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Spring Blooms March 28–May 4
Spring Blooms
On View
March 28–May 4, 2025
A new spring awaits this season at Longwood.
From early bulbs’ peeks of color … to our iconic tapestry of tulips … to scenes of spring for the first time in our new Bonsai Courtyard … to all-new ways to experience Spring Blooms during evening hours, spring into a world of new beginnings—and endless possibilities—at Longwood.
New is in bloom.
Spring is a popular time to visit. Throughout Spring Blooms Members require timed reservations from open to close.
Gardens Premium Members and Innovators do not require reservations.
Spring into New
The newness—and beauty—of spring beckons throughout our Gardens this season. It’s our first with our stunning Bonsai Courtyard, gorgeous new outdoor landscapes, and redesigned Idea Garden … making this a season of fresh beginnings like never before.
A masterful display of changing specimens among flowering cherry trees graces our Bonsai Courtyard. As the season progresses, vibrant azalea bonsai in various hues deepen the Bonsai Courtyard’s palette and delight your senses. Just beyond, explore the trees and vistas of our new outdoor landscapes as they awaken for the season.
Steps away, experience our newly redesigned Idea Garden and its everchanging palette of color, as well as its expansive Ornamental Kitchen Garden where 1906 sources ingredients for their delicious creations. Our iconic and much-loved Flower Garden Walk bursts with color and variety, while our Italian Water Garden and Open Air Theatre fountains jet to life.
Learn and Have Fun with Us
Spring into opportunities for learning, growth, and fun this season. From hands-on creative arts adventures to engaging floral design sessions, many of our offerings take place in the beauty of our outdoor gardens and in our bright, new Studios at The Grove.
Hear from Our Science Experts
Our monthly Science Series invites you to delve into one of our many plant research and conservation projects, and meet the talented staff behind the work. This spring, join us on April 19 as Associate Director, Land Stewardship and Ecology Lea Johnson, Ph.D. details Longwood’s water stewardship story and the powerful connection between mindful land management and a thriving natural world.
Turn to the Spring Highlights calendar in this brochure for more information or visit longwoodgardens.org/scienceseries
Design and Unwind with Us Unwind and create with friends during our relaxed Design Tuesdays at The Garden Shop and create a textural mini moss wall, to a vibrant, spring-inspired terrarium, to much more. With an everfresh, ever-changing, and hand-picked selection of plants, each evening workshop offers a unique opportunity to create stunning pieces for your home—and they’re the perfect opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and exclusive shopping access.
Learn more and register at longwoodgardens.org/design-tuesdays
Perfect for Late Bloomers: New Spring Evening Hours
Fancy an evening stroll through the tulips? Looking to take in a spectacular sunset amid our grove of London plane-trees? Care to enjoy an evening cocktail or dinner at 1906?
New this year, enjoy extended evening and 1906 dining hours until 9 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday starting April 18 through May 4 … giving you even more time, and new ways, to savor the splendor of spring.
Gardening Foundations
April 2–30
From planning to planting, explore the joys of growing your own plants and the basics of gardening. This engaging, hands-on class is designed for those with little to no gardening experience, as well as those starting our all-new Gardening Certificate program.
In Focus: Bonsai Curation
April 4, 9 am–12 pm
During this exciting new photography class, learn alongside Emmy Awardwinning photojournalist Monica Herndon and get up-close snapshots of our bonsai curators at work in the new, behind-the-scenes Bonsai Workshop.
Creating the Ultimate Flower Garden
April 6, 1–3:30 pm
Dreaming of the ultimate flower garden in your very own yard, but not sure how to get started? Take the mystery out of flower gardening with expert gardener and author of The Ultimate Flower Gardener’s Guide Jenny Rose Carey— and enjoy a stroll through the Gardens for inspiration.
Plantology on Tap: Bonsai
The Creamery of Kennett Square
April 17: Doors open at 5 pm, lecture at 6 pm
Join us for a relaxing night exploring the incredible art and science of bonsai in this spirited community space. Led by Longwood bonsai curator Kevin Bielicki, discover what it takes to select and train bonsai, and gather top tips for starting and caring for your own bonsai. Enjoy a delicious small bite and cocktail to round out the fun.
