter, which was amazing, but I'm totally taken with the colors and aromas of spring flowers.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

What a beautiful botanical garden! I love orchids and when I see one for a good price, it always comes home with me. I've never had the knack to get one to rebloom, though.

I'll bet Mr. Cute Face loved the smell inside the gardens :)

Tina said...

Great photos...what a place of beauty. I miss Pennsylvania sometimes. Ahhh....

Magic of Spice said...

What a beautiful place...love the photos :)

El said...

I'm so excited you got to visit. It's beautiful, isn't it. You look stunning (as always). Glad to see you guys had a fun day out!