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Winter Wonder January 17–March 23, 2025
Winter Wonder
On View January 17–March 23, 2025
There’s no better place to chase away winter than in our stunning glasshouses. Bask in the beauty of our new West Conservatory as this architectural showstopper begins its peak flowering season.
Stroll our historic conservatories where lush, colorful gardens and the soothing sounds of water transport you to another world.
Winter at Longwood. Experience the wonder.
Dramatic Designs
Gardening under glass takes unprecedented form this winter, and for very good reason. It’s our first winter with the West Conservatory and the preserved Cascade Garden … and it’s one you don’t want to miss.
This season our new West Conservatory, with its dramatic crystalline roofline, also boasts drama indoors as the Mediterannean-inspired garden begins its peak flowering season. Bask in the warmth and beauty of this expansive interior landscape that offers a palette of intriguing plants at every turn.
Travel to the tropics courtesy of our lush Cascade Garden, a verdant sanctuary just a few steps away. Experience this expertly crafted–and lovingly preserved–garden whose new glasshouse encapsulates the garden’s familiar meandering path, 16 waterfalls, and lush plants from the rainforest.
As always, our historic conservatories delight with their colorful plantings and exuberant textures that chase any hint of winter away.
We celebrate not only the wonder of gardening under glass this season, but also the stunning new houses and gardens we’ve added to our collection. Join us for these inviting winter programs, among many others.
Longwood Reimagined Lecture Series: From Dream to Reality January 29, 6:30–8:15 pm Free; Registration required
During this final installment of our Longwood Reimagined Lecture Series, join us in The Fountain Room or online and explore the evolution and completion of this groundbreaking accomplishment, shared by the experts themselves. Follow the project’s beginnings to its grand debut alongside partners and cofounders of design firm WEISS/ MANFREDI Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi; principals of landscape architecture practice Reed Hilderbrand Doug Reed and Kristin Frederickson; and Longwood President and Chief Executive Officer Paul B. Redman.
Learn more and register at longwoodgardens.org/longwoodreimagined-lecture-series
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 winter, join us for engaging looks at our sustainability initiatives, especially as they relate to the design of Longwood Reimagined; what goes into growing and maintaining the plants in our West Conservatory; and the hot topic of controlled burns and how we help manage the Meadow Garden with fire.
Turn to the Winter Highlights calendar in this brochure for more information or visit longwoodgardens.org/scienceseries
Learn with Us
Opportunities to learn, connect, and have fun abound with this season’s Continuing Education experiences. From floral design to the creative arts, many of this season’s offerings focus on gardens under glass … and many take place in our bright, new Studios at The Grove and our conservatories. Join us for these opportunities, among many others:
Longwood’s Glass Houses: A Century of Floral Sun Parlors
January 23, 6–7 pm
From our beloved East Conservatory to our new West Conservatory and preserved Cascade Garden, Longwood has a long, unique tradition of cultivating innovative gardens under glass. Join us online as Longwood P.S. du Pont Fellow Colvin Randall details a fascinating story of travel, discovery, architecture, and design, tracing Longwood’s beginnings to today’s latest innovations.
Mediterranean Plants for Your Home and Garden
January 25, 1:30–3 pm
During this walk-and-talk experience in our Studios and West Conservatory, enjoy a firsthand look at how to incorporate hardier plants that give a Mediterranean look but thrive in our climate, as well as colorful Mediterranean annuals, in your home and garden.
Photographing Flowers in Black and White
March 5–18
Take a deep dive into making the most of monochromatic photography and enjoy a morning photography session capturing flowers in our Conservatory District before the Gardens open for the day.
Urban Sketching in the West Conservatory
March 22, 1–4 pm
Spend an afternoon engaging in urban sketching in our West Conservatory. Tap into how to quickly capture your surroundings in beautiful, insightful sketches.
