On Saturday to celebrate my birthday, my guy and I went to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. It's a beautiful botanical garden that was created originally by the DuPont's. It has acres of outdoor gardens that are stunning in every season. Most of them are put to bed for the winter but the hardscape is lovely and walking along the paths is still pleasant. I can't feel anything but happy and peaceful there. There is also a Conservatory that is full of interesting flowers and plants. Right now, the Conservatory is full of chrysanthemum displays and some other neat things. Anyway, it was a misty grey day when I took these pictures. I think that kind of day is romantic so I didn't mind. Here are some of the outdoor scenes that I liked. Oh wait, before we stroll, here I am turning ... shhh... a certain age that we'll keep a secret. Me turning a certain age. ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) Yellow chrysanthemum close-up ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) Hard worker. ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) We saw two hard working kitties as we strolled... but both of them were napping! This girl went on a little walk with us, showing us her favorite flowers within her territory. She shared the love and when some other people came along, she greeted them and bid us "good day." The other kitty we saw was stretched out inside one of the Conservatory greenhouses and she had a prime spot beside a warm vent. Her belly was so warm when I rubbed her. Maybe they do more of their hard work at night when the mice are running around, but they were pretty laid back! I was amazed at how friendly they both were. I would think they would get tired of the people walking through their home! ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) This very old mulberry tree was interesting to me. The gardens are not just beautiful but the gardeners and landscapers are also invested in preserving the oldest trees and plants in the garden. There were several other old specimens here and there. But they have taken more dramatic steps to keep this very special tree intact. I have seen it leafed out and it's quite beautiful then. I think it has a certain grace in this season too. ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) The paths near the Conservatory are lined with Norwegian Maple trees that have been pruned to have perfectly flat tops and straight sides on the canopy. I suppose it is to fit in with the very formally pruned landscaping in the area and to keep the path in dappled light. In this area, besides the formal gardens, there are fountains, and a large topiary garden. It's hard to get the sense of it in this season, but here is a long view shot that shows how the maple trees have been pruned. ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) Here are some other pictures of the maples and other trees and paths... This particular variety of maple is one of my favorites. I love the contrast of the yellow leaves against the dark bark of the tree limbs and the rough texture of the trunk and roots. ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from daisybeans's Garden ) It was a wonderful day and I was sad when the sun went down and we had to leave... but we'll go back again soon. I hope that's not too many pictures... Tomorrow I will take you inside the Conservatory to see all the pretties in there....
Can't wait to see the next installment. This was terrific with the warm fall colors and unique pruning and maitence. I especially like the working kitties. What a wonderful garden
Lovely walk, thank you for taking me along. I really like their pest control employees. That mulberry tree is certainly getting tender loving care. Of course I found the maples very interesting too.
Daisy I so enjoyed my tour of the Longwood Gardens!! Their natural pest control officers get my vote. What a well maintained and beautiful place - neither wonder you didn't want to leave. I'll look forward to seeing the next batch of conservatory photographs. :-D
Thank you for the tour....I enjoy getting to see so much and not even leave my home.. Now that tree is so-----------old..I have never heard of anyone keeping a tree alive and together like that before.
I really enjoyed my trip to Longwood Gardens with you Daisybeans! At my place of employment they take great pains to preserve the old tree's too. There are several 200+ year old Sugar Maples with guide wires and chains as well as an ancient Pine with branch supports such as the Mulberry you showed. I love the pest control they have there too. I can't wait to see what is inside the Conservatory!!
What a joyous place to visit, and very romantic on your birthday. Wonderful autumn shades and hues and I like the supports on the mulberry tree. Looking forward to part 2.
I was pretty happy to see your pics and read the explanations. That place sure does look nice and very enchanting. The way that you showed several different aspects of the gardens and the walk made it all the more interesting for me. I always like seeing that folks take care of the old trees. I find that important. The various shots of fall-coloured leaves were just magical to see. Those chrysanthemums with you standing in front looked smashing. A lovely colour for such a day. ...oh, sorry....and you looked nice too. ROARRRRR... Many happy returns with your turning a certain age.
Thanks Sjoerd, I guess. You are such a card. Har Har! I think you ALL would like it at Longwood Gardens and we would have so much fun there oohing and ahhing and posing for pictures with our favorite flowers. And this is just a smalllll part of the outdoor grounds... It is acres and acres and acres.
I just love going to conservatories. So many mums on that wall and so pretty too. Looking forward to part II.
