WI NT ER Orchid Extravaganza January 18–March 22 Orchid Extravaganza On View January 18–March 22 Opposites attract this season. With bold, vivacious hues found in a sea of golden Oncidium to swirls of salmon Phalaenopsis to a tapestry of vibrant Vanda, our Conservatory is a vision of color and texture. Vivid baskets, columns, orbs, and more fanciful forms elevate our indoor world of whimsy and warmth. Our outdoor gardens illustrate the subtle beauty of the winter landscape, where the dramatic silhouettes of majestic trees and delicate grasses together paint a setting of quiet tranquility. Inside and out, wondrous winter awaits. Expect the Unexpected Showcasing the Diversity of Orchids We strive to deliver innovative displays the plants are placed facing south while elevating the art and science and their spikes trained along a of horticulture. This year’s Orchid curved metal stake to yield their Extravaganza display is no exception, amazing shape. thanks to its array of orchids that This year, you’ll be treated to a sea are not only beautiful, but also of Cymbidium, as these dramatic, help showcase the diversity of showy orchids in delightful hues of the orchid family. orange, yellow, and green grace our This year, our Exhibition Hall is Conservatory. Native to tropical and adorned with custom-made containers subtropical Asia and Australia, of cascading white Phalaenopsis Sogo Cymbidium are known to carry many Yukidian ‘V3’ and purple Phalaenopsis long-lasting flowers on each stem. Tai Lin Red Angel ‘V31’ hybrid orchids. They also come in a variety of colors, ‘V3’ and ‘V31’ orchids boast unusually are often used in cut arrangements, long flower spikes that hold their and are identified by their grassy flowers for a long time, allowing leaves. While Cymbidium are among for prolonged, breathtaking beauty. the most common orchid genera, Producing these special plants is a these bombastic showstoppers highly specialized process practiced require a great deal of care and by only a small number of expert attention, given their ability to growers in Taiwan. They take four grow incredibly large, forming years to grow, as the plants need to large clumps quickly. produce at least 10 leaves before they Cymbidium from our collection are allowed to flower. The plants are will also be showcased in our grown at elevated temperatures, held North Passage, Acacia Passage, steady day and night, as well as fed and our rotating display of orchids heated water and fertilizer in order to in our East Conservatory. This prevent flowering and build energy in rotating display showcases unusual the plant. Once the plant has reached orchids from our collection, further its necessary size, flowering is initiated highlighting the diversity and varied in two distinct stages and temperature beauty of orchids, all throughout is adjusted to a moderate level, with the season. day and night fluctuations. As the flower spikes develop (taking 4 to 5 months before the first flower opens), Join Us for OrKID Days! January 20, February 17, and March 14 11 am–2 pm OrKID Days are filled with wonder and fun for families. Join us in the Conservatory and explore the remarkable world of orchids through engaging, interactive activities. Our Great Winter Outdoors Winter at Longwood is the perfect time to experience nature’s beauty at its most tranquil and see our Gardens from a quiet point of view. Here are a few of our horticulturists’ favorite winter spots to experience. “It may take some time and observation, but there are really beautiful, subtle differences to find in the reds, yellows, browns, and grays in the Meadow Garden. This place gives you a chance to experience a different feeling and embrace a different perspective.” — Joseph Thomas Land Stewardship and Ecology Technician “In the Meadow Garden, I focus on the tapestry of textures and earth tones created by the interspersion of plant communities amidst the rolling contours of the broader landscape.” — Calvin Cooper Land Stewardship and Ecology Technician “I always enjoy a dusting of snow on the Topiary Garden. It’s dramatic and has a feeling of magic.” — Roger Davis Outdoor Landscapes Manager “We are lucky to be entrusted with “It’s a special experience walking along the care of the historic Peirce’s Park. the Cow Lot while it is snowing and I love how small I feel as I walk observing the snow gathering on down the center of the allée. Its the winter flowers of the Hamamelis Platanus × acerfolia (London Plane- (Witch-hazel).” tree) is so beautiful in the winter — Andrea Brunsendorf light; with the hollies as an evergreen Outdoor Landscapes Director backdrop, the tree’s white mottled bark is something to see. The allée is also one of the first places to see Eranthis hyemalis (Winter-aconite) in late February, which to me is the harbinger of spring.” — Wendy Gentry Senior Horticulturist Members-only Moments Member Appreciation Day Member Orientation