Native and Hardy Orchids
May 3, 2–5 pm
Take a special look at all things native orchids, including those native orchids at Longwood, their ideal growing conditions, and our work in preserving these incredible species. Start your experience in our Studios at The Grove before taking a tour of native orchids in bloom in our outdoor gardens, followed by a tour of our Orchid House. Plus, receive a hardy orchid to take home, along with know-how on its care and preservation.
View all of our Continuing Education experiences and register at longwoodgardens.org/enroll
Our Fountains Return
Open Air Theatre
April 19
Italian Water Garden
April 26
Main Fountain Garden Daily shows and Illuminated Fountain Performances (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings) begin May 5
Celebrate Seasonal Flavors at 1906
As our Gardens spring to fresh beginnings, so do your opportunities to experience the artistry of 1906— including a new spring menu celebrating seasonal flavors through botanically inspired cuisine.
Throughout Spring Blooms, enjoy an elevated lunch menu and beginning April 18, join us Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings to experience dinner selections celebrating the diverse, delicious tastes of the season. Drawing inspiration from our Ornamental Kitchen Garden and partnering with local farmers and artisans, we deliver an exceptional experience that nourishes, entertains, and connects you with the beauty that is Longwood Gardens.
Make your reservation now for these exclusive dining evenings:
March 28
April 4,5,10,11, 30
Experience the region’s hottest new restaurant during our special 1906 Nights—and enjoy our new Longwood Reimagined spaces. An unforgettable evening awaits. For more details and to make reservations, visit longwoodgardens.org/dine.
“There is nothing like1906 in the Brandywine Valley—or the Greater Philadelphia area, for that matter.”
– Pam George, Out & About Magazine
Sounds of Summer
Our 2025 summer performance series radiates with energy, excitement, and countless can’t-miss moments. Join us for these Open Air Theatre performances, among many others:
BalletX
June 5 at 7:30 pm
Philadelphia’s premier contempoary ballet, BalletX pushes the boundaries of classical ballet to tell today’s stories with passion, creativity, and exuberance.
Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal
July 10 at 7:30 pm
One of the country’s pre-eminent singer-songwriters, multiple Grammy Award-winner Rosanne Cash blends country with Americana, folk, pop, rock, and blues.
Pink Martini featuring China Forbes
July 31 at 7:30 pm
A genre-crossing force featuring more than a dozen musicians, Pink Martini’s sensational, multilingual repertoire is inspired by classical, jazz, and old-fashioned pop.
Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro: “Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret
August 28 at 7:30 pm
Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro come together in song as they transport audiences to other worlds with this critically acclaimed evening of tunes and tall tales.
Tickets On Sale
NEW: Two-Day Pre-Sale Begins March 17 at 10 am
(Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members, Innovators) Public Sale: March 19 at 10 am
Tickets limited. Sell out likely.
Purchase tickets at: longwoodgardens org/summer-series
Discount for Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members, and Innovators
Specific level of Membership and Innovators receive up to 15% off regular ticket prices. If you are eligible to receive the discount, your discount code is printed on the back cover of the brochure.
Save the Date: Fireworks & Fountains Shows
Our spectacular Fireworks & Fountains Shows set the sky—and our hearts— aglow. Join us for six shows this summer: July 3, July 19, August 9, August 31, September 13, and September 27, and save the following ticket on-sale dates.
July 3, July 19, and August 9 Fireworks & Fountains Show Tickets On Sale:
NEW Two-Day Pre-Sale (Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members, Innovators): May 12 at 10 am
Public Sale: May 14 at 10 am
August 31, September 13, and September 27 Fireworks & Fountains Show Tickets On Sale:
NEW Two-Day Pre-Sale (Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members, Innovators): June 23 at 10 am
Public Sale: June 25 at 10 am
Spring Calendar
Daytime Spotlight Tours
Explore our iconic Flower Garden Walk then be enchanted by Peirce’s Woods, our native woodland garden, during our free daytime 30-minute Spotlight Tours.
