Orchids and Orkid Days
Several of the Gardening Grannies had a New Year’s resolution we neglected to mention on our blog of 31 December. That resolution was to visit at least one gardening-related site, be it a flower show, public garden or some other event, every month of the New Year. We hope some of you made that same resolution and we will try to help out by dedicating the next few blogs to suggestions of some old favorites as well as some untried events.
The Grannies’ suggestion for January is the near-by Longwood Gardens, an old favorite. Longwood’s Orchid Extravaganza begins on Saturday, 24 January and continues through 29 March. Boasting over 5,000 vibrant orchids in peak condition, fanciful arrangements, the “largest-ever” orchid basket (we can hardly wait to see this for ourselves), an oncidium waterfall display and even an indoor orchid “meadow”. The 2014 event was fabulous and each year the Longwood seems to out-do itself compared to the year before, so we have great expectations for this show.
The dates for “Orkid Days” this year are 16 February and 14 March, 11AM to 2PM. Geared, as you may have guessed, toward children, “Orkid Days” offers special events targeting the young and restless. These events include orchid discovery stations and activities involving the rainforest, storytelling and puppets. If you intend to go, we suggest you double check times and availabilities prior to firming up your plans. Sometimes registrations are suggested.
It’s always nice to wrap up a winter Longwood visit at their café with a glass or two of wine in front of the fireplace in their glass-enclosed dining room. Last, but not least, check out the gift shop for unique flower and gardening items ranging from plants to games for kids to books to something you just won’t see anywhere else. You might just find something perfect for Valentine’s Day coming up in just a few weeks!
Longwood Gardens (www.longwoodgardens.org) is located on US R. 1, about 3 miles northeast of Kennett Square, PA. For your GPS, they suggest you use 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. On the chance that your GPS does not recognize 1001 as the street number, their website suggests that you try 399 Longwood Road. Admission for adults is $20, $17 for seniors (62+), $10 for students and kids under four are free.
The Gardening Grannies live, love and garden on the Delmarva Peninsula. You can reach us at gardeninggrannies@47abc.com.