February 23 January 18, 9 am–5 pm February 22, March 15 and March 28 9 am–6 pm 9:30 & 11 am Join us on Member Appreciation Join Longwood staff for an Day, when Members receive 20% introduction to our Gardens and discounts in The GardenShop, discover all your Membership has 1906, and The Café. Catch to offer. Learn more about your Longwood Gardens: A Personal Tour, Member benefits, visiting tips, an hour-long video featuring our and the history of Longwood. gardens throughout the seasons, Afterward, enjoy our Gardens starting each hour in the Visitor with a special guided tour. Center Auditorium. Enjoy special Free for Members. Registration required at longwoodgardens.org. organ demonstrations at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, and classic movie theme songs on our piano at 12:30 and 2:30 pm. For more information, or for future Member Appreciation Day dates, visit longwoodgardens.org. Lunch reservations for 1906 are strongly recommended via longwoodgardens.org/dine. Gardens Preferred Purchase tickets to our Summer & Gardens Premium Performance Series, including Member Pre-sale: Summer Wine & Jazz, in advance of our public sale. See details on Performance Series the Winter Performances pages March 9–10 of this brochure. Sale begins at 9 am Garden Chat: Update Your Email Library & Archives to Stay Informed February 25 We strive to keep our valued 5:30–7 pm Members informed about our Together, the Longwood Library latest Gardens updates, special & Archives hold a treasure trove offers, Members-only content, of information on horticulture, and events. If your email address botany, and the history of the is not on file or if you would like to Gardens. Gardens Premium update your email address, please Members have the opportunity visit longwoodgardens.org/email. to join Director, Library and Information Services David Visit the Gardens Sleasman and Archivist Alison with Friends Miner for a behind-the-scenes tour All Membership levels receive of this fascinating collection, with two Complimentary Guest Tickets an exclusive look at select pieces, for one-time general admission. unique artifacts, and more. Complimentary Guest Tickets Free for Gardens Premium can be issued online or onsite. Members. Registration required via longwoodgardens.org. For additional details and blackout dates, please visit longwoodgardens.org/ comp-tickets. Wild World of Plants Join Our Community Read Along with our community partners—gardens, museums, and conservation organizations, as well as many public libraries—we are proud to offer the seventh year of our Community Read, a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure and start a conversation. Throughout winter and spring, we ask readers to push the boundaries of what they thought they knew about botany and dive into the wild world of plants. This year’s books include our first-ever science-fiction selection, a nonfiction showcase of bizarre plants from around the globe, and a reimagined folk tale for our youngest readers. Get the Books Community Read Events and Start Reading! Attack of the Plant Nerds: This year’s selections challenge Science Fiction vs. Science Fact the human understanding of plant Book Talk and Signing with Sue Burke, life and inspire us to examine the Marc Hachadourian, Bridget Wosczyna, amazing capabilities of plants. and Peter Zale March 28, 6:30–8:30 pm A tale of first contact, Sue Burke’s Longwood Ballroom debut science-fiction novel, Semiosis, follows a group of colonists forced to Join Semiosis author Sue Burke land on a planet they aren’t prepared and a team of plant nerds for an for, where plants are the dominant life evening exploring plants both real forms and humans are their pawns. and imaginary. Burke will discuss the inspiration behind the world of Pax, In Weird Plants, designed for middle as well as answer questions regarding school through adult readers, author her next sci-fi novel, Interference. The Chris Thorogood’s jarring illustrations plant nerds round out the evening by and botanical expertise help sharing tales of their favorite odd and mysterious plants from across unusual plants. the globe leap off the page. Following the talk, continue the For our youngest readers, The conversation in our Conservatory. Enormous Potato by Aubrey Davis Burke will hold a book signing and is a humorous tale of a farmer who the plant nerds will be available to needs help harvesting a giant potato. answer questions. A light dessert Available for purchase: reception adds to the fun. The GardenShop and Advance Registration Required: shop.longwoodgardens.org longwoodgardens.org/cr-events. (while supplies last), as well as major booksellers. Free for Members. Gardens Admission required for non-Members. Available for borrowing: Most New Castle County, DE; Cecil County, MD; Chester County, PA; Cumberland County, PA; Delaware County, PA; and Montgomery County, PA public libraries.