MAGICIAL GARDENS

I was going to post this sooner today, but got caught it in a fabulous performance of the Philadelphia Orchestra's Sounds of Christmas concert with guest conductor Bramwell Tovey. It was a great listen and a hat tip to Cello Josh for alerting me to listen in! Bravo!

I had the opportunity about a week ago to go visit the  exquisite Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square on a day off. Longwood Gardens has a rich and varied history. For thousands of years, the native Lenni Lenape tribe fished its streams, hunted its forests, and planted its fields. In 1700, Quaker farmer, George Peirce, purchased 400-acres of the English-claimed land and began developing the property. His decedents eventually created an arboretum of some of the finest trees in the nation. Unfortunately, as years passed, heirs lost interest and the land suffered decades of neglect until 1906, when it was obtained by Pierre du Pont - entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist and member of the prominent du Pont family. Pierre and his wife's passion and vision created the groundwork for what is now Longwood Gardens - home to many spectacular botanical collections spread across 1,083-acres. One of the volunteers who was pottering in the gardens, told me it is all wonderfully maintained by a staff of 1,300 employees, students and volunteers. We have Pierre du Pont and his love of arbor and being a naturist to treasure this gem today.  At Christmas it is truly magical.

The conservatory or Orangery is the most iconic of spaces at Longwood. The stately greenhouse garden features an ever-changing display of flowers and foliage that exude color and fragrance.Built between 1919 and 1921, the Orangery was originally filled with citrus fruit trees. The citrus was eventually phased out and flowering plants surrounding manicured lawns became the focal point, a design approach used to this day. The DuPont's also had their ballroom located here.

This beautiful tree is made of green stained glass pieces all hand hung individually to create this tree look. Truly amazing.

Grapefruits in bloom

This is from the bonsai room. This art form always amazes me. This one was started in 1905.

The ballroom tree.

My first visit to the reading room, which isn't always open. Truly stunning.

A wreath made entirely of book pages

This tree was creative. made and shaped of stacked books!

I have no idea how they did this? But how cool is that?

The beautiful floating trees over the pond.

A orchid tree in the orchid room.

Caught the train on the way over to the DuPont house. Not literality though.

Built in 1730 by Joshua Peirce, the Peirce-du Pont House is the oldest structure at Longwood. The core of the original brick house is an outstanding example of Federal-style architecture. It was the homestead of the Peirce family until 1905 and borders Peirce’s Park, the arboretum founded in 1798 by Joshua and Samuel Peirce.Pierre S. du Pont purchased the house in 1906 and personally directed its renovation. He eventually doubled its size in 1914, adding the conservatory that became Longwood’s first ‘winter garden.’ A must see while there. At Christmas, I love the huge tree and all the bottle brushes.

But at night...…

If you plan to go if your local, or for out of towners, I recommend planning a whole day there, and also go online and get tickets ahead of time, you will be able to get right in. They also have great eateries with excellent food, and even offer wine and beers. It was by far my favorite things I did for myself this season. In closing here's a recording from the victrola in the DuPont house. I loved it's sound.