I’ve
been trying to get into the holiday spirit, and this past week I was lucky
enough to spend the day with my family at Longwood Gardens in Kennett
Square.
My
parents, my sister-in-law and my nephew haven’t been there before for Christmas
so it was a treat to show them around, we went early on a sunny weekday, and it
was glorious.
Longwood
is French perfection, the execution of its theme is c’est magnifique. We set out for the Main Hall first, and the large Christmas
trees to the entrance were fantastic.
The fleur-de-lis
is present in much of the garden’s displays, from hanging ornaments to the intricately
constructed designs of fruit and nuts on the Fern Floor of Exhibition Hall.
The
Longwood blog points out that the Granny Smith apples (the green in the design)
always float stem side up, as the Longwood designers have discovered.
I adored the French flair, as the Music Room was a dining room set for a Queen, with gorgeous trees, stately candelabras, and a dining table of my dreams, with cold and silver accents, and evergreens quietly announcing their presence.
The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles is the
inspiration for this gorgeous layout.
In the Organ room, you’ll be astounded
by the grandeur, and can sing along daily with other carolers.
We decided we needed a snack, so off we went to the dining court, and after many goodies, we headed over to the Peirce-du Pont House, which is seriously my dream house, with so many gorgeous accents as it transports you to another time.
The house was elaborately decorated for the
holidays we wandered through the library (with the library cat!), the sitting rooms, and parlor, kitchens, and conservatory. Outside, we wandered past the fire pit, but we were moving along pretty quick to keep warm.
The
train area was a huge hit for my 18-month-old nephew, and he watched eagerly
for the many trains rumbling over the 400 feet of track and the carefully
constructed models of Longwood buildings made from wines, bark, and honeysuckle
leaves.
At
night, you can see the lights over the Fountains, and the entire grounds are it
up like a Christmas fairy tale.
A half million lights serve to excite people of
all ages as they stroll among the gardens and fountains.
Don’t
forget to visit the Gardens Shop on your way out- this a fabulous gift shop,
with foodstuffs, clothes, ornaments, plants, kids’ items, stationary, serve ware
and more.
It was a glorious day, and I urge you to enjoy this beautiful display. The staff at Longwood gardens is unparalleled in creating beauty with their imaginative designs and hard work.
In 1906, Pierre S. du
Pont purchased the Peirce Arboretum to save its trees from being cut down for
lumber.
Over the next half century, Mr. du Pont developed Longwood Gardens into
what it is today, a magnificent horticultural showplace, and a wonderful place
for friends and family any time of the year.
Longwood Gardens, Inc. is a
charitable 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation with a Board of Trustees
overseeing the successful operation of the Gardens.
Christmas at Longwood Gardens is on display until January 7, 2018.
Hours and Peak Times:
Peak & Non-Peak
During A Longwood Christmas
- Non-Peak Days are Mondays–Thursdays, Nov 23–Dec 25, 2017 & every day Jan 2–7, 2018.
- Peak Days are all Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Nov 24–Dec 24, 2017 & every day Dec 26, 2017–Jan 1, 2018.
- Non-Peak Days are Mondays–Thursdays, Nov 23–Dec 25, 2017 & every day Jan 2–7, 2018.
- Peak Days are all Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Nov 24–Dec 24, 2017 & every day Dec 26, 2017–Jan 1, 2018.
Tickets are available at tickets.longwoodgardens.org or in person at Central
Ticketing, or by calling 610-388-1000.
Longwood Gardens is
located at 1001
Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
