Sunday, March 13, 2016

WINTER OASIS

 
I'll admit that I may get too comfortable winter cocooning and hate when it has to end, but today brought about a spring like day, with the weather getting warmer already. We saw temps this week almost up to 80 degrees! So, to get me into the spring mood, it was off to the an exquisite orchid show Each winter, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square has a beautiful cure for the cold-weather blues. Tucked inside Longwood’s four-acre conservatory, a host of beautiful blooms transports visitors to balmy climates during Orchid Extravaganza.
 
 
 The annual orchid display features nearly 5,000 delicate blossoms hanging from baskets, in colorful arrangements and covering unexpected surfaces throughout the conservatory. From the moment when you first enter the Conservatory and look out over the vast displays, you feel a sense of calm and relaxation taking over.  It's warm, it's beautiful, and it smells like heaven.  Walk slow and give yourself time to take it all in. One of the most wonderful things about the entire exhibit is how each new view is somehow more dazzling than the last.  Just as you've decided that the East Conservatory is the prettiest place on earth, you wander into the Main Conservatory and see the greenest, most perfect orchids imaginable. In the cold of winter, the conservatory remains a summery oasis to maintain optimal growing environments for orchids and other flowering plants — and we took full advantage of the tropical temperatures with a self-tour of the show.
 
 
Some even looked alien like , no?

I kept expecting Poison Ivy to leap out and greet us here....
 
I came close to buying one from their vast array of blooms on sale, but having grown an orchid once or twice, I do well for about a year and half, then I somehow manage to kill the thing. I couldn't subject a beauty to that orchid murder again. So for now, I guess I'll still be the high maintenance around here.

27 comments:

  1. wow! thanks for the tour! My master gardener friend can keep them alive but not moi. :-)

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    1. Maybe the garden gnomes can help you?

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    2. nah, they are drunk off their little asses on ranier beer!

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  2. What a glorious breath of springtime - really spectacular, and I could almost imagine the heavenly scents of those beautiful blooms.

    Am I getting too poetic? Naw, not a chance!

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    1. I was ready to strip naked and lie on a faint lily pad in the reflecting pool!

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  3. Beautiful.....Longwood is always a perfect place to jump start spring. William and I probably won't make the orchid show this year, so thank you for the wonderful pictures.

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  4. @TDM and @jon - go here for a virtual tour: http://longwoodgardens.org

    this used to be a dupont estate. it's even more gorgeous in person.

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    Replies
    1. Sad part is the conservatory is way more impressive than the actual mansion.

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  5. Gorgeous.
    Carlos used to grow orchids in Miami ... not so easy in South Carolina.

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  6. How wonderful! Certainly puts my kitchen and bathroom windowsill examples to shame.
    You've inspired me to make a trip to Kew Gardens!

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  7. Spring gives us so much beauty to enjoy............flowers are stunning!!! Longwoods has been on my bucket list for some time, I hear it's spectacular.

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  8. Now those are some pretty flowers.

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  9. I haven't seen Longwood Gardens it seems like forever. Since I left the states. To walk in the conservatory is to go to a place you have never expierienced before. Many people come from lands far away to be privileged to see the best in horticulture. Thanks for showing this beautiful day.

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  10. What a simply amazing place! I can almost feel the warmth. Those close ups are alien like aren't they?

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  11. Sheer beauty! No other words needed.

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  12. This is a switch YOU looking at choice blooms! Why have I never seen this on e my visits to Philly. In my line of work, I have heard great things about this place. I can't even imagine this was once an estate. Great pictures and what color.

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  13. Beautiful Place to Spend the Day. Does this mean the social scene is starting up?

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    1. Yes, I believe im ripe for the pickin!

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  14. We so need to go see this. Longwood Gardens is definitely one of Greater Philadelphia's hidden gems. We may try to make it yet. And look at you sneaking in....we have missed your post and see we have missed some. Welcome back cutie.

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  15. They are beautiful. I long ago settled with the fact that orchids will live for a while and may bloom once or twice again for me and then they will just depart.

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    1. You must have a good touch. Yours last longer than mine

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  16. What a great post to read today. I always get orchids, but then I manage to kill them once they stop blooming. I think I over water them. You got some great pictures, the place looks magnificent.

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    1. I do think alot of people over water them. I do know an ice cube laid in the pot to melt on its own is all the water it needs for a week. Also the temperature has to be consistent and no draffy windows sills.

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