View all of our Continuing Education experiences and register at longwoodgardens.org/enroll
Design
Tuesdays
at The Garden Shop
Unwind with our hands-on workshops in The Garden Shop. Offered on select Tuesdays, these laidback evenings are the perfect opportunity to relax, create, enjoy light refreshments, and take advantage of exclusive shopping access in The Garden Shop. In February, create artistic kokedama (translated from “koke” meaning moss and “dama” meaning “ball) and in March, a vibrant orchid terrarium. Learn more and register at longwoodgardens.org/design-tuesdays
Elevated Artistry: The New 1906
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up to our new 1906 dining experience. Throughout Winter Wonder, savor an elevated lunch menu focused on seasonality and sustainability.
Plus, join us for two very special dinner events this season:
Valentine’s Weekend
February 14–16
Extended Gardens hours until 9 pm
Extended dining hours until 8 pm
Gather with loved ones and enjoy a fantastic black truffle prix fixe selection all weekend or enjoy the 1906 menu during special extended hours.
For more details and to make reservations, visit longwoodgardens.org/dine.
Women in Culinary Evening March 1 6–9 pm
Enjoy a special menu and demonstrations celebrating our women in culinary during this ticketed event.
Learn more and buy tickets at longwoodgardens.org/dine
Our 1906 Chef is Already Making a Statement
George Murkowicz brings to 1906 a lifelong passion for culinary innovation and a dedication to locally sourced ingredients. Raised in Scottsdale, AZ, Murkowicz embarked on his professional culinary path at the age of 16 at Zinc Bistro, where he honed his skills under the guidance of James Beardnominated chef Rochelle Daniel. Murkowicz’s culinary talent has earned him numerous accolades, including first place in Master Chef Santa Barbara and Wine and Dine in the Pines. Excited to join the Kennett Square community, Murkowicz is infusing 1906 with his trademark innovation, experimentation, and dedication to crafting exceptional culinary experiences.
Join Our Community Read
In celebration of the opening of Longwood Reimagined, our Community Read is exploring the powerful impact gardening can have on our lives.
This year, we’ve selected a witty, warm memoir about one woman’s unexpected journey into indoor gardening, as well as a children’s selection about a young boy seeking color in a dreary world.
This collaborative effort between the Gardens and our community partners—gardens, museums, conservation organizations, and public libraries—brings books and people together to encourage reading for pleasure and to start a conversation.
Read the Books
Join us as we dive into these outstanding selections, both available for purchase at The Garden Shop (onsite and online at shop.longwoodgardens. org) and at major booksellers.
Paradise Under Glass by Ruth Kassinger
A witty, absorbing memoir, Paradise Under Glass details one woman’s unlikely desire to build, stock, and tend a small conservatory in her suburban Maryland home—the results of which she shares in this wonderful combination of warm humor, personal anecdotes, and fascinating history.
The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton
In this beautifully illustrated children’s selection, follow along as Joe—a little boy with a big imagination—plants a seed on his balcony. When he least expects it, he sees that the seed has taken root and has turned into the most beautiful tree, adding instant color and excitement to his world.
Meet Our Community Read Author Community Read Conversation: Creating Paradise Under Glass with Author Ruth Kassinger March 29
Conservatory Ballroom (6–8 pm) or Online (6–7:15 pm)
Book signing and reception to follow Free; Advance registration required at longwoodgardens.org/communityread/community-read-events
Join us in our Gardens or online for an inspiring discussion with Ruth Kassinger. Explore Kassinger’s journey of building a small conservatory in her home, and learn about the history of conservatories and the plants they house along the way. Following the talk and Q&A, join us for a book signing with Kassinger and continue the conversation while enjoying a light dessert reception.
View our full Community Read events calendar at longwoodgardens.org/communityread
Winter Highlights
Free Spotlight Tours
Explore the beauty and design of our gardens under glass during our free 30-minute Spotlight Tours.
January 17–March 31
Daily at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm
Free with Gardens Admission. Inquire at the Visitor Center for the tour start location on the day of your visit. Please note: Capacity is limited.
