Longwood Gardens

One of the Fling's two "Superbloom Level" sponsors and also a big destination for the group of garden bloggers, Longwood really delivered.  Thank you for your support.  Our first stop on opening day was the production nursery for Longwood's conservatory.  A Dutch design with eighteen bays each with their own climate control is a dream to grow and a big expense to cover.  Here in September, they are gearing up for their Chrysanthemum Festival in October and November.  

Being an Engineer means I love pipes, fans and automatic conveyor belts.  It was a real treat to see how it is all done.  In fact, I didn't even step foot into the formal conservatory this trip.   I was here in 2021 and we toured it then.   Conservatories are low on my list of attractions.   Instead, when we were let loose in the formal garden after all the introductions, I headed for the meadow.  

Citrus espalier ready in December

And Chrysanthemums for their festival in October and November.

Chrysanthemums spheres grown in greenhouse as these spider like structures.  When in full bloom and ready to go to the public conservatory, the ends of each wedge is tie underneath creating a perfect sphere of chrysanthemums.   Then it is hoisted up a column or beam to be displayed to the public crowds.  

Tear drop Chrysanthemum hanging basket.

Water lillies. Victoria Longwood Hybrid plant and man in tank

The meadow which was mowed due to the escaped murderer. 

Planted 1950’s after being a farm.

These are real birds but ones made out of paper.  The detail was very convincing.

The Italian Water Garden is refreshing.  There is quite a variety of fountains along the side and middle where the water changes shapes and heights.  A dynamic room in a very formal setting.  It also has the illusion that the lake behind me feeds these fountains.  Of course it doesn't, these are powered by pumps.

I was let down by the long border shown below.  The length was impressive but the plant selection is nothing more than what you see below, repeated, and again.  

The day is winding down, we had dinner at the beer garden waiting for the Illuminated Fountain show at the Main Fountain.  This is not to be missed.  This show is rivals any fireworks or thunderstorm I've seen. The mechanics of this fountain are able to manipulate water up to 175 feet into the air, create mist and fog, dance in pirouettes, in every color imaginable, all from its 1,719 jets.  It can even light water on fire.

Propane injected and ignited into the water stream created these water columns with flames at their peaks.