THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 18, 1995 TAG: 9506200471
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBERT STIFFLER, GARDENING COLUMNIST
LENGTH: Long : 151 lines
LONGWOOD GARDENS, nestled in the historic Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania, has long been considered by many the most beautiful garden in this country, with its exquisite flowers, majestic trees and opulent architecture. This summer it offers an additional attraction with its ``Festival of Fountains.''
The 18-week festival, which opened Memorial Day weekend and continues through September, features more than 1,700 fountains spouting water every day, accented many nights by alfresco concerts and the occasional fireworks display.
Longwood's 1,050 acres of outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens include three fountain gardens that offer ongoing displays. The Main Fountain Garden operates daily with special five-minute displays at noon and 2 and 4 p.m. Half-hour illuminated shows are presented on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings throughout the festival.
The Italian Water Garden has 600 fountain jets that recirculate 5,000 gallons of water a minute through a secret garden in the woods. Eighteen blue-tiled pools sparkle with water and carved limestone statuary, including five spouting frogs.
The Open Air Theatre has five-minute stage fountain displays most days at 11 a.m. and 1, 3 and 5 p.m., with illuminated displays some evenings.
On July 14, Aug. 11 and 25 and Sept. 8, fireworks and fountains perform to the Second Symphony of Rachmaninoff. Concert tickets must be purchased in advance, $15 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 15.
Longwood Gardens was the personal creation of Pierre S. du Pont, great-great grandson of French physiocrat Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours and Eleutia Irenee du Pont, who founded the Du Pont Chemical Co.
Pierre du Pont acquired the property in 1906 and built the gardens, fountains and greenhouses, transforming it into one of the best-loved gardens in the world, with more than 800,000 visitors annually.
He once described the gardens as ``monumental in character, designed to exploit the sentiments and ideas associated with plants and flowers in a large way.''
When du Pont died in 1954, he left the gardens ``for the sole use of the public for purposes of exhibition, instruction, education and enjoyment.''
Today Longwood Gardens Inc. is a private not-for-profit organization. It receives no government assistance, and primary funding comes from du Pont's endowment, admission income and the Longwood Gardens Shop. Four hundred employees, students and volunteers keep the gardens beautiful.
Longwood reflects the eclectic tastes and travels of its founder. Du Pont drew inspiration from Italian villas where water plays an important role, French gardens with grand vistas and avenues of clipped trees and the flower beds and tree groves on English estates.
Longwood showcases 11,000 types of plants, all identified and cataloged. Twenty separate but harmonious areas are punctuated with topiary, fountains, carved stonework and romantic vistas.
By day, luxuriant gardens, sun-splashed jets of water and leafy glades encourage quiet walks. One of the newest gardens is a shaded native plant garden, ablaze with wildflowers. At night, concerts, leisurely evenings in the Conservatory and colorful fountain displays provide unforgettable magic. Nearly 50 musical and theatrical performances are scheduled this summer.
In addition to fountain displays and outdoor concerts, expect to see massive displays of roses, annuals and perennials. Helen BeVier, director of gardens at Longwood, said their motto is, ``Never a bare bed.'' Gardens are changed to provide continual color.
Other features include a topiary garden and an idea garden, which is filled with the latest annuals, perennials, groundcovers and vegetables. Water lily pools harbor a worldwide collection of tropical and hardy aquatics.
No visit to Longwood would be complete without time spent in the Conservatory, one of the most spectacular in the world. Highlights this summer include caladiums, calla-lilies, cannas, fuchsias, golden candles, ivy geraniums and nicotianas. The 74-year-old central greenhouse, comprising the Orangery and the Exhibition Hall, is closed for rehabilitation, but 18 other conservatories are open, including an Orchid House, Rose House, Children's Garden, Silver Garden, Cascade Garden and a new Mediterranean Garden. Two of Longwood's most famous conservatory shows are the annual Chrysanthemum Festival from Oct. 28 through Nov. 19 and the Christmas display from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1.
Opening July 20 is the historic Peirce-du Pont House, an exhibit presenting the evolution of Longwood through old photos, artifacts, home movies and video.
Just as magical as Longwood's gardens and fountains are its countless opportunities for learning. Behind-the-scenes talks and practical on-site demonstrations by Longwood's gardeners and staff are open without reservations. Topics range from equipment basics to gardening tips on growing the earliest corn in the neighborhood.
For visitors interested in more in-depth studies, Longwood offers continuing education classes throughout the season. Some of the most prestigious horticulture courses in the nation are free at Longwood, if you qualify.
Applicants for the Professional Gardener Training Program must have a high school diploma, have been in the upper half of their graduating class and have one year of horticultural experience. Prospective candidates who want to learn more about the program can register for an open house on July 28 or Aug. 4. For details, call (610) 388-1000, Ext. 524.
Longwood also offers weeklong specialty courses, such as a course beginning July 27 on perennials. The fee is $259. For a brochure on this and other educational opportunities, write to Education Division, Longwood Gardens, P.O. Box 502, Kennett Square, Pa. 19384.
A new video provides details on Longwood's training and is available for loan to prospective students. The 29-minute presentation tells about five programs and can be obtained by calling Bill Binnie, a Longwood graduate and director of horticulture at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, 441-5825.
If you could visit only one garden in America, you should make it Longwood. It's only a five-hour drive from South Hampton Roads. ILLUSTRATION: L. ALBEE/LONGWOOD GARDENS/Color photos
Reminiscent of Italian villas where water plays a key role, more
than 1,700 fountains will put on a show at Longwood Gardens this
summer.
Longwood Garden's water lily pools harbor a worldwide collection of
tropical and hardy aquatics.
L. ALBEE/Longwood Gardens photo
The East Conservatory is one of 20 conservatories at Longwood
Gardens. Two are closed for renovation this summer.
Map
STAFF
Graphic
MORE INFORMATION
MORE INFORMATION
EVENTS: For a listing, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Schedule, Longwood Gardens, P.O. Box 501, Kennett Square, Pa.
19348-0501.
DINING: The Terrace Restaurant, with full-service and cafeteria
dining, is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and on evenings when
events are scheduled. Call (610) 388-6771. There is a picnic area a
short drive away.
by CNB