April 2–May 4
Daily at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm: no Spotlight Tours offered April 18, 19, 20
Evening Spotlight Tours
Explore our new Bonsai Courtyard, a contemplative space where meticulous artistry and the beauty of nature converge, during our free 30-minute evening Spotlight Tours.
April 25–May 4
Select Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings 5 pm and 7 pm
Free with Gardens Admission. Inquire at the Visitor Center for the tour sign-up location on the day of your visit.
Please note: Capacity is limited.
March
March
March 30
Curtis Student Recital Alexandra Cooreman (violin) 1 pm April
April 2
April 5
Family Nature Strolls 10:30 and 11:30 am
April 6
Curtis Student Recital Elliot Sloss (cello) 1 pm
April 12
Family Workshop: Jump Start Your Garden 10–11 am1
Family Nature Strolls 10:30 and 11:30 am
Open Organ Console Day 10:30 am–1:30 pm
Youth Workshop: Jump Start Your Garden 12–1:30 pm1
Picnic Area Opens
April 14
Member Appreciation Day Take advantage of one-day-only double discounts (20% off!) in The Garden Shop (both online and onsite) and on dining.
April 15
Spring Break Tuesday
As a special treat for spring break, our Gardens are open today from 10 am to 6 pm.
April 18
Weekend
Gardens hours until 9 pm
April 19
Family Nature Strolls 10:30 and 11:30 am
Science Series:
Healthy Trees, Healthy Streams: Managing Waterways for a Resilient Future
11 am
April 20
Easter Weekend
Extended Gardens hours until 9 pm
Live String Quartet in the Main Conservatory, 1–4 pm
April 22
Spring Break Tuesday
As a special treat for spring break, our Gardens are open today from 10 am to 6 pm.
April 26
Family Nature Strolls 10:30 and 11:30 am
International Organ Day Live Demos with Thomas Gaynor 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm
Pasión y Arte 1 and 4 pm
April 27
Tedde Gibson 3 pm
April 28
Member Appreciation Day
Take advantage of one-day-only double discounts (20% off!) in The Garden Shop (both online and onsite) and on dining.
Member Orientation 3 pm2
April 29
Waterlily Court Innovator Preview 11 am3
Exclusively for Longwood Innovators
May
Peirce’s Woods Expected to Be in Bloom
Wisteria Expected to be in Bloom in Early May
May 3
Family Nature Strolls 10:30 and 11:30 am
May 5
Member Appreciation Day
Take advantage of one-day-only double discounts (20% off!) in The Garden Shop (both online and onsite) and on dining.
May 9
Festival of Fountains On View Now–September 28
1 Advance registration and fee required: longwoodgardens.org/education/k-12-programs
2 Advance registration required: longwoodgardens.org/member-orientation or 610.388.1000
3 For information on the Longwood Innovator program, visit longwoodgardens.org/innovators
To access and print our complete spring calendar, use this QR code or visit longwoodgardens.org/spring-calendar
Dates to Know
Spring Blooms
March 28–May 4, 2025
Timed reservations required for Members every day from open to close. Reservations not required for Gardens Premium Members and Innovators.
Gardens and The Garden Shop Hours
March 28–April 17, 2025
Wednesday–Monday: 10 am–6 pm
Tuesday: Closed, except for April 15
April 18–May 4, 2025
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 am–6 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 am–9 pm
Tuesday: Closed, except for April 22
Dining Hours
Find day-by-day details at longwoodgardens.org/dine.
1906 Hours
March 28–April 17, 2025
Wednesday–Monday: 11 am–4 pm
April 18–May 4, 2025
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 11 am–4 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 11 am–9 pm
1906 Nights
March 28
April 4, 5, 10, 11, 30
See Celebrate Seasonal Flavors at 1906 for details on special dining evenings.
Phone: 610.388.1000
Website: longwoodgardens.org
Free WiFi available: Connect to FreeGardenWIFI
Our Gardens are smoke-free.
Photography credits: Holden Barnes, Hannah Beier, Hank Davis, Becca Mathias, and Daniel Traub
© 2025 Longwood Gardens