January
January 17
Winter Wonder On View
Now–March 23
January 18
Science Series: Longwood’s Legacy of Sustainability: Past, Present, and Reimagined
1 pm
See details on reverse side of brochure
January 20
MLK Day Celebration
Enjoy a day of discovery and learning in the East Conservatory in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 23
Member Orientation 1 pm
Fully Online1
January 26
Doppelflöte 3 pm
January 29
Longwood Reimagined Lecture
Series: From Dream to Reality
6:30–8:15 pm2
See details on reverse side of brochure
February
February 8
Science Series: Reimagining a Landscape Under Glass: Mediterranean Seasonal Plants 1 pm
See details on reverse side of brochure
February 9
David Christopher 3 pm
February 14–16
Valentine’s Weekend Extended Hours
Celebrate love at Longwood with extended hours all weekend: 10 am–9 pm
Valentine’s Weekend Dining at 1906
See Elevated Artistry: The New 1906 for details3
February 23
Member Appreciation Day
Take advantage of one-day-only double discounts (20% off!) in The Garden Shop (both online and onsite) and on dining. Plus, stop by our new Bonsai Workshop and Library from 11 am to 2 pm to explore these new spaces.
Member Orientation 10:30 am1
Clair Rozier 3 pm3
March
March 1
Women in Culinary Evening at 1906
See Elevated Artistry: The New 1906 for details3
March 5
Dreamers’ Circus 7:30 pm4
March 8
Family Workshop: Kokedama 10–11 am5
Youth Workshop: Kokedama 12–1:30 pm5
Science Series: Fire for Flora: The Role of Controlled Burns in Meadow Management 1 pm
See details on reverse side of brochure
March 16
The Naghash Ensemble 7:30 pm4
March 17
Summer Performing Arts Pre-sale
See Dates to Know for details
March 19
Summer Performing Arts Public Sale
See Dates to Know for details
March 22
Member Orientation 10:30 am1
March 23
Member Appreciation Day Take advantage of one-day-only double discounts (20% off!) in The Garden Shop (both online and onsite) and on dining. Plus, stop by our new Bonsai Workshop and Library from 11 am to 2 pm to explore these new spaces.
Kennett Symphony Masterworks 2: Inspirations 7:30 pm6
March 29
Spring Blooms On View Now–May 4
Community Read Conversation: Creating Paradise Under Glass with Author Ruth Kassinger See Join Our Community Read for details
Key Horticulture Education Dining
Member/ Innovator Event Performance
1 Advance registration required: longwoodgardens.org/member-orientation or 610.388.1000
2 Advance registration required: longwoodgardens.org/enroll or 610.388.5454
3 Special ticket required: longwoodgardens.org/dine
4 Special ticket required: longwoodgardens.org or 610.388.1000
5 Advance registration and fee required: longwoodgardens.org/education/k-12-programs
6 Special ticket required: kennettsymphony.org
To access and print our complete winter calendar, use this QR code or visit longwoodgardens.org/winter-calendar
Dates to Know
Winter Wonder
January 17–March 23, 2025
Gardens and The Garden Shop Hours
Wednesday–Monday: 10 am–5 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Enjoy extended Valentine’s Weekend hours! February 14, 15, and 16: 10 am–9 pm
Dining Hours
Find day-by-day details at longwoodgardens.org/dine
1906
Wednesday–Monday: 11 am–3:30 pm
Tuesday: Closed
See Elevated Artistry: The New 1906 for details on special dining events and evenings.
2025 Summer Performance
Series On Sale
March 19 at 10 am
Phone: 610.388.1000
Website: longwoodgardens.org
Free WiFi available: Connect to FreeGardenWIFI
Our Gardens are smoke-free.
Photography credits: Holden Barnes, Hannah Beier, Laurie Carrozzino, Hank Davis, Becca Mathias, Daniel Traub, and David Ward.
© 2025 Longwood Gardens
Gardens Preferred & Premium Member and Innovator Pre-sale
March 17 and 18, beginning March 17 at 10 am