SP RI NG Spring Blooms March 31–May 20
Spring Blooms On view March 31–May 20 Watch as spring color emerges to paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Tulips, dogwoods, wisteria, and more herald spring’s arrival indoors and out. Breathe in the fresh spring air and relish the beauty of the Gardens, where every day something new is coming up. Our outdoor gardens highlights include: Flowering Dogwoods (Cornus florida) Japanese Flowering Dogwoods (Cornus kousa) Princess-trees (Paulownia tomentosa) Flowering Cherries (Prunus) Azaleas (Rhododendron) Lilacs (Syringa) Wisterias (Wisteria)
Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera) Foam-flowers (Tiarella cordifolia) Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) Daffodils (Narcissus) Tulips (Tulipa) Ornamental Onions (Allium) Spinach (Spinacea oleracea) Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Highlights from Our Gardens A Lifetime Love Affair with Tulips
Our Trees in a Blooming Progression
(1) Tulips (Tulipa) have been a favored flower at Longwood Gardens for more than a century. In 1911, our founder, Pierre S. du Pont, noted numerous varieties of early and late-blooming tulips planted on the Flower Garden Walk. In 1915, Mr. du Pont evaluated the outdoor tulips twice a day, at 10-day intervals, commenting on color, use, and length of bloom. In the late 1950s, about five years after Mr. du Pont’s death, Longwood began planting elaborate tulip displays in an organized color scheme. These have evolved into today’s vibrant Flower Garden Walk display of over 100,000 bulbs that fill beds with a kaleidoscopic rainbow, from cool purples and pinks, stretching through hot reds and yellows, to pure whites. Tulips bloom far beyond this display—this year, an estimated 246,000 bulbs were planted throughout the Gardens.
(3) As the weather gets warmer in early spring, large woody plants flower in progression around the Gardens. Of course Mother Nature can alter the bloom times, but typically starting the first week of April winter-hazels (Corylopsis) are bright yellow, followed by the beautiful white blooms of Yulan magnolia (Magnolia denudata) near the Flower Garden Walk. By the third week in April, several species of flowering pink and white cherries (Prunus) are in full bloom in Oak Knoll, followed by the amethyst-colored redbud (Cercis canadensis) in several areas in the Gardens. In early May, flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) are in full bloom, followed by silverbell (Halesia) blooming white in Peirce’s Woods. The white, delicate fringe-tree (Chionanthus) is blooming by the third week in May, followed by the magnificent Japanese flowering dogwood (Cornus kousa) along the Cow Lot.
Surround Yourself with Foxgloves Get Swept Away by Wisteria (2) At the start of May, take a stroll down Flower Garden Drive and surround yourself with the natural beauty of our blossoming pastel pink, cream, and white foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea). New to our Flower Garden Drive display, these large and colorful foxgloves are planted in mid-April and grow taller than many guests, with flower spikes reaching four to six feet. These tall architectural plants add a bold splash of color and texture to the other light and wispy flowers in our spring gardens. It takes seven months of preparation by a team of gardeners to get these vibrant foxgloves ready for spring. In September of the previous year, our nursery team begins growing the plants in greenhouses to “force” them to flower earlier for the spring season.
(4) Few plants equal wisteria (Wisteria) in its ability to create enchanting ambiance—its long clusters of purple, white, and light pink pendant blossoms arrive in many areas of our Gardens just in time for Mother’s Day. With a bloom duration of only about two weeks, if you plan your visit appropriately, experiencing wisteria is a natural wonder you’ll never forget. In peak bloom, our wisteria can be found cascading on the Peirce-du Pont House, Wisteria Garden, Open Air Theatre Tower, and the Eye of Water. Our Wisteria Garden showcases nine 10-foot standards trained in 1976 that have been a permanent fixture in the Gardens ever since. Training vines to grow up the steel support adds height and texture, allowing clusters of blooms to dangle at different levels.
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Free Daily Programs There is so much to do, see, and hear every day at Longwood Gardens. Dive into our rich history on a heritage tour, learn about Longwood’s historic trees on a Champion Tree Tour, embark on a guided walk to see spring bulbs in
full bloom, spot some of our feathered friends on a bird walk, and much more. Check our website or inquire in the Visitor Center for a detailed listing of free programs during your visit.
