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May is just around the corner … and so is our fantastic Festival of Fountains season! Read on to learn more about our upcoming spectacular summer season, enjoy a new beautiful short film from BalletX (filmed in our Gardens!), challenge yourself to a new crossword puzzle, share in new Member moments, and more!
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Festival of Fountains Opens Next Week!
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It’s almost time for our dancing fountains to take center stage … Festival of Fountains begins May 6, and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a summer getaway, here with us! Stroll through our gardens awash in brilliantly blooming annuals and perennials, or find a quiet, shaded spot among our towering trees or our serene woodland paths. Looking to make a splash? Head to our spectacular Main Fountain Garden, where fountains spin and soar during our daily fountain performances.
Find a starlit getaway Thursday through Saturday evenings with our unforgettable Illuminated Fountain Performances, as water of all shapes, sizes, and colors dances along to music in our Main Fountain Garden. A deliciously fun getaway beckons in our Beer Garden, featuring Victory Brewing Company, where live instrumental music from traditional Celtic tunes to Caribbean steel pan grooves sets the tone Thursday through Saturday evenings. For an on-the-go treat, pre-order a Terrace Café tote stocked with delicious specialties to enjoy throughout the Gardens. After a day of fun, take home a garden memento from our newly reopened Garden Shop and its diverse array of indoor and outdoor plants, hand-selected home décor products, must-have gardening essentials, and one-of-a-kind selections from local artisans.
There is so much to love about Longwood this season.
As a Member, we can’t wait for you to experience Festival of Fountains. Our Illuminated Fountain Performances and live music in the Beer Garden are free with Gardens Admission. Please remember, Member reservations are required daily (except for Gardens Premium Members). Please plan ahead, as sell out likely.
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Enjoy the Beauty of BalletX
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Last September, we welcomed BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, to our Gardens, where they filmed choreographer Robbie Fairchild’s new ballet, The Cycle. In this poignant short film, BalletX dancers awaken throughout our Gardens, beautifully greet the day, and then return back to slumber.
Want to experience even more from BalletX? Now through May 31, Longwood Members receive an exclusive 15% discount on new subscriptions to BalletX Beyond—virtual access to world-premiere dance films, documentaries, behind-the-scenes content, and more—using the coupon code LONGWOOD. Visit balletx.org/join-balletx-beyond to learn more, or contact BalletX at boxoffice@balletx.org or 215-225-5389.
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Join Our Online Community Read Conversations
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Join us (online!) for these two free, exciting Community Read events. Along with our special guests, we continue to discover how one finds a passion for nature and explore what can become of that spark in these engaging online discussions. Registration is required.
- Birds & Birding: A Community Read Conversation: May 4 at 6:30 pm. Join Community Read authors Drew Lanham and Mya Thompson, as well as John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Park Ranger Wingyi Kung, as they engage in a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about their work, their lifelong love of birds and nature, and their passion for birding during this free online event.
- Artists on Storytelling: A Community Read Conversation: May 11 at 6:30 pm. Join Community Read author Drew Lanham and master storyteller and creator of Voices in the Landscape Charlotte Blake Alston as they discuss the art of storytelling, storytelling styles, and the stories that resonate with them the most during this free online event. Participants are encouraged to ask questions during the question-and-answer portion of the webinar.
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Advocating for Our Public Gardens
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Learn About Our Special Hearing Held on Earth Day
Last week, on Earth Day, Longwood hosted, along with State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester and House Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie a special hearing on public gardens for the Pennsylvania Democratic House Policy Committee. During the hearing Policy Committee members received testimony focusing on the economic impact, green job development, and environmental and educational contributions of public gardens in Pennsylvania. Approximately 20 legislators heard testimony from garden advocates from across the state, including American Public Gardens Association Executive Director Casey Sclar; Longwood Gardens President and CEO Paul B. Redman; Bartram’s Garden Executive Director Maitreyi Roy; and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens President and CEO Richard Piacentini.
“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is practically the birthplace of public gardens,” shared Sclar. “Over 4 million people visit our PA gardens annually, which also employ almost 2,000 full-time employees and collectively provide over $500 million per year in economic impact throughout PA.” Sclar also shared that public gardens attendance is nearly that of all professional sports teams combined.
“We hope today’s hearing raised awareness of the positive economic, social, and environmental impact that public gardens have in our communities, state, and nation,” shared Redman. “There is no better way to commemorate Earth Day than to share that important message.”
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From first dates, to marriage proposals, to first steps, and more, our Gardens have seen it all … and we’re honored to be part of all of your special moments. Explore the memories of fellow Longwood Members and share your own moments via #LongwoodLove or our online form.
Enjoy this moment by Member Bonnie K.:
In January 2013, when I was age 61 and my now partner was 71, our first date was at Longwood Gardens. It was the first time we met face to face, held hands, had lunch and had our first kiss. For us Senior Citizens, it is a lovely first date. I have been a Member since around 1995. I try and come each season. Last year I was in the hospital for a month and I missed my favorite: Christmas and the winter orchids. This year I attended Christmas twice, bringing up new visitors. That day in January 2013 that I met my partner Bruce is forever in my memory. I am excited about the upcoming new gardens and changes. Although we are now age 69 and 79, we look forward to our times at our favorite place—Longwood Gardens!
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Members are invited to join Longwood staff on May 19 at 12 pm for a virtual introduction to our Gardens and discover all your Membership has to offer. Learn more about your Member benefits, visiting tips, and the history of Longwood. Afterward, enjoy a fun Gardens activity!
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