Longwood inspiration to bloom in Center City

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on November 25, 2016

A Philadelphia exhibition will include inspiration from Longwood Gardens this holiday season.

Maze in Philadelphia's Dilworth Park pays tribute to area gardens, including Longwood.

Dilworth Park’s Wintergarden is now open, featuring a new, large-scale winter attraction, America’s Garden Capital Maze, on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn. Center City District has partnered with Greater Philadelphia Gardens to celebrate the region’s horticultural heritage and its distinction as America’s Garden Capital. With more than 30 gardens within 30 miles of Philadelphia, the region boasts more gardens in close proximity than anywhere else on the continent, according to a press release from Center City District Parks.

America’s Garden Capital Maze, designed by Groundswell Design Group for both children and adults, features willow-branch archways, evergreens, trees, perennials, shrubs, and topiary sculptures from 32 area gardens, including Longwood. Twinkling lights and colorful plantings will give the maze a festive atmosphere that will provide perfect “photo opps” to share. Anchoring the center of the maze is a gazebo, the release said.

Visitors can share their experiences and photos using hashtags, #AmericasGardenCapital #VisitPhilly #DilworthPark. The maze was made possible by a $300,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation to the Center City District Foundation.

Wintergarden and America’s Garden Capital Maze will remain open through Feb. 26, with free programming in January and February. Since the maze is sure to invoke feelings of garden inspiration, visitors can also take advantage of 12 weeks of free Garden Programs hosted by Greater Philadelphia Gardens, which will take place in the Rothman Institute Cabin.

The programs will be geared toward families and adults with demonstrations on Saturdays, and during lunchtime on weekdays. From bulb-forcing demonstrations, to “Orchids for the Office,” to “Seed Bombs for Valentine’s Day,” the programs offer something to have everyone dreaming of spring.

The Wintergarden and America’s Garden Capital Maze celebrate the vision of William Penn’s original Center Square, and the 32 regional gardens and arboreta that make this region undeniably America’s Garden Capital. For more information, visit dilworthpark.org and americasgardencapital.org.