KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens opened its Spring Blooms seasonal display Friday, March 27, featuring thousands of flowering plants, extended hours, and public programs through May 3.
The annual display includes early-season blooms such as crocus and forsythia in late March, followed by cherry blossoms in early April and more than 150,000 tulips expected to peak by mid-April along the Flower Garden Walk, according to Longwood Gardens.
Garden officials said flowering magnolias and dogwoods will also be featured throughout the season across the grounds, including the Meadow Garden and Idea Garden.
“Spring is one of the most beautiful and fleeting seasons at Longwood Gardens,” said Dan Sekowski, associate director of outdoor landscapes. “Each area presents a different idea that changes as the season progresses.”
The display also includes indoor exhibits in the conservatories, where plants such as kangaroo-paws, Tower-of-Jewels, freesia, and hydrangeas are on view.
Longwood said its fountain features will reopen in phases, with the Open Air Theatre fountains beginning April 18, the Italian Water Garden on April 25, and Main Fountain Garden shows returning May 8.
The Bonsai Courtyard will feature 50 to 60 deciduous trees in leaf, along with flowering cherry trees and Kurume azalea bonsai on display through April 27.
The gardens will offer extended hours on select dates, including evening hours until 9 p.m. on April 18, 19, 24-26, and May 1-3, and additional Tuesday openings on April 21, April 28, and May 5.
Longwood also announced a series of programs and events during the season, including classes, lectures, and performances.
Scheduled events include a Fresh Floral Bulb Wreath workshop and a Spring Foraging class on April 18, a sound bath experience and a performance by organist Damin Spritzer on April 23, and a multi-week Decorative Floral Design course running April 25 through May 23.
The gardens will also host a Duckhorn Vineyards 50th anniversary wine dinner on April 23, featuring a four-course menu paired with wines.
Longwood’s 1906 restaurant will offer seasonal dining, including lunch service during regular hours and dinner service on select evenings beginning April 18.
The gardens are open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through April 17, and from April 18 through May 7, hours extend to 9 p.m. on weekends. Timed admission tickets are required.
General admission for Spring Blooms is $35 for adults, $31 for seniors, $26 for military and veterans, and $20 for youth ages 5 to 15, while children 4 and under are admitted free.
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