You don’t have to wait until spring to stroll through fresh flowers and blooms. Longwood Gardens is showcasing a magical Winter Wonder exhibition starting this week.
This year’s season will be Mediterranean-inspired, showing off the new 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory and the Cascade Garden.
The garden has plants from the rainforest along with 16 waterfalls and winding paths in a new 2,800-square-foot, standalone glasshouse.
There will be different plants growing each month, including orange kangaroo paws in January, blue fax in February, and freesia in March.
The East and Main conservatories will remain open, with more acres of colorful plants.
Longwood also offers a variety of educational opportunities and experiences, including free talks and lectures to more in-depth horticulture classes and continuing education opportunities, including a monthly Science Series.
More entertainment is available when Longwood’s Conservatory is turned into an intimate venue for classical, jazz and world music performances. Highlights include organist Clair Rozier on February 23, the Danish trio Dreamers’ Circus on March 5, The Naghash Ensemble on March 16 performing Armenian folk and spiritual music, and the Kennett Symphony on March 23.
For an elevated meal, make a reservation at Chef George Murkowicz’s 1906. He sources local ingredients for the lunch menu, which is available Wednesdays through Sundays. A special Valentine’s Day weekend black truffle prix fixe menu will be available February 14 to 16; the gardens will be open late on those days, too.
A selection of ready-to-eat sandwiches and salads, hot entrées and prepared desserts area available for the kids at The Café, open Wednesdays through Mondays at lunchtime.
Winter Wonder at Longwood Gardens will be on view through March 23. Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, PA. The gardens are open daily except Tuesdays, from 10 am to 5 pm. There are extended Valentine’s Weekend hours, February 14-16 from 10 am to 9 pm. 1906 is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 am to 3:30 pm. Admission is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (age 65+), $13 for students (ages 5–18 or with valid college ID), and free for ages 4 and under. Group rates are available.
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