WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
Be sure to take a digital camera with plenty of capacity. (Film
would be fine, but with a digital camera you won't feel limited to
only a few images.)
Take a notepad and pencil. Don't be afraid to sketch
combinations you like, and write down all the details from plant
tags. Having as much information about a plant you like will help to
find it later for your own garden.
The signage in the Idea Garden is particularly good, but there
are great signs all over the garden. We learned about Integrated
Pest Management (aka 14 cats kept on the grounds) from a sign
outside Peirce-du Pont House. Another near the main fountain
announced that deciduous trees can help reduce heat around the south
and west side of a house by as much as 30%. A sign in Peirce's Park
reminded that beech trees can provide wonderful winter interest. We
counted 14 signs around the gardens--all with information that can
easily be used at home. How many can you find?
If you live near Longwood, or any quality public garden,
consider buying a frequent visitor pass rather than paying each time
you come. The changing seasons--as well as the concerts, classes,
and kids' programs--will make you want to come back, and the savings
can add up. For an adult, a frequent visitor pass to Longwood costs
$60, while a one-day pass ranges from $12 to $15, depending on the
season. With just a few visits, it pays for itself, and you also
receive dining discounts and notices of upcoming events.
Check out www.longwoodgardens.org before you go--you'll
find pictures, calendars of events, and more. Select the month of
your visit, as well as an area of interest, and you'll get a
customized itinerary to guide you on your trip. You can also
schedule a behind-the-scenes guided tour through Longwood's Group
Visits office or take classes covering topics ranging from testing
color boundaries in the garden to dealing with turf insects and
weeds through Longwood's Continuing Education Department.
The area around the six-story Chimes Tower, with its hourly carillon serenade.
ARTICLE BY Derick Belden and Warner McGowin; Photography Van Chaplin
