Embark on a journey where indoor beauty blooms and outdoor tranquility thrives during the enchanting Winter Wonder at Longwood Gardens, captivating visitors from January 20 to March 24, 2024. Amidst the timeless allure of Longwood's grand Conservatory, where nearly two acres of flourishing gardens thrive under glass, the Winter Wonder season unfolds with fresh educational opportunities, captivating performances, and the chance to escape the everyday. Secure your tickets at longwoodgardens.org and immerse yourself in this seasonal wonder. 

“Our Conservatory, embellished with colorful blooms, lush foliage, and inviting fragrance is the perfect antidote to winter’s chill,” says Sharon Loving, Chief Horticulture and Facilities Officer. “Longwood is the ideal destination for an immersive and rejuvenating day trip this season.”  

Horticultural Marvels 

Embark on a botanical journey within the Conservatory, a sanctuary brimming with blooming plants from diverse corners of the world. Admire the ethereal beauty of Streptocarpus ‘Concord Blue’ hanging baskets, revel in the enigmatic allure of Zamioculcas zamiifolia 'Dowon,' and stand in awe of the cascading blooms of Clerodendrum schmidtii (chains-of-glory). The Orchid House unveils nearly 300 vibrant orchids, with the display evolving weekly to showcase new and captivating varieties. 

During the months of January to March, the Conservatory becomes a haven for fragrant Orange Jasmine (Murraya Paniculata) and starbursts of Clerodendrum quadriculare. Come March, the graceful return of Echium candicans ‘Select Blue’ adds an elegant touch to the Conservatory with its unique and towering forms. A highlight not to be missed is the mesmerizing sky-blue petals of Longwood's renowned blue-poppy (Meconopsis 'Lingholm') in the Main Conservatory, making a captivating appearance in mid-March. 

Loving, a Longwood horticulturist, emphasizes the significance of these blue poppies, stating, “Native to the high elevations of the Himalayan Mountains, these blue poppies are a must-see and an impressive feat achieved through the precise techniques of our skilled horticulturists.” 

Step into the subtlety of winter's beauty outdoors, where the landscape transforms into a canvas of muted hues. Stroll through the serene Hillside Garden or immerse yourself in the symphony of copper and umber tones in the 86-acre Meadow Garden, a harmonious blend of aesthetic design and habitat preservation. 


Talks and Classes 

Immerse yourself in a wealth of educational opportunities at Longwood, designed to cultivate new skills and foster a deeper appreciation for horticulture. Ranging from complimentary talks and lectures to immersive classes, guests can explore the gardens through diverse avenues.  

Join the skilled experts at Longwood for an enlightening exploration of the science and research behind the creation of breathtaking displays, establishing Longwood as a premier global garden. The Science Series is a captivating journey into various topics, unraveling the technologies and expertise involved in plant cultivation, providing insights into impactful global research initiatives, and offering a comprehensive view of how Longwood nurtures the surrounding ecosystems. Best of all, each lecture is complimentary with Gardens Admission. 

Science Series:   
Saturday, January 20, 1 pm: Innovative Greenhouses. Extraordinary Plants  
Saturday, February 10, 1 pm: Plant Exploration in Tanzania  
Saturday, February 24, 1 pm:  Longwood Research, Down to a Science  
Saturday, March 9, 1 pm: Managing our Natural Lands 

For those looking to improve their plant knowledge and gardening skills, Longwood offers classes and hands-on workshops for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Classes throughout the winter months include Grow and Know: Citrus Trees on January 23, Valentine Florals: Beyond the Bouquet on February 6, Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening on March 16 and more. See the complete list of classes, workshops, and courses at longwoodgardens.org. 

New displays this season include Floral Features that spring up January through March. These exquisite cut flower designs, created by Longwood’s in-house floral design team, can be found for a limited time throughout the gardens, each featuring a unique design and different plant palette. Floral Features will be on view in the Camellia House from January 19 through January 28, in the Main Conservatory from February 23 through March 3, and in the Peirce-du Pont House Conservatory from March 15 through March 23.  


Captivating Performances  

Longwood’s lush Conservatory serves as an inviting venue for live performances. A stellar winter lineup features renowned artists in classical, jazz, and organ music for those looking to expand their musical horizons. Highlights include performances by the likes of Nicole Keller on February 9, the Martha Redbone Roots Project on March 14, and more. Limited tickets for performances include all-day Gardens Admission.   


Please note: The Gardens are open every day except Tuesdays from 9 am–5 pm. Admission prices are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (age 62+), $13 for students (ages 5–18 or with valid student ID), and free for ages 4 and under. Group rates available.