With a vista of the fountain garden quietly surrounded by snow, our hike around Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania was very peaceful, with few other visitors present. But the carillon still sounded every quarter hour, the trees reached their leafless branches into the sunny sky, and the water in the grotto still mysteriously poured through a sunlit opening.  There is no specific orchid display in the conservatories as in the past, but Longwood has brought out some of their exotic orchids from their vast greenhouses and growing rooms. We were particularly fascinated by one whose flowers spill from witchy looking horns called Fredclarkeara After Dark.  The Mediterranean area is always beautiful, but had a particularly striking display which complimented the Gothic arches of ... 02/05/2021

 It was taking a chance, but I really wanted to see the annual Chrysanthemum Festival at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. My friend Brenda, who works there in the Visitor Center, invited me to visit late in the day in the middle of the week, when there were not likely to be many other visitors.    Sure enough, we may have seen less than 20 people there. But it gave me a chance to see some nice fall color before going in out of the rain in the conservatory. I'm glad to see their walkways are covered with leaves, just as mine are.  And it's not the 1000 bloom artificially trained mums I came to see, although there seems to be training and hidden wires behind a lot of the plants, but not as obvious.  On such a gloomy day,  the orchid room looked more colorful than ever. An... 11/12/2020

On view now to March 22, the annual Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA  is now doing its annual thing, brightening up the space vacated by the recent Christmas display. (Full disclosure, after many years of doing the holiday thing, I stayed away this last December).  As you enter the East Conservatory, you are blown away by the forest of tiny yellow orchids and the hanging planters of purple orchids.   Escaping the gloom outside yesterday, my friend Brenda, who works at Longwood, guided me inside and I spotted strange lights.  You would think as many times as she has been through the conservatories, she would have noticed almost everything. Botany--maybe--but mysterious glowing lights in the East Conservatory are another thing. I asked her if they have always ... 02/02/2020

Yesterday was the 242nd anniversary of the day the British and their Hessian mercenaries marched through Kennett Square, Pennsylvania on their way to meet General Washington's army ending up the next day on a farmer's field in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Last night, September 10, residents of the area around Kennett Square (which was little more than a wide spot in the road in 1777 and home to the Unicorn Tavern, now the oldest building in town) donned British uniforms with Quaker ladies peacefully looking on.  They told stories of how the tavern was looted and the tavern keeper (far right in top photo)  fretted the Philadelphia landlord would have his guts for garters for letting the looters in. General Knyphausen (dark blue uniform)  proudly strutted around bragging about how his Germa... 09/11/2019

Happy Memorial Day!   Remember... David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon, PA/Wilmington, DEOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808www.DelawarePAHomes.com  05/27/2019

 We picked the coldest day of the year to see the orchid display at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.  But it was a treat for my birthday from a friend who works in the visitors' center at the Gardens, so we ventured forth. Because it was so cold, they offered a shuttle from the center to the Conservatory (a rare event, in my experience).  The Conservatory was almost empty, and greeting us was a field of (very carefully arranged) orchids.  And then there were vertical panels of Phalaenopsis orchids, the ones most commonly found as potted plants. Next, we saw what I call "lollipop" arrangements of orchids. These were balls hanging from the ceiling or popping out of flowerpots with orchids at the end of spikes. I was told that the inside story is that the center of each ba... 02/01/2019

 If you were thinking of visiting Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to see the Chrysanthemum Festival before the Christmas display begins, you have until November 18, 2018.  I visited a couple of days ago just to check it out, and sure enough, those thousand bloom mums were featured, along with spider mums (photo), football mums (yes, they really are called that by someone other than me), and bonsai mums (below).  If you wondered how they get 1000 blooms on one plant, you might want to check out this  mum video from Longwood.                      And I do love some of the other plants on display, such as the Abutilon (flowering maple) and camellias (pictured).  I am always amazed by the number of parents who bring their offspring ranging from teeny tiny (in strollers) to ... 11/12/2018

