Even in deep midwinter, the beauty of the Brandywine Valley usually captivates those exploring in and around it. This is especially true if the journey’s end happens upon the thousands of blooming orchids in the 4-acre conservatory of Longwood Gardens.
An easy, 110-mile drive north of the District takes Washingtonians close to the heart of Kennett Square, Pa., and to the threshold of that horticultural showplace where the Orchid Extravaganza celebrates the “divas” of the plant world. Blooms, along with special exhibits, are the feature presentation today through March 31.
How’s this for something you don’t see every day? The award-winning Orchid Curtain returns to the conservatory and this year it has been created with stunning purple Phalaenopsis.
This draped, purple marvel, however, is only a part of exhibits that include orchids in planting beds, containers and as the subject of astonishing and innovative exhibits.
“Orchids are amazing,” said Patricia Evans, communications manager at Longwood Gardens. “There are more than 25,000 varieties, including Cattleya, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Oncidium, among others. In all, more than 4,000 blooming orchids will delight the senses.”
In the East Conservatory, for example, imagine how delightful and “otherworldly” it will feel to wander among the giant white Phalaenopsis that adorn urns, or Dendrobium that are fashioned into vibrant, 8-foot-tall yellow towers on the Patio of Oranges.
Jim Sutton, the display designer for Longwood Gardens, is constantly in awe of what he calls “the allure and sophistication of the orchid.” He is amazed with the color and form of these unique blooms as he prepares them for the public.
“My favorite part of the show is seeing all of the orchids arrive in one of the coldest months for us here, and then watching them burst into bloom in the warmth of our conservatories,” he said.
Many additional programs associated with the Extravaganza will be featured at Longwood throughout February and March. Information on these activities is outlined on the garden’s Web site.
“A walk through the conservatory offers a much-needed break from winter’s chilly temperatures,” Evans said. And what can be better than strolling through an orchid paradise?”
