October 10, 2020

Longwood keeps holiday tradition

unnamed — A Longwood Christmas begins Nov. 20.

This year, Longwood Gardens celebrates the well-loved traditions of its renowned holiday display, from the world-class horticulture to the elaborate outdoor light display, to the towering, festively decorated trees both indoors and outdoors as only Longwood can create. On view Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 10, tickets to A Longwood Christmas are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

Warmth and cheer are everywhere during A Longwood Christmas. Inside Longwood’s 4-acre Conservatory, a holiday wonderland awaits. The Exhibition Hall features a classic take on the holiday with two 20-foot Frasier firs dripping in red and gold ornaments bordering a sea of seasonal plants and fountains with intertwining ribbons of red and white poinsettias. The Music Room brings the magic of Christmas morning to life with an 18-foot rotating Fraser fir, beautifully decorated packages, and overflowing stockings hung by the chimney with care. The East Conservatory will have guests dreaming of a white Christmas with a wintery white plant palette and a towering 24-foot tall Fraser fir ornamented in silver, white, and blue. The Fruit House invites all to see Christmas through the eyes of children featuring trees adorned with ornaments created by our youngest Members.

Longwood’s approach to holiday horticulture will be on full display throughout the Conservatory with thousands of poinsettias, amaryllis, fragrant paperwhites, and other seasonal crops. Living wreaths created from everything from blooming orchids to succulents, floral trees constructed from a unique variety of plant material, and unique poinsettia standards highlight the artistic skills of our horticulturists and the beauty of the season.

Outside, more than 500,000 lights grace more than 100 trees and special displays throughout the outdoor Gardens. Outdoor delights include dancing lights that simulate the fountain jets in the Main Fountain Garden, mimicking the iconic illuminated fountain performances. The towering trees bordering the Large Lake are the backdrop for an illuminated light show set to holiday music classics.

In the Meadow Garden, stroll through a 140-ft tunnel of light in the winter landscape and discover a grove of glowing orbs that pulse and change color. The Wildlife Tree is bedecked with hundreds of handmade ornaments that serve as a holiday buffet for our furry and feathered friends. The always-anticipated 25-foot tall Gardener’s Tree is lit with warm white and blue accents adorned with sugar cones and gourds. In the Open Air Theatre fountains dance day and night to holiday classics, weather permitting.

Young and old will delight in Longwood’s outdoor model train display as it travels past miniature Longwood landmarks illuminated for the holiday season. Created by Longwood craftsmen and local artisans, three fire pits invite guests to warm up on chilly evenings, weather permitting.

Admission to the Christmas display is by Timed Admission Ticket, with tickets purchased in advance for a specific date and time. Members require free, timed member reservations to visit. Gardens Premium Members do not require reservations. The Gardens are open daily 10 am -11 pm.

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Letter: Killion stands out

The current political environment is toxic. We are rightfully tired of politicians. However, State Sen. Tom Killion stands out as an atypical public servant, an outstanding individual who cares deeply about his constituents. Sen. Killion is down to earth, a great family person who gets things done in a bipartisan manner. Tom played a key role in getting the PA Senate Bill 1108 passed which provided $2.6 billion in funding for COVID-19 relief in Pennsylvania including $692 million for additional testing and PPE for nursing homes. Thanks to Tom’s outstanding work, Pennsylvania school districts received $150 million to help protect the children and staff, and by extension the broader community.

Tom Killion serves the community with unparalleled vigor and focus on getting things done for us. While there is too much partisanship in our political environment, Sen. Killion has proven time and again he will work with anyone no matter their party affiliation. Thanks to his leadership, Pennsylvanians have a new online insurance marketplace that provides access to affordable healthcare.

Killion is not just a great legislator, he is an outstanding mentor. My son served as an intern for Tom. As a high school student, this was his first experience in the “real world.” Sen. Killion took my son under his wings and personally taught him the importance of public service. From our experience, Tom Killion thinks of his constituents as part of his extended family.

In our own household, we have registered voters belonging to both major political parties. We do not agree on every issue. One thing we vehemently agree is the importance of reelecting Tom Killion. He is an example of a true public servant who puts his constituents above anything else. Tom Killion is right for the 9^th Senatorial District and for Pennsylvania.