While visiting historic Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania the other day, I got to wondering what influenced Pierre S. duPont when he built his fountain display. It turns out, one of the events practically in his back yard was a big influence.While he always preferred to live amid the quiet, familiar beauty of the   Brandywine Valley, Pierre was greatly influenced by his frequent travels around the globe. He attended several world’s fairs and expositions, where he was astounded by grand architecture and the latest technology, including the huge display of water pumps at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia (photo) and illuminated fountains at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.Last year, Longwood proudly introduced the latest update and expansion of... 09/24/2018

Sometimes I just get determined to do something that does not seem like a really good idea.  This happened the other evening when a friend and I decided that that forecast of rain was really just a chance of rain and headed out to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square.We had tickets for the 9:15 fountains and music show, so what could go wrong, right?Then I learned a few things.1. My waterproof jacket was just a giant sponge.2. Hiding under a tree in a rainstorm still means getting wet.3. You can't see much in the garden at night.4. Chili in the cafeteria is a good choice on a rainy night.5. The conservatory takes on a spooky aura at night and they really don't turn on a lot of  lights inside. 6. There are a few plants that literally shine at night and make it almost worth the trip, i.e. t... 09/02/2018

So you are always looking for gifts and souvenirs that are unique remembrances of that cool little town you came upon in Pennsylvania. Well, if that little Borough is Kennett Square, have we got a deal for you!  It's called The Mushroom Cap.They have fresh White, Crimini, Shitake, Oyster, Maitake, Portabella, Royal Trumpet, Pom Poms, Beech Morels and Chanterelles (when in season).  They have marinated, pickled, dried, Snack  Shrooms, chips, powder, pasta and chop sauces, mustard, dips, chowder mix, and soup mix. If you would rather wear your mushrooms, there are socks, t-shirts, baby clothes, plus  dish towels, kitchen implements, books, post cards, and ornaments featuring the shiny mushroom which drops at midnight on New Year's Eve.  Many of these items are also available on their web ... 07/07/2018

Last week, my son was visiting from Tokyo, and we made a day of it at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. He had not been back home in five years, so there had been a lot of changes in that time.It was sunny, but was threatening to rain in the afternoon, so we started out walking the grounds in the morning.  The meadow area had a new path which gave a great vista of the open fields, and Doug enjoyed taking photos there. After lunch in the cafe, which appeared to be undergoing a large construction project that set tables under a heated tent, we entered the Conservatory just as it started to drizzle. The Orchid Exhibit, which runs to May 6, was in full bloom, giving us both a good chance to take photos to our hearts' content.  03/27/2018

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania is a wonderland at Christmas.I gingerly approached late yesterday afternoon, trying to follow a traffic stream that would lead me to the regular parking lot instead of the remote shuttle lot across the street. I thought my parking spot was off in the bushes, but it actually was not far from the visitor center and there were generator fed lights there after dark. (almost dark at Longwood)The first thing I like to do is visit the conservatory before it gets dark out, so that my outdoor walking will cover all the lighted attractions. But hey, the conservatory has plenty of lighted Christmas trees and other spectacular plant displays. There has been some local controversy over the use of hundreds of floating apples and cranberries (see pictur... 12/21/2017

This summer guests to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania get a chance to see the fountains that have been totally rebuilt and that were under construction for a couple of years. I have been watching progress from 2015, when the old fountains had their statuary removed for preservation and the site was bulldozed. What a change last night to see all the new features. You can now walk around the upper plaza and fountains and go down into where the old pumps are on display that once powered the water display. A new grotto has been built with water cascading down from a sunlit opening. The lighted fountain display has all kinds of tricks including a total of 1700 jets and  some that are able to do  a basketweave pattern. When the upper fountains shoot as far as 175 feet into th... 07/08/2017

I was just reading a neat article in the Chester County Press about thankfulness.  You can click here to read it too.  The headline is The Power of 'Thank You' and it started with one woman's wish to adopt an attitude of thankfulness.I think it's obvious that a thankful heart will always be a happier heart.  Out of that desire is now an invitation for everyone in Kennett Square to join in!!  What a cool thing!  There's even a Facebook Page!People are using things around the house or in the garden , or wherever to spell out the words Thank you.  Take a look at the page here.   I like this idea so much that I joined in.  I don't live in Kennett Square and chances are, you do not either but why not join!    My younger son Max was home for spring break this week and I got to have dinner wit... 03/16/2017

