Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Longwood Gardens orchard extravaganza on view beginning Jan. 20
Longwood Gardens provides a colorful escape from the winter blues this season during Orchid Extravaganza, running Jan. 20 through March 25
The heated four-acre conservatory transports guests into a warm oasis featuring thousands of vibrant orchid blooms displayed in extraordinary ways. In addition to the one-of-a-kind horticultural display, Orchid Extravaganza features activities and programs for the entire family, including the debut of a Winter Blues Festival showcasing blues artists against the backdrop of the Main Conservatory, overflowing with blue-hued blossoms.
Throughout Orchid Extravaganza, guests will be amazed at the variety and number of orchids on display in a plethora of colors, sizes, and shapes. In all, more than 4,500 blooming orchids will delight the senses including Cattleya, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Oncidium, among others. In the East Conservatory, a towering arch of white and yellow Phalaenopsis welcome guests to the Conservatory, while huge orbs of pink Phalaenopsis orchids hang above.
Longwood’s award-winning orchid curtain returns standing 17feet high featuring 350 phalaenopsis Kaleidoscope orchids in glorious bloom. Urns of mixed colors of Cattleyas line the yellowblooming Acacia Passage while the Silver Garden features 200 blue Vanda orchids suspended over the walkway.
Additional indoor highlights include the Mediterranean Garden, a riot of vibrant color January through April with Australian purple coral-pea (Hardenbergia) vines blooming like miniature wisteria; while the Estate Fruit House displays nectarines, melons, and other fruits and vegetables flourishing in the midst of winter.
OrKID Days are designed for our young garden guests, with special activities designed just for them. Discovery stations, interactive storytelling, and a family seek-and-find are a few of the activities for children to enjoy. OrKID Days are Jan. 15, Feb. 19, and March 17 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Activities are free with Gardens Admission.
The Winter Blues Festival at Longwood Gardens will take place March 3 to March 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The blues take center stage during the debut Winter Blues Festival. One of the rarest colors in the plant world, Longwood’s horticulturists have researched, acquired, and grown hundreds of bluehued blossoms to adorn the Main Conservatory and Exhibition Hall, including the popular Himalayan blue-poppies, echium, Cape Primrose, delphiniums, hydrangeas, and more.
Every Saturday, guests can enjoy live blues music as they stroll the Conservatory featuring The Bob Beach Duo and Stevie and the Bluescasters. Saturday performances are free with Gardens admission. For more information visit longwoodgardens.org.