Longwood Gardens is inviting visitors to escape from winter in its heated four-acre conservatory. The only thing remotely resembling snow is a welcoming arch of white Phalaenopsis orchids at the east entrance.
The Orchid Extravaganza, on display now through March 27, provides the sights and smells of spring. Although more than 5,000 blooming orchids dominate the display – from Cattleya to Dendrobium and Paphiopedilum to Oncidium – the conservatory also features the intoxicating scent of Oriental lilies, brilliant arrays of cyclamen, amaryllis, and more.
Highlights of the exhibit range from huge orbs of purple and white Phalaenopsis hanging above the Exhibition Hall to Longwood’s award-winning orchid curtain, standing 17-feet high and featuring 250 purple Phaleanopsis and Cattleya orchids. Urns of mixed colors of Cymbidiums line the yellow-blooming Acacia Passage while the Silver Garden features hundreds of vibrant blue Vanda orchids hanging bare-rooted overhead, according to a Longwood press release.
Through the end of January, guests can see the rare Fredclarkeara After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl' orchid. Although the color black does not exist in the plant world, this orchid is causing a sensation with its extremely dark blooms that look black to the naked eye. The plant breeder, Fred Clarke, is the owner of Sunset Valley Orchids in California, which specializes in growing superior hybrid orchids, the release said.
Guests can also experience another orchid rarity-- the Phalaenopsis Sogo Yukidian 'V3' orchids return to the Orangery. New this year, not only will guests witness the majestic white blooms but also pink and dark purple blooms. Grown by experts in Taiwan, the orchids are notable for the sheer number of flowers blooming at one time on each flower stalk, the perfect unity of the flower pairs on each stalk, and the length of time the orchid blooms.
Those who might want to grow them at home should be forewarned: The blooms are achieved by carefully cultivating the plant for about four years under specific environmental conditions that involve a strict nutritional regime and precise watering practices. As the flower spikes develop, the plants are placed facing south and the spikes are trained along a curved metal stake to yield the formal, draping presentation guests see. Last year was the first time these orchids had been on display at a public garden in the U.S., the release said.
In early March, Longwood’s famed Blue Poppy (Meconopsis) returns to the conservatory. Longwood Gardens has successfully produced a stunning crop of blue poppies that decorate the Conservatory’s Exhibition Hall with their unique blue blossoms.
Throughout the Orchid Extravaganza, Longwood has scheduled concerts, talks, and tours. For families with children, OrKid Days, free with gardens admission, will be held on Monday, Feb. 15, and on Saturday, March 19. Discovery stations, interactive storytelling, and a family seek-and-find are a few of the activities for children to enjoy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Upcoming performances include classical string trio Time for Three on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m.; a recital by James O’Donnell, organist and master of the choristers of Westminster Abbey in London on Friday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m.; and New Zealand’s Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra on Tuesday, March 8, at 8 p.m.
For a complete listing of all upcoming performances, visit longwoodgardens.org. Tickets are available by calling 215-893-1999 or visiting ticketphiladelphia.org.
Longwood Gardens is located on Route 1 near Kennett Square. Admission is $20 for adults; $17 for seniors (age 62+); $10 for students (ages 5–18) or with valid student ID) and free ages 4 and under. Group rates are available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Comments