Winter might bring frosty air and barren landscapes, but at Longwood Gardens, the season transforms into an oasis of warmth and vibrant life during their Winter Wonder display. On view through March 23, 2025, immerse yourself in breathtaking indoor gardens, indulge your senses in Mediterranean-inspired beauty, and find serenity in preserved rainforests—all without leaving the cozy confines of Longwood's glass-enclosed spaces.
The newly opened 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory is the crown jewel of Winter Wonder. Its dramatic crystalline roofline and Mediterranean-inspired garden transport visitors to a warmer, sun-drenched retreat. Amid the crisp winter air outside, this conservatory is a paradise under glass, showcasing lush, vibrant blooms, exotic textures, and sun-loving fragrances. Marvel at the delicate beauty of California-lilacs (Ceanothus ‘Concha’), the striking pincushion blooms (Leucospermum ‘Brandi Dela Cruz’), and the cascading elegance of heart-leaf pelargonium (Pelargonium cordifolium). These plants, and many others, reach their peak in the cooler months, creating a vivid escape that feels like stepping into springtime.
Winter Wonder
- Longwood Gardens
- Feb 9, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
Just a short stroll from the West Conservatory, you’ll find the enchanting Cascade Garden. This intimate rainforest haven, preserved in a 2,800-square-foot standalone glasshouse, is a tranquil world of lush greenery and flowing water. Follow its winding path to discover 16 cascading waterfalls, each a gentle reminder of the beauty and peace found in nature.
Longwood Gardens’ indoor magic doesn’t stop there. The East and Main Conservatories are alive with vibrant plantings and rich textures, providing a delightful contrast to the muted winter landscapes outside. Whether you’re wandering through colorful blooms or pausing to soak in the beauty of lush greenery, every corner of Longwood Gardens offers a moment of wonder and warmth.
Botanical
From January through March, the conservatories come alive with a rotating palette of seasonal blooms, each bringing its own unique charm. In January, delight in the fiery orange hues of tall kangaroo-paws (Anigozanthos flavidus ‘Orange Cross’) and crisp white cyclamen, complemented by the golden tones of scarlet-plume (Euphorbia fulgens ‘Algevo’) and striking aloe (Aloe ‘ANDora’ Safari Orange).
February ushers in the delicate blue blossoms of blue-flax (Heliophila coronopifolia), the intricate beauty of melasphaerula (Melasphaerula ramosa), and the vibrant coral of globe-mallow (Sphaeralcea ‘Newleaze Coral’).
As spring approaches in March, revel in the sweetly scented freesia (Freesia ‘Blue Sensation’), the bold crimson petals of poppy-flowered anemone (Anemone coronaria), and the captivating star-like blooms of Portuguese squill (Scilla peruviana). Throughout the season, the ethereal hanging baskets of cape-primrose (Streptocarpus ‘Concord Blue’) lend a dreamy ambiance to the conservatories, their cascading flowers a perennial favorite.
Dining at Longwood
Winter is the perfect time to savor the new 1906 fine dining restaurant. Led by Chef George Murkowicz, a culinary innovator with a passion for locally sourced ingredients, 1906 offers an elevated lunch menu focused on seasonality and sustainability, Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am-3:30 pm. Learn more and make reservations for 1906 at longwoodgardens.org/dine.
For Valentine’s Weekend, 1906 offers extended hours:
Valentine’s Weekend
February 14–16
Enjoy extended Gardens hours and indulge in a black truffle prix fixe menu or the 1906 dinner menu during extended dining hours. Advanced reservations required.
For a selection of ready-to-eat sandwiches & salads, hot entrée selections, and freshly prepared desserts, visit The Café. No reservations are needed for The Café which is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 am to 4 pm.
Learn & Discover with Educational Opportunities
Longwood offers a variety of educational opportunities and experiences that encourage new skills and a greater appreciation for horticulture. From free talks and lectures to more in-depth classes, guests can discover more about nature in a variety of ways.
Topics include:
- February 8: Reimagining a Landscape Under Glass: Mediterranean Seasonal Plants
- March 8: Fire for Flora: Controlled Burns in Meadow Management
This season’s Continuing Education offerings, held in the new Studio spaces at The Grove, in the conservatories, and online, invite guests to gain new insight, go behind-the-scenes, and have fun.
Highlights include:
Mediterranean Plants for Your Home and Garden
Saturday, January 25, 1:30–3 pm, $49 | Learn how to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired plants into your home and garden during this engaging walk-and-talk experience.
Photographing Flowers in Black and White
March 5–18, $149 | Explore the art of monochromatic photography and enjoy exclusive access to the Conservatory District before the Gardens open.
Urban Sketching in the West Conservatory
Saturday, March 22, 1–4 pm, $99 | Engage in urban sketching in the stunning surroundings of the West Conservatory.
Design Tuesdays @ The Garden Shop
Select Tuesdays | Unwind with hands-on workshops like kokedama creation in February and orchid terrariums in March. Enjoy light refreshments and exclusive shopping access. Learn more and register at longwoodgardens.org/design-tuesdays.
View Classes and Workshops and register at longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/classes-lectures.
Captivating Performances
Longwood’s Conservatory becomes an intimate venue for live performances this winter, featuring renowned artists in classical, jazz, and world music. Highlights include accomplished organist Clair Rozier on February 23, the Danish trio Dreamers’ Circus on March 5, The Naghash Ensemble on March 16 performing Armenian folk and spiritual music, and the Kennett Symphony on March 23.
Longwood Gardens
- 1001 Longwood Rd.
Explore one of the great gardens of the world, featuring 1,100 acres of meadows, gardens, and woodlands including a 4-acre Conservatory. With dazzling horticulture displays, majestic fountains and…