An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

November 30, 2013

Longwood Gardens in August - Pt. II

     As much as I appreciate colorful gardens, and I really loved what I saw on Longwood's Flower Garden Walk, it was nice to walk through the hedge at the end to a more natural area. Besides, with all that saturated color I might have been in danger of over-stimulation. After stopping to admire a planter of pitcher plants (Sarracenia species) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) used as a potted plant, I headed into Pierce's Woods, around the Large Lake and to the Italian Water Gardens.
Sarracenia Planter (1)

Droplets on Bald Cypress - Taxodium distichum

Large Lake - Ferns

Peirce's Woods Love Temple

Peirce's Woods Love Temple - Hydrangea arborescens

Italian Water Garden (2)

     While I was in this part of the garden, I had hoped to see the nearby Meadow Garden, but I did not know it was closed until I got there. They are completely renovating this garden, doubling its size, adding a Colonial era home and focusing on native plants. The new garden is supposed to open next summer, and it looks like it will be an interesting space.
Meadow Garden

     By this point I was getting hungry and stopped by the café, but I had trouble getting through the door as I was distracted by their planters.
Restaurant Planters (2)

Restaurant Planters (1)

     Once I got my lunch, which was very good for cafeteria food, there were more distracting containers on the patio.
Restaurant Planters (3)

Restaurant Planters (4)

     After lunch I made my way to the Conservatory (which is where I will head in my next post), but before I got there I saw a garden cart loaded with one of my beloved Bismarck palms. I shouted the directions to my car, but the driver evidently couldn't find it.
Bismark Cart

20 comments:

  1. That natural garden looked so peaceful and restful for August. The cafe is always good – the mushroom soup and desserts are especially tasty. I know this because the rose judges are treated to lunch there after we've finished judging the show. I look forward to being there in June, perhaps for the last time, given the long drive now that we are in the mountains. I've been judging at Longwood for over 14 years so it will be a bittersweet trip.

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    1. Lynn, I am not sure what I had for lunch, but I do remember the desserts, I had two.

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  2. Those planters have a bit of a Cousin It think going with the hair-like foliage, very witty! I much prefer the more natural plantings, but it will be interesting to see the new space. Shame about the palm...

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    1. Janet, I love how they used the grass. I think it was Stipa.

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  3. I do appreciate a serene and green garden especially after a bit of sensory overload. Great shots!

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    1. Thanks Layanee. It was indeed serene, and I picked the right day to go as there were few other people there.

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  4. The fountains look amazing. The combination is sweetbay and hydrangea is a really nice one. Is that Stipa in the planters?

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  5. Nice post! I have always wanted to visit these gardens and they are definitely on my to-do list. Your photography is beautiful and you have captured the essence of the gardens well. The gazebo reminds me of Old Westbury Gardens here on Long Island.

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    1. Lee, thank you for the comment on my photography. It is easy when the subject is so photogenic.

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  6. Whoever is creating those planters has a terrific eye for color texture and structure. I'm going to "borrow" a few of these ideas... Planning for Spring helps me chase away winter cabin fever.
    I'm looking forward to a post on the new Meadow Garden next year!

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  7. Les,
    Real nice job capturing all those contrasts and harmonies in the plantings. Your photography always dazzles and never fails to illustrate the feeling of whatever garden or natural place you are visiting.

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    1. Michael, thank you for the kind compliments.

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  8. I love all those rich greens - so different than Maine in December! The fountains remind me of France. Thanks for the glorious escape. Happy last day of Hanukkah too.

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    1. I hope your holidays were happy as well, Sarah.

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  9. So perfect! I could just lie down in any one of those gardens on a warm summer afternoon and doze among the blooms. Lovely to see the gardens when all is bare this time of year in New England.

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    1. This was my second trip, and while it was warm, it was also pleasant. My first time there it was in the upper 90's. We had to park my wife in the one of the buildings with AC and pick her up on the way out.

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  10. Longwood is such a beautiful place. There is so much to see and be inspired. I lived near there most of my life, and do like to visit now when I can. Nice to see your images.

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  11. WOW! I'm really enjoying these posts about Longwood! I've heard of but never been there. Your posts make me want to remedy that. So beautiful and the pictures of the folks by the pond are very special! What a nice breath of warm air during this cold time of year!

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