Insects Keep our Green Wall Healthy We have a holistic approach to the plant healthcare of our indoor and outdoor Gardens through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is a toolbox of pest management strategies to reduce pests to a tolerable level while considering the environmental, economic, and human impact. One of these strategies, biological control (the
use of beneficial predatory insects and animals), was implemented with our Green Wall and is a true success. Specifically, we release five different species of minute predatory insects and mites every two weeks in different locations along the Green Wall. These insects and mites pose no danger to our guests, but feed voraciously on pests. Longwood staff continuously monitor the Green Wall for predators and are very pleased to report little to no pest activity. A Greener Way of Life for Our Bluebirds Longwood’s Eastern Bluebird Volunteer Team has maintained a bluebird nesting box program for more than 30 years. The team maintains 150 boxes that fledged more than 250 young bluebirds and numerous young tree swallows last year. This season will mark the second year of an ongoing study into the utility of green roof-covered bluebird nesting boxes. Planted with a mix of sedums, green roofs replace standard asphalt-shingled roofs on boxes. We hypothesized that with the addition of the green roofs, conditions within boxes would not be hotter than the outside temperature. Although outdoor temperatures were over 100 degrees several times throughout the summer, temperatures in the boxes never exceeded 91 degrees. In 2011,
preliminary results suggested that the addition of green roofs actually improved the temperature conditions within the boxes. We will expand our testing this year to include boxes with and without a shingle roof for comparison.
Experience Continuing Education Now in Three Sessions: Deer-Resistant Bulbs April 5–19 Discover the many kinds of hardy bulbs seldom affected by deer and other critters. These easy-to-grow bulbs and other tuberous plants provide a succession of blooms in a wide range of colors and reappear each year in increasing numbers.
Re-think…Re-purpose…Recycle to Make Dramatic Floral Arrangements May 5 Uncage your imagination and make a one-of-a-kind floral arrangement while learning to use wired flower tubes to build unusual structures. This technique enables designers to use almost any starting point for a design and repurpose an ordinary object into a dramatic, re-usable structure. *Register online (space limited): ce-registration.longwoodgardens.org
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Arbor Day Lecture: Among the Ancients April 28, 11 am & 1 pm What is happening to our forests and what can we do to save them? Ecologist and nature writer Dr. Joan Maloof, author of Among the Ancients: Adventures in the Eastern Old-Growth Forests, will discuss her love affair with ancient trees. A scientist with a poet’s heart, she will take you to some of the 26 forests she explored for this book. Dr. Maloof has worked with trees from all angles: as a horticulturist, as an ecologist, and now as a writer and activist. She will give a reading from her book and will discuss her latest venture—the Old-Growth Forest Network, an organization that aims to identify and protect at least one forest in every county in the nation. A book signing follows each lecture. Free with Gardens admission (space limited). Advanced registration required: longwoodgardens.org or 610.388.1000
Earth Day Friday, April 20 12–4 pm Join us as we celebrate sustainability and beauty on Earth Day at the behind-the-scenes open house of our Production Greenhouse facility. Activities include:
– Make a wildflower seed ball – Explore our big machines – Scoop up a bag of our compost – Learn more about our Solar Field and other land-steward projects
Arbor Day Celebration Friday, April 27 Saturday, April 28 12–4 pm Bring the whole family to celebrate the beauty of trees! The first 400 guests each day receive a voucher for a free tree seedling. Activities include:
– “Gearing up” to experience the life of an arborist – Birds of Feather kids activity station – Champion Tree Tours
Members-only Moments
Discounted Fireworks & Fountains Shows
New Branching Out Lecture Series
Promotion dates: May 10—20
Registration opens April 1 Gardens In a Whole New Light—with Director Paul B. Redman and Artist Bruce Munro Saturday, June 9 7 pm Illuminating the Night Garden—with Longwood experts Alan Petravich & Koa Kanamee Thursday, July 12 7 pm
Members get the exclusive opportunity to purchase deeply discounted tickets for the following Fireworks & Fountains Shows: Swan Lake, July 21 The Amazing ‘80s!, August 11 Members promotional prices: Ages 16 & over $25 Original price $38 Ages 15 & under $12 Original price $22
10 Tips to Better Garden Photography—with Rob Cardillo Sunday, September 30 2:30 pm Wicked Plants—with Amy Stewart Sunday, October 28 2:30 pm Free for Members, Member guests $25 Advanced registration required, longwoodgardens.org or 610.388.1000
Experience Light First
Member Appreciation Day
Members-only Preview Nights for Light: Installations by Bruce Munro
Wednesday, June 27
Thursday, June 7 Friday, June 8 5–11 pm
Members have the first opportunity to explore our new summer exhibit! Advanced reservations required. Free for Members, Member guests incur a fee. Registration starts April 1. Formal invitation to follow. The Gardens will close to the public at 5 pm on these dates. For complete details visit longwoodgardens.org
Members enjoy exclusive 20% discounts in The GardenShop, 1906, and The CafĂŠ. Reservations for 1906 are strongly recommended via opentable.com
Spring Calendar
March 31
April
Spring Blooms March 31–May 20
Tulips Expected to Be on Display in Early April
Watch as spring color emerges to paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Tulips, dogwoods, wisteria, and more herald spring’s arrival.
