KENNETT SQUARE, PA — As the skeletal outlines of trees begin to soften with green buds, spring unfolds its floral theatre at Longwood Gardens. This iconic destination promises an immersive serenade of blooms, and captivating scents from March 30 to May 5, 2024. As days lazily stretch towards summer, the Garden’s outdoor canvases come alive, unveiling an unrivalled spectacle of seasonal beauty.
The historic Flower Garden Walk, a stunning 600-foot-long spectacle, becomes a vibrant tapestry of more than 150,000 tulips and other seasonal bulbs at the peak of their bloom. The eagerly awaited spectacle should reveal itself in mid-April, contingent on the whims of weather.
Yet, the exquisite Spring Blooms display is not limited to this kaleidoscope of tulips. The gardens also play host to the gentle hues of flowering magnolias, cherry trees, and dogwoods, making spring an artist’s palette of nature’s most vibrant colors.
Accompanying the season’s renewed vitality is the revamped Idea Garden, re-opening with an overhauled layout. The redesigned Ornamental Kitchen Garden, showcasing more accessible passageways, additional seating, and new display areas, is expected to mature into abundant fruit and vegetable crops throughout the summer.
Erin Feeney, Longwood’s Associate Director of Landscape Architecture and Program Design, believes these kitchen gardens can create memorable connections between guests and their natural surroundings. “From the intriguing patterns that invite exploration to the bountiful cultivars, these gardens are a testament to the wonders of the natural world,” she adds.
Inside the Conservatory, guests will be enveloped by the intoxicating fragrances of freesias, lilies, and stock, with hanging baskets of lush jasmine adding to the olfactory delight. Pathways are adorned with seasonal favorites such as hydrangeas, pansies, and foxgloves, while the stunning Echium wildpretii ‘tower-of-jewels’ showcases its exotic blossoms in April.
Complementing the seasonal rejuvenation, Longwood’s Café introduces a refreshed layout and an appetizing selection of seasonal fare. The charming appeal of spring extends to the Meadow Garden, where Carolina silverbells, Eastern redbuds, flowering dogwoods, and sweet azaleas unfold their natural splendor. Grand treehouses, playful topiaries, and flowering woodlands amplify the Garden’s spring enchantment.
The awakening of nature is also a time for learning and discovery. Longwood Gardens offers an array of programs for gardening enthusiasts, including classes, lectures, and readings. For those interested in the science of composting, exploring stunning gardens from the comfort of home, or mastering the art of tulip arrangements, these programs cater to beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
So, as spring returns with its symphony of colors, Longwood Gardens extends an invitation for guests to immerse themselves in the season’s splendid blossoms, share in its rich knowledge, and savor the renewal of life in its most beautiful form.
Explore Longwood Gardens’ beauty from Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed Tuesdays. Timed admission tickets are a must, and Members need timed reservations daily during Spring Blooms. Secure your tickets and reservations at longwoodgardens.org.
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