The big news in this area of Pennsylvania (and for garden and plant lovers everywhere) is that Longwood Gardens’ most ambitious project to date, Longwood Reimagined, was unveiled just prior to the opening of the annual extravaganza, A Longwood Christmas. Indeed, it is something to behold!
Be prepared to get your steps in when visiting Longwood. A friend and I visited a few weeks ago, and, to our surprise, we put in more than 14,000 steps … and we probably only walked half the property! Covering 17 acres, Longwood Reimagined entails new features such as the West Conservatory; an outdoor, gallery-style Bonsai Courtyard; new spaces for workshops and classes; a reconfigured Cascade Garden building; and a greatly enlarged dining complex. Still to come is a much-enlarged water garden in which Longwood’s famous water lilies and lotus will bloom.
The West Conservatory is decidedly different from Longwood’s original conservatory, which dates to 1921. The modern glasshouse is flooded with light and appears to be floating atop water. The plantings are inspired by areas such as the Mediterranean and the American Southwest. The color palette emphasizes soft and silvery shades of green. The plant selection inspires the idea of meeting climate change head-on in your own garden through using plants that thrive in hot and dry conditions. Here, Christmas is conveyed through simply decorated trees that seem to float atop the waterways that flow through the building. Exiting the conservatory, you’ll take note of a towering grove of London plane trees that are now being given their due, thanks to blue uplighting and illuminated snowflakes that shine against the night sky.
As always, the holiday décor in the original conservatory is stunning and includes trees that are awash in hues such as blue and turquoise. Silvery strands of lighting cascade from the ceilings. At the entrance, two structures that are reminiscent of elaborate holiday-inspired wedding cakes frame the large tree that sits in the distance.
In another area of the conservatory, a 30-foot-tall white “tree” shimmers with more than 900 geometrically shaped ornaments, all of which are reflected in the pool of water that surrounds it. Yet another area features a towering tree that is complemented by smaller trees that float above the manicured “lawn.” The color scheme here is silver and gold.
The conservatory’s Music Room is always a must-see and this year it is a vision of sweets, gingerbread houses, nutcrackers and three glowing trees. Next door, the Ballroom is filled with trees that have been decorated by local schools and arts organizations.
At the Peirce-du Pont House, visitors are greeted by a large tree that is hung with hand-painted ornaments that deliver an Old-World vibe to the house. The museum-house is located at the intersection of several pathways that treat visitors to displays in which trees are intricately wrapped with lights, waterways sparkle with oversized, star-shaped ornaments and boardwalks are lined by lighting that mimics gumdrops. As if that’s not enough, the light tunnel is perfect for selfies, while the dancing fountains atop the Fountain Gardens make for gorgeous videos.
Dining Reimagined
Longwood Reimagined also took dining into consideration. The 1906 Restaurant has moved to a space that spans the two conservatories. (It also shares the area with a dining room that is used for special events.) Its oversized windows provide a birds-eye view of the Fountain Gardens. Elsewhere, the café has taken over the entire building it formerly shared with 1906. A Beer Garden operates during warm-weather months.
Chef George Murkowicz heads the kitchen at 1906. Known for his dedication to using seasonal and sustainable ingredients, he brings restaurant experiences in California and Arizona to Longwood.
The four-part menu takes its inspiration from Flora (obviously Longwood); Funga (honors the area’s mushroom-growing prowess); Fauna/Ocean (an ode to neighboring Delaware); and Fauna/Pasture (Lancaster County plays a role here). In the realm of Flora, don’t miss the Sunflower Seed “Risotto” that’s made from ancient grains, cranberries and a poached egg. Funga features a bisque comprised of Hen of the Woods, Chanterelle and Black Trumpet mushrooms. The highlight of the Fauna/Ocean portion is a Seafood Tower comprised of Maine lobster, scallop ceviche, oishii shrimp and East Coast oysters. The star of Fauna/Pasture is a whole-roasted chicken that comes courtesy of Green Circle, a group of Lancaster-area Amish and Mennonite farmers who raise the heritage-breed chickens for D’Artagnan. It’s roasted with lavender and wildflower honey.
Inventive cocktails, yummy mocktails, beer and a robust wine list … what’s not to like! The dessert menu is taste-tempting, as well.
A Longwood Christmas will be held through January 12. Timed-entry tickets are required. Visit longwoodgardens.org for details.
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