Visit the Flower Garden Walk and the Idea Garden to see hundreds of thousands of blooms in a rainbow of colors.
Orchid Extravaganza Sale 9 am–6 pm Beginning Bonsai 9 am–3 pm * Sold Out Boy Scout Merit Badge Workshop 10–11 am High School Workshop: Painting Spring Flowers with Oil Pastels 10 am
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Orchid Extravaganza Orchid Sale 9 am–6 pm Curtis Student Recital Summer Hu, Cello 1 pm Spring into Pastels 1–4 pm * Branching Out Lecture Series: Designing the New Kitchen Garden 2:30–4:30 pm Sold Out
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Deer-Resistant Bulbs 4–6 pm * Class 1 of 3
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Advanced Floral Design II 9 am–4 pm * Sold Out Class 1 of 3
Anoushka Shankar 8 pm 2
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Easter Weekend 9 am–5 pm
Performance Pruning: Shrubs 9 am–12 pm or 1–4 pm * Sold Out
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny 8 am & 9:30 am 1 Sold Out Harp Music Featuring Janet Witman 12–3 pm
Girl Scout Badge Day: Brownie Scouts 10–11:30 am
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Easter Buffet 1–5 pm 1
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Interpretations in Colored Pencils Studio 1–3:30 pm * Class 1 of 4
Harp Music Featuring Janet Witman 12–3 pm
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Home School Day—Go Figure 10 am
Fresh Table Designs 6–9 pm *
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Simone Dinnerstein 8 pm 2
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Unbridled Bouquets 9 am–4 pm *
Native Spring Wildflowers 7–9 pm * Class 2 of 6
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Floral Fun Class: April Showers 10 am–12 pm *
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Sketching for Designers 12:30 pm–4:30 pm * Sold Out Class 2 of 3
Champion Trees of Longwood Tour 10 am–1 pm * Sold Out Application Deadline ** High School Summer Internship Program
Senior Day Floral Arranging Demonstrations, 10:30–11 am Cooking Demonstrations, 11:30 am–12 pm Silent Movie with Organist Don Kinnier 2 pm
Sketching for Designers 12:30–4:30 pm * Sold Out Class 1 of 3 Deer-Resistant Bulbs 4–6 pm * Class 2 of 3
Senior Day Floral Arranging Demonstrations, 10:30–11 am Cooking Demonstrations, 11:30 am–12 pm Silent Movie with Organist Wayne Zimmerman 2 pm
Native Spring Wildflowers 7–9 pm * Class 1 of 6
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Daffodil Show 9 am–6 pm Growers and experts bring hundreds of blooms to the Delaware Valley Daffodil Society’s Show.
Easter Weekend 9 am–5 pm
Easter Buffet 10 am–5 pm 1
Daffodil Show 9 am–6 pm
Deer-Resistant Bulbs 4–6 pm * Class 3 of 3
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Early Morning Light 7 am–1 pm *
Bling It On! 9 am–12 pm *
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Champion Trees of Longwood Tour 10 am–1 pm * Sold Out Earth Day 12–4 pm Celebrate Earth Day at the behindthe-scenes open house of our Production Greenhouse facility.
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Trough Making 9 am–12 pm * Sold Out Arbor Day Celebration 12–4 pm
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Advanced Floral Design II 9 am–4 pm * Sold Out Class 2 of 3 Vegetable Gardens: Beyond the Basics 9 am–12 pm * Sold Out Soil to Sky Tour 2–4 pm * Sold Out
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Wisteria Expected to Be On Display in Early May Discover these blooms on the Peirce-du Pont House, Wisteria Garden, Open Air Theatre Tower, and the Eye of Water.