I remember back in the 1980's that we would drive up to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to drive through and see the Christmas lights. It was free of charge and cars would line up on Baltimore Pike and slowly crawl through a loop and see the decorated trees. How times have changed. Now November 27 through January 8, you won't see much from the highway, and you might even have to park on the other side of the highway and take a bus to the visitors' center at Longwood. Not only that, but you may see an electronic sign informing you that no tickets are available for that night. If you are not a member, you have to get timed tickets which attempt to spread out the thousands of people arriving daily.(Wreath in center is kalanchoe and spleenwort ferns)I am fortunate enough to... 12/29/2016

New Year’s Eve at Longwood Gardens near Kennett Square, PA was the place to be. Friends and I went out to dinner at the nearby Mendenhall Inn in Mendenhall PA and drove up the road to see the lights at Longwood.  One friend had never been there during the holidays and was amazed by the proliferation of lights in various forms. (Those are floating snowflakes over the lake on the right).Every year brings changes in emphasis and centers of creative ideas. I didn’t remember seeing icicle like cascades of light at the entrance to the gardens, but I do remember how they used lights shaped like bunches of grapes in the past. This year it was tiny bushes with lights shaped like the catkins of a pussywillow. Outside the Pierce-DuPont house, the tree trunks were wrapped in bright colors. The fanc... 01/01/2016

So what happens after dark at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania?  Some call it psychedelic, some call it a wonder, I call it brilliant.  With eerie eclectronic music playing, Nightscape: A Light and Sound Experience” by Klip Collective transforms the landscape by projecting images onto the plants and trees. Running through the end of October, it uses both indoor and outdoor areas for its artistry, although I must say, it is the open air creations that are the most spectacular. Above the large lake, dragonflies and fish cavort, with one giant dragonfly seemingly flying right at the viewer. The topiary garden with its precise forms is the most fascinating, with the topiaries doing a wooden soldier-like dance. Sorry folks, the pictures don’t do it justice, you will just have... 09/03/2015

The Fountain Displays across from the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania are currently undergoing a total renovation and upgrade, to be completed in 2017, with new digital controls and features.  When I saw the current state of affairs, I thought it looked like Pompeii (have seen pictures but never have been there) with a couple of stone arches about all that remained of the 1930's and 1950's work. One of the problems has been the "health and safety" issue of whether the balustrades retain their original spacing or if they will be forced to put plantings or guard rails between the 12' wide pathway of the balustrades at the top of the  "Italian Villa" behind and above the fountains. It would be a shame if the total effect was spoiled by construction of guard... 05/14/2015

Happy New Year!!! There's still time to visit Longwood Gardens Christmas Display with thousands of lights, fountain displays set to music, and illuminated tree houses and even an outdoor railway decorated for the season.  Above is a photo our daughter, Sarah Luca, took last night at Longwood Gardens.  Here is a link to Longwood Gardens Hours of Operation.    The area surrounding Longwood Gardens is a beautiful place to live, yet very convenient access for commuting, country clubs, museums, parks and shopping.  If you are interesting in viewing homes for sale near Longwood Gardens click this link: http://www.maryluca.com/Longwood_Gardens_Homes_for_Sale_Nearby_Real_Estate/Real_Estate/?id=36936     Or call John & Mary Luca at 302-740-5872 to discuss your preferences, and we'll find the ho... 12/31/2014

I could say Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square has a Christmas display that is for the birds, and I would be telling the truth. Not only is there a “bird” theme, but it is one of the few events that does not say it is a “Holiday” display, but actually says it is for CHRISTMAS!  Since it features lots of Christmas trees, it is entirely appropriate. Even the lighting fixtures in the ballroom have been turned into birds. This is the room with the organ console and the place where periodically the house organist leads Christmas carols sung by the assembled visitors. Not only is the conservatory decked out for the season, but the grounds feature lighted trees both on the ground and on the water features, and a lighted garden railway chugs along. This special yearly creation will be open to t... 12/21/2014