For my birthday, my BFF Randi treated me to an amazing day at Longwood Gardens. First of all, Martha Stewart was headlining, to promote her newest book, Martha’s Flowers A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering and Enjoying. So, it was very appropriate that Martha would do so at one of the premiere horticultural centers in the United States. Furthermore, Randi and I are lucky because Longwood Gardens is practically in our back yards, only about forty five minutes from where we live outside of Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania. Both Randi and I love flowers and plants. Therefore, we are both avid “gardeners”. We plant our gardens each spring, and take care of them all summer.
Also, I love having flowers in the house. So, I plant a cutting garden, so I can grow and cut my own flowers. Then, I can create flower arrangements to have in the house. Randi use to be a party planner. She made gorgeous flower arrangements for huge wedding, and large parties. As a result, Martha’s newest book, a practical guide to growing, gathering and enjoying flowers is right up both Randi and my alley. At the end of her talk, Martha gave each one in her audience a copy of her new book. We left the outdoor theater, and ran to the parking lot to put our books in the car. Then, to the gardens we went!
Longwood Gardens – A Short History
Originally, the Lenape Indiands lived in the area where Longwood Gardens is now. To illustrate, for many thousands of years the Lenni Lenape Native tribe fished the streams, hunted its forests, and planted its fields. Then, in 1700 everything changed. A Quaker farmer named George Peirce purchased the then English claimed land, from William Penn’s commissioners. In fact, the family and their ancwstors eventually created a 15 acre arboretum, including specimens from up and down the American Eastern Seaborard, and oversees. By the 1850s, the arboretum boasted one of the finest collection of trees in the nation. However, by early 1900, the family had lost interest in the land.
As a result, the land passed through many hands. Finally, a Lumbermill wanted to purchase the land, and take down the trees. Then, Pierre Du Pont purchased the land. He was a member of the very wealthy DuPont Family. Also, he was an entrepreneur and businessman, and engineer. Originality Pont purchased the land in order to save the trees. Eventually, he used the land, creating beautiful fountains and planting magnificent gardens, and even a Conservatory, Greenhouse to grow his own fruit. The reason for this was, DuPont wanted a place where he could entertain guests. In 1954, Pierre DuPont passed away, leaving a huge endowment to keep Longwood Gardens running forever.
Longwood Gardens – The Gardens
Rose Gardens
ALEUM
Dahlias
Lavender
MARIGOLDS
DELPHINIAN
TOPIARY GARDEN
BEGONIA
MORE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS
WATER LILY DISPLAY
ASSORTED PLANTED POTS
MAIN FOUNTAIN GARDENS
The Main Fountain Garden is five acres. And, it combines Italian Ornamental Design (the fountains) inspired by the Villa Gamberaia near Florence, Italy, with French Grandiosity.
CONSERVATORY
The conservatory was built in 1914.
Fern Passageway
BONSAI DISPLAY
ORCHID DISPLAY
VENUS FLY TRAP
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ESTATE FRUIT HOUSE
LIVING FOSSILS
TROPICAL PLANTS
GREEN WALL
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST…………
What An Awesome Day! First, the weather was glorious. And, Martha Stewart was fantastic. Best of all, the Gardens were gorgeous! Randi took me to a delicious lunch. We each had the famous Kennett Square Mushroom Soup! Yummmmm. These famous mushrooms are grown right in Kennett Square! And the best part of all was just spending the day with my bff! Thank you Randi for the best day ever! And, I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present! I love you!!!!!!!
So, if you are ever in the Philadelphia area, you must spend a day at Longwood Gardens. The displays and the gardens change with the seasons. Randi and I are definitely going back in the Fall to see the chrysanthemums, and we can’t wait to go Christmas Eve to see the magnificent display of lights and Christmas trees.
I hope you enjoyed spending the day with Randi and me!
xoxoxo
1 Comment. Leave new
Ahhh thanks Leslie! Happy Birthday to my BFF who has everything, especially love