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Organ Concert Featuring Paul Fleckenstein 1 pm
Application Deadline ** College & University Internships and International Intern & Trainee Programs (For September start date)
Designing Accessible Gardens 6:30–8:30 pm * Sold Out Class 1 of 4 Native Spring Wildflowers 7–9 pm * Class 3 of 6
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Soil to Sky Tour 2–4 pm * Sold Out
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Sketching for Designers 12:30–4:30 pm * Sold Out Class 3 of 3 Eroica Trio 8 pm 2
Designing Accessible Gardens 6:30–8:30 pm * Sold Out Class 2 of 4 Native Spring Wildflowers 7–9 pm * Class 4 of 6
Kennett Symphony of Chester County 7 pm 3
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Interpretations in Colored Pencils Studio 1–3:30 pm * Class 3 of 4
May
Girl Scout Badge Day: Junior Scouts 10–11:30 am Interpretations in Colored Pencils Studio 1–3:30 pm * Class 2 of 4
Advanced Floral Design II 9 am–4 pm * Sold Out Class 3 of 3 Arbor Day Celebration 12–4 pm
Paquito D’Rivera Quartet 8 pm 2
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Zooming In on Spring Blooms 7 am–1 pm *
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Birding at Longwood Gardens: Warblers 7 am–10 am * Sold Out Orchid Repotting 9 am–12 pm * Water Gardening in a Container 9 am–12 pm * Sold Out Re-think...Re-purpose...Recycle 1–4 pm *
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Interpretations in Colored Pencils Studio 1–3:30 pm * Class 4 of 4
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The Delius Society Presents Michael Stairs, Organist 2:30 pm Branching Out Lecture Series: Beautiful No-Mow Yards 2:30–4:30 pm Sold Out
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Designing Accessible Gardens 6:30–8:30 pm * Sold Out Class 4 of 4 Native Spring Wildflowers 7–9 pm * Class 6 of 6
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Plant Disease Identification 9 am–12 pm *
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Trough Planting 9 am–12 pm *
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Potted Potential 9–11 am *
Native Spring Wildflowers 7–9 pm * Class 5 of 6
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Carillon Concert: R. Robin Austin 3 pm
Weed Identification 9 am–12 pm *
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Floral Fun Class: May Basket 6:30–8:30 pm *
Tips for Turf Diagnosis: Insect and Disease Management 1–4 pm *
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Fireworks & Fountains Show Swan Lake 9:15 pm1
Designing Accessible Gardens 6:30–8:30 pm * Sold Out Class 3 of 4
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Peter Richard Conte 8 pm 2
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Mother’s Day Weekend 9 am–5 pm
Swan Lake features some of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved music from what is probably the most famous ballet of all, about a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer.
Mother’s Day Buffet 10 am–5 pm 1 Flute-Cello Duo Featuring Monica Buffington and Cheryl Everill 12-3 pm
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Contain Yourself! 9 am–12 pm * Digital Storytelling I: A Class For Teachers 9 am–3:30 pm
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Mother’s Day Weekend 9 am–5 pm Mother’s Day Buffet 10 am–5 pm 1 Flute-Violin Duo Featuring Monica Buffington and Mugurel Radu 12-3 pm Carillon Concert: Doug Gefvert 3 pm
Education
Family Fun
Performance
Members-only
Dining
Horticulture
Advanced registration and fee required: ce-registration.longwoodgardens.org, 610.388.5454 For a complete list of our Continuing Education opportunities visit us online. Members save 10%.
**
To apply: longwoodgardens.org
*** Reservations required: opentable.com
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Special ticket required: longwoodgardens.org, 610.388.1000
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Special ticket required: ticketphiladelphia.org, 215.893.1999
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Special ticket required: kennettsymphony.org 610.444.6363 School & Youth program. Pre-registration required: longwoodgardens.org Branching Out Lecture Series. Registration required: longwoodgardens.org, 610.388.1000, Members: Free, Guests: $25 Make a pre-performance dinner reservation at opentable.com & enjoy a complimentary coffee reception after the performance.
Performances that Inspire Classical Series Tickets: ticketphiladelphia.org 215.893.1999 $35, Members $30 Enjoy a pre-performance dinner in 1906. Visit opentable.com for reservations.
Anoushka Shankar April 5, 8 pm
Daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar, sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar is one of the leading figures in world music today. A World of Music Series Tickets: ticketphiladelphia.org 215.893.1999 $40, Members $34
Paquito D’Rivera Quartet April 21, 8 pm
Paquito D’Rivera has won 11 Grammy Awards and was the first artist to win Latin Grammys in both Classical and Latin Jazz Categories. Jazz Series Tickets: ticketphiladelphia.org 215.893.1999 $45, Members $38 Enjoy a pre-performance dinner in 1906. Visit opentable.com for reservations.
