In this season of holiday celebrations, if you live in the Central Pennsylvania area, a must-see on your holiday list is the Longwood Gardens retro Christmas exhibit, which is excellent.
Last weekend, my daughter, Channing, and I motored to Kennett Square in Chester County, sometimes referred to as the mushroom capital of the world, to Longwood Gardens. We traveled to Chester County earlier this year with the PA Horticultural Society’s trip to the historic farm, Warwick Furnace, to indulge in the lavender fields.
Why? By now, if you’re a regular reader here, you know I relish being a garden enthusiast. Hubby and I spent a day at Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, Canada, during summer vacation this year. And I’m intentionally reliving the holiday traditions I shared with my mom, like Longwood Gardens, the Philly Flower Show, and visiting places like New Hope.
This year’s Longwood Gardens theme, Retro Christmas, didn’t disappoint. Why? It is a beautiful reminiscence of nostalgia from any Boomer Christmas childhood memories.
The old-fashioned cheer and charm with lots of tinsel, garland, and traditional red, gold, and green colors. I saw a few fake silver Christmas trees. Did anyone’s grandmother use an artificial shiny silver aluminum faux tree prevalent in the 1950s?
Let’s quickly dive into the history of Longwood Gardens. In 1906, Pierre du Pont (1/16/1870 – 4/4/1954), an early land preservationist passionate about plants, moved to purchase Pierce Park to save the nursery from demolition. And the start of Longwood Gardens’ becoming a renowned botanical garden and significant attraction.
Fast forward, the horticulturist Mr. DuPont opened the gardens to the public in 1921. The late 1950s and 1960s saw a tremendous change at Longwood with additional classes, lectures, and flower and water gardens.
The Conservatory’s debut in 1921 now features nine different gardens that house the annual Christmas experience at Longwood today.
The Main Conservatory:
The traditional Christmas plant, the poinsettia. There are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias today.
A poinsettia tree. Poinsettias can grow up to 15 feet tall.
Magnolia has a history of being one of the first known flowering trees. I would love to see this Magnolia Tree in full bloom.
Modified and expanded, the Orchid House was initially built over 100 years ago. Today, the Orchid House contains over 6,000 plants.
A clip of the Silver Garden designed by Isabelle Green, California’s best-known innovative landscape architect.
Hanging Anthurium White
Impressive and dramatic suspended ornaments
This visit to Longwood Gardens’ retro Christmas theme included dining at 1906 Restaurant. Last November, little did I know there was more than just the à- la-carte Café food court experience.
When planning to attend this year’s Longwood Christmas Gardens, I started with available 1906 Open Table reservations for the opening weekend. Then, I selected a time to see the Christmas retro exhibit.
A chef’s kiss for the 28 oz—T-bone steak for two with black truffle and lobster mashed potatoes. Lamb and duck selections are also menu selections. Some say the restaurant is pricey, but I say it’s worth it. The maître d’ said visitors scheduled over 500 reservations for this opening Saturday weekend.
I plan to return to 1906 when I visit the Ann Lowe exhibit at another du Pont estate, Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library in December.
Are you planning a visit to Longwood Gardens this Christmas season? Here’s all the visitor details:
Hours:
The Garden & Gift Shop: Daily 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Dining (both located in The Terrace Building and only available to Longwood guests):
The Café: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Beer Garden is outdoor/seasonal: M-F 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
1906 Restaurant
Reservations: Open Table or call 610-388-5290
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 7:30 pm
Friday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
A Longwood Christmas is on view from November 17, 2023, until January 7, 2024.
A Longwood Christmas Gardens:
Daily 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Timed Admission Tickets:
Adults: $30
Seniors: $27
College Student: $27
Youth (5-18): $16
Children (4 and under): Free
If you have little ones, there is a children’s garden in the Conservatory.
Active or Retired Military or U.S. Veteran: $23
Museums for All and PA Access Cardholders: $2 until 2:00 pm and $5 after 2:00 pm
Members have special pricing and can get complimentary tickets based on their membership level.
Parking:
Plenty of free parking
Complimentary wheelchairs are available. WiFi is free; you can charge your phone in the Visitor’s Center if necessary.
Don’t we all crave the comfort of yesteryear? This year’s Longwood Gardens retro Christmas exhibit helps to relive some nostalgia from childhood memories. As always, thank you for visiting the Age of Grace. I appreciate you.
