Spring at Longwood

A few weeks late posting this, spring blooms have passed now and the trees are in full green. But it's not too late to share our day at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. A gorgeous spring day in April, bright blue skies, temperatures finally creeping out of the 40's and into a respectable zone, and the flowering trees were in full bloom. A day like that calls for some wandering about Longwood's 1050 acres.

The property was once the former estate of Pierre S. du Pont. Apparently a fan of horticulture, he preserved the property, including the trees, and eventually opened it to the public. Fleets of gardeners now keep the site immacculate, full of blooms in each season.

This image, the lone orange tulip in a field of white tulips, is one of my favorites from that day. The white tulips captured the brilliant sun, the furry edges of the blooms are unique, and this rebellous flower is a symbol of individuality in the group.

No variety of tulip is sacred in this garden, and fields of purple, pink, blue, red, and striped orange are available for visitors to walk right up to and enjoy. Capturing the sharp colors in the soft breeze required some patience, but fortunately the crowds are used to photographers kneeling on the edge of a flower bed for long periods and have no problem flowing around them.

In addition to the outside gardens, Longwood also includes a huge and

beautiful conservatory. Room after room reveals unique and fabulous arrangements. One room devoted entirely to orchids. One with a wandering stream and waterfall. One for desert blooms, and one for rainforests. This bromeliad shows off the perfect conservational design of nature, shaped to collect water from the air into its base.

I think the final image shows the essence of Longwood Gardens. Yes, it could be fields of spring blooms, or row after row of flowering cherry trees, or one of the majestic Italian water gardens with jets of shooting water fountains. But this orchid growing from a tree says it for me. Unique blooms, growing symbotically, in an environment that would not be normally be accessible for most people. But they are here for all to see and enjoy. Thanks to Longwood Gardens and their staff!