Simone Dinnerstein April 11, 8 pm
Pianist Simone Dinnerstein gained international recognition due to the success of her recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
Eroica Trio
Peter Richard Conte
April 26, 8 pm
May 11, 8 pm
Comprised of Erika Nickrenz on piano, Susie Park on violin, and Sara Sant’Ambrogio on cello, the Grammy-nominated Eroica Trio is considered one of the most sought-after trios in the world.
Peter Richard Conte has served as the Grand Court Organist of the world-famous Wanamaker Organ at the Macy’s Philadelphia department store since 1989.
Classical Series Tickets: ticketphiladelphia.org 215.893.1999 $35, Members $30 Enjoy a pre-performance dinner in 1906. Visit opentable.com for reservations.
Organ Series Tickets: ticketphiladelphia.org 215.893.1999 $40, Members $34 Enjoy a pre-performance dinner in 1906. Visit opentable.com for reservations.
Summer’s Hottest Lineup On Sale Now! Exciting acts fill the Gardens with music this summer including: – Jonny Lang and Robert Randolph, June 13 – David Sanborn and Brian Culbertson, June 19 – The Bacon Brothers, July 10 – Vince Gill, August 15 Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com or call 1.800.745.3000 These concerts are in association with BRE Presents
– Barbara Cook, July 7 – Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, July 11 – Pat Metheny Unity Band, August 9 – The Manhattan Transfer, August 23 Buy tickets at ticketphiladelphia.org or call 215.893.1999
Concerts are still being added. Visit our website for the most up-to-date summer schedule.
Light Installations by Bruce Munro Opens June 9
Experience Longwood Gardens in a whole new light through the evocative and imaginative art of Bruce Munro, British lighting artist. This US premiere illuminates our Gardens with large-scale, site-specific light installations. Purchase tickets and view complete exhibition details at longwoodgardens.org
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Wine & Jazz Festival Saturday, June 2 Start your summer on the right note. Savor fine wines and sample fresh, local fare as you enjoy the sights and sounds of live jazz in our Gardens. Featuring Grammy Award winner
Dianne Reeves Jazz great
Dominick Farinacci Quintet More jazz artists still being added! Visit our website for a complete festival schedule. Tickets on sale now at longwoodgardens.org
Featuring Dianne Reeves Wine & Jazz Festival
Saturday, June 2
Fireworks & Fountains Shows Glittering fireworks and colorful fountains light up the night sky and dance to exciting music on select evenings in the midst of our Gardens’ lush, natural beauty. Swan Lake
May 26 & July 21, 9:15 pm September 1, 8:15 pm Swan Lake features some of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved music from what is probably the most famous ballet of all, about a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer.
Stars & Stripes July 3, 9:15 pm
Stars & Stripes is a salute to John Philip Sousa, who gave 14 concerts with his band at Longwood between 1922 and 1930, and evokes a Fourth of July parade.
The Amazing ‘80s! August 11, 9:15 pm September 29, 7:15 pm
The Amazing ‘80s! spotlights popular rock and pop music from the decade’s most iconic artists.
Fireworks & Fountains Barbeque Savor picnic favorites with a gourmet flair. Special ticket required.
Show and barbeque tickets on sale now at longwoodgardens.org No refunds or exchanges. No blankets allowed. Chairs can be rented on-site for $5.
Gardens Information Spring Hours Through May 20 9 am–6 pm, open daily Admission Adults: $18 Seniors ages 62+: $15 Students with student ID: $8 Children ages 4 and under: Free Members: Free * Prices are subject to change. Some events require a special ticket. Dining Hours in The Terrace The Café Starting March 23: 10 am–5 pm 1906 Starting March 21: 11:30 am–3:30 pm Brunch is served Sunday: 11:30 am–3:30 pm Reservations can be made via opentable.com or by calling 610.388.1000. Membership Get your GardenPass and be a part of something inspired, beautiful, cultivated, natural, spectacular, and forward-thinking. Become a Member yourself or purchase a Membership as a gift. Membership means 365 days of access to our Gardens, exclusive discounts, Members-only events, and much more. Group Visits & Rentals Groups and private events are welcomed in the Gardens. Phone: 610.388.5223 / Email: events@longwoodgardens.org * Weddings and proms are not permitted. Stay Connected
Join in the conversation & “Like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/LongwoodGardens Phone: 610.388.1000 Website: longwoodgardens.org
Photography credits: Larry Albee, Longwood Gardens Illustration by Rebecca Clarke
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