KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens welcomes the season of renewal with the return of its annual Spring Blooms display, running from March 28 through May 5. This beloved event transforms the Gardens into a vibrant celebration of nature’s awakening, featuring more than 150,000 tulips and other spring bulbs in full bloom along the 600-foot Flower Garden Walk.
The floral showcase, which peaks mid-April (weather permitting), pairs natural beauty with horticultural artistry. Visitors can explore displays of flowering magnolias, cherry trees, and dogwoods across the Gardens. A highlight this year is the redesigned Idea Garden, brimming with seasonal bulbs and fresh plantings.
The Bonsai Courtyard, another centerpiece of the season, features an exquisite collection of 50-60 trees, including deciduous bonsai and blooming Kurume azaleas. Elsewhere, the Meadow Garden invites guests to immerse themselves in a landscape of blooming Eastern redbuds, Carolina silverbells, and dogwoods.
Inside the Conservatories
Within the West Conservatory, visitors will discover bold and unusual plants, such as the towering Echium spires and colorful South African bulbs, making their spring debut in a Mediterranean-inspired setting. Additional floral delights include hanging baskets of honeybells, aromatic freesia, and seasonal favorites like hydrangeas and foxgloves adorning the East and Main Conservatories.
Special Events and Performances
Beyond the blooms, Longwood Gardens offers an array of events to captivate visitors. The American Pops Orchestra will present Unforgettable, A Celebration of Nat King Cole on Friday, April 25, with showtimes at 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets range from $65-$248, with unique seating options and a post-show meet-and-greet available.
International Organ Day on Saturday, April 26, brings live demos and performances, celebrating the iconic Longwood organ. For flamenco enthusiasts, Pasión y Arte will deliver expressive, music-accompanied performances the same day, free with Gardens admission.
Garden-focused workshops and masterclasses like “Design Tuesday” (April 8 and 22, $128) and “Luxury Wedding Design with Sarah Campbell” (April 29, $449) round out the programming, offering hands-on experiences for guests.
Dining and Details
The seasonally inspired menu at Longwood’s 1906 fine dining restaurant is another highlight, with elegant meals available daily and evening dinners offered Fridays through Sundays starting April 18.
The Gardens are open March 28 through May 5, with varying hours. Timed admission tickets are required, and Members must reserve timed slots daily. For ticketing and additional event details, visit the Gardens’ official site.
Whether exploring rare blooms, savoring a springtime meal, or experiencing live performances, Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens promises a memorable way to welcome the beauty of the season.
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