One of our garden favorites, the beautiful Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is undergoing a major transformation. The centerpiece of this 1,050-acre display, the elegant five-acre conservatory complex in Longwood, is being expanded and updated.
Longwood is a must-see for any gardener or landscaper, and it’s worth a visit for anyone else, any time of the year. Originally purchased from William Penn in the 1700’s by the Pierce family, Longwood began as a working farm. Pierre S. du Pont built the estate into a garden paradise, adding formal gardens, fountains, water features, an outdoor theatre, a massive organ and a stately conservatory.
Over the decades, Longwood has seen many expansions and improvements, but none of them have been as extensive as the modernization currently underway. The gardens are still open, but the area around the huge conservatory is undergoing significant construction. For details on Longwood and its expansion plans, I recommend visiting their website at https://longwoodgardens.org/longwood-reimagined, but here’s a summary of the changes taking place:
The brand new West Conservatory, built in the 19th century tradition of greenhouses, but enhanced with new and sustainable technologies, is the cornerstone and largest component of the project. Like many of Longwood’s iconic features, this 32,000-square-foot addition will rise from a swimming pool on which the entire building will seemingly appear, while its Mediterranean-inspired indoor garden islands will be set amidst pools, canals, and fountains in magnificent. Fabric-like design.
Longwood’s prized Cascade Garden is being moved, rebuilt, and preserved by a team of scientists, landscape architects, and conservation experts. The 3,800-square-foot stand-alone gem box contains a tropical garden, with pathways that wind their way through a wonderland filled with waterfalls and exotic plants.
The current Bonsai collection, many of which are over a century old, will be expanded to become one of the most popular bonsai collections in North America. The new outdoor Bonsai Courtyard will allow several trees to be displayed simultaneously, artfully displaying them in an outdoor gallery space. The new bonsai plaza, which includes a relocated, renovated and improved Waterlily Court courtyard, will be the gateway to the new West Conservatory and Cascade Garden.
The beloved century-old Orchid House in Longwood will be preserved and expanded into a gallery-like space surrounding guests with hundreds of orchids. A new glass roof, new and restored display cases, restored bronze windows, custom frame trellises, and other improvements will revitalize this already stunning display space. The Longwood Orchid Collection must be seen to be believed.
New innovative outdoor walkways and vistas will expand and connect the grounds of the conservatory from east to west, showing off the beauty of the Brandywine Valley; Open lawns, a spacious balcony leading to a stand of hundred-year-old sycamore, shaded walkway, and views of the surrounding countryside. New public restaurant overlooking the wonderful fountain shows.
Marjorie and I are already planning to visit Longwood in 2022, because amazing lighting artist Bruce Munro will be returning for a second exhibition this summer. Starting June 30, acres of outdoor gardens at Longwoods will be glowing with millions of colored lights. He is unforgettable.
Steve Boehme is a landscape designer/installer who specializes in “beautifying” landscapes. Let’s Grow is published weekly. Column archives are located online at www.goodseedfarm.com. For more information, contact GoodSeed Farm Landscapes at (937) 587-7021.