Tuesday, March 31, 2009

How do I love Longwood Gardens? Let me count the ways.

My good friend, Kathy Jules, who I rarely get to see despite the fact that she lives a mere ten minutes from house, wrote me last week. You may remember her from the mustard story I posted last summer. She e-mailed me and asked if I wanted to take a drive one day over the weekend and visit Longwood Gardens with her. I’d never say no to a visit to Longwood so I readily agreed.

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An excerpt from their website describes it most aptly:

Exquisite flowers, majestic trees, dazzling fountains, extravagant conservatory, starlit theatre, thunderous organ—all describe the magic of Longwood Gardens, a horticultural showstopper where the gardening arts are encased in classic forms and enhanced by modern technology. Many generations helped create Longwood Gardens, but one individual—Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954), industrialist, conservationist, farmer, designer, impresario, and philanthropist—made the most enduring contribution.

Pierre du Pont was the great-grandson of Eleuthère Irénée du Pont (1771-1834), who arrived from France in 1800 and founded the DuPont chemical company. Pierre turned the family business into a corporate empire in the early 20th century and used his resulting fortune to develop the Longwood property.

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It didn’t matter that the morning had dawned foggy and sodden with rain. By the time we arrived and walked down this main path, the fog had begun to lift a little. We headed to the Conservatory, which is to the right.

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I’ve decided that Sunday morning is the best time to visit the conservatory gardens. When we arrived, around 9:30, it seemed the only people there were photographers with their tripods and equipment.

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I’m sorry this photo above isn’t any better but I had my macro lens on the camera at this point and didn’t want to keep changing back and forth.

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These tulips are for my friend, Lori. I’ll be posting more photos in the days to come. It filled my soul with gladness just to be there this weekend.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .

37 comments:

Betty said...

That is a beautiful place. I would love to see it in person,but your pictures make it come to life

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

NO WAY! Guess where I was on Sunday?!? LONGWOOD GARDENS! I did have my camera, but not my tripod! I wish I would have known, I could have met you in person :0)

shara said...

It looks beautiful. What a great weekend. Thanks for sharing it. I love looking at your photography.

Alisa said...

Pictures really are worth a 1000 words...

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

An incredible conservatory not to mention the flowers...just beautiful creations.

SuzieQ said...

Would love to visit the gardens..warms the soul..

Maria said...

Love your photo of the tree lined path disappearing into the mist. I love fog, something ethereal about it

Maria said...

Gasp. Ooooh. Ahhhh. More please.

Anonymous said...

I second what Maria said.

Anonymous said...

Woops. I second what Maria said and this time I'll sign off.

miss you, katie did!

ts ;)

Magnolia Street Style said...

The last time I was at Longwood was last Christmas, even though I get free passes from family members and pass it everyday when I go to work. I know I should be ashamed of myself. But when something is in your backyard you take it for granted. Your photo of the conservatory is beautiful.

Laura ~Peach~ said...

beautiful!

Ellen said...

My fondest memory of Longwood was going as a child to see the banana trees growing in the conservatory.

Anonymous said...

oooh, how pretty... We should all have a lovely garden like that to spend time in. Lovely photos today.

Di
The Blue Ridge Gal

Shelley said...

This looks like a great place to take photos, breathe in the fresh flowers and relax!

Char said...

just stunning shots and that foggy path...gorgeous

cottage farm villa said...

OH, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful...

Fog pictures are so much more exciting than actual fog...I am not a fan of foggy days, they are kind of depressing to me, but when I take a picture of the fog and look at it....I love it. Love your fog pic here!!

Leenie said...

Wow photos! So jealous.

Barb said...

The foggy shot was so dramatic. Of course, the flowers pictures are wonderful, too. When i lived in PA, I went to Longwood several times. It's a beautiful place.

Shawn said...

It already looks like a beautiful place. I'm looking forward to your pictures...I can already feel how awesome they are going to be.

Woman in a Window said...

What an amazing place. And yes, not to let fog disuade, sometimes it's better that way anyhow.

Cindy said...

What a wonderful place to rejuvenate a person! Beautiful shots, can't wait to see more!

Daryl said...

Now I want to go there ... have you ever been up to White Flower Farms in CT? Not as amazing but a good place for lots of flowers ...

Mental P Mama said...

Glorious.

Fenway said...

Those tulips made my heart quicken. It's a superb photo!

abb said...

Such a beautiful place, Kate.

Anonymous said...

thanks for the tulips picture. they are beautiful...i may have to buy some for myself...thanks...you are great!
Lori

Annie said...

certainly looks a wonderful place, Kate. How lovely for you that you could get there to see them, and with a special friend too!
I am enjoying all the special bits of NYC that I love too!

Skogkjerring said...

Oh I love places like this and those tulips were wonderful...thank you SO MUCH for sharing these wonderful photos- especially the tulips!!!

The Weaver of Grass said...

They look to be beautiful gardens. I do love George with his go any colour picture!

FireLight said...

I do love the photo of the foggy dew and lamp posts. I have heard of Longwood over the years. I am sure it is a grand place to see.

Hilary said...

Gorgeous shots one and all. I love the fog photo.

Cindy said...

Great photos. I love the one with the fog. Lonesome feeling.

Can I ask where you got your camera strap? It's very nice.

Cindy said...

Hi Kate, thanks for the link. I always enjoy my visit to your blog. Thanks for sharing your stories and photos.

-Cindy

Egghead said...

Oh and you so deserved your soul to be filled with gladness. Thanks for sharing the beautiful flowers with us.

Mary said...

Wow, I've seriously got to go there! Beautiful, and I love the foggy walk shot. :)

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints said...

You are girl after my own heart. My favorite thing to do is visit botanical gardens when on vacation. We live within 10 minutes of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and it's just the most magical place. Thanks for sharing your pics:)