holiday seasonal highlights, 2014

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A Longwood Christmas November 27–January 11

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A LongwoodChristmasOn view November 27–January 11

A Longwood Christmas soars this season with our bird-inspired display. From trees adorned with nests and feathered friends, to topiary swans in our Exhibition Hall, to birdhouses, owls, and bald eagles decorating our tree houses, this holiday season flies high. Our Music Room depicts a festive Peacock Masquerade Ball, featuring elegant table settings and an 18-foot rotating tree. Stroll outside where colorful fountains dance, glimmering snowflakes hang overhead, and a half-million lights illuminate more of our outdoor gardens than ever before.

Plan Now for A Longwood Christmas

Purchase timed tickets and make your free Member reservations today:longwoodgardens.org610.388.1000

General Admission Buy Before You Arrive • Timed Admission Tickets Required • Tickets Limited Admission to A Longwood Christmas is by timed admission ticket only, with tickets issued for a specific date and time. Purchase in advance as tickets sell quickly. Member Reservations Members may visit anytime, but require free reservations after 2 pm on Peak Days. See all Member details on the next page.

Non-Peak Days Crowds are lighter! Mondays through Fridays from November 27–January 11 Excluding December 26–31 Non-Peak Day Hours: 9 am–10 pm

Adults: $20 Seniors ages 62+: $17 Students with student ID: $10 Children 4 & under: Free Members: Come and go as you wish. No reservations are required.

Peak Days Visit late—After 8 pm is great! All Saturdays and Sundays from November 27–January 11 and December 26–31

Peak Day Hours: 9 am–10 pm

Adults: $27 Seniors ages 62+: $24 Students with student ID: $13 Children 4 & under: Free Members: Members require free reservations after 2 pm.

Members’ Holiday Visiting GuideMake your free Member reservation and Member Guest reservations today:longwoodgardens.org610.388.1000

Member ReservationsMembers may visit anytime, but require free reservations after 2 pm on Peak Days. Reservations are limited, and sell out is likely. Member reservations are not timed—you may come any time of day. To avoid lines we encourage you to print your Member reservations at home and show them upon entry. Or, go paperless and open your print-at-home tickets on your smartphone prior to entering the Visitor Center for scanning.

Members Bringing Guests Guests not included in a Membership require a timed admission ticket. We cannot accommodate a Member’s request for tickets if we are sold out. Using Complimentary Guest Tickets? Many complimentary admission tickets are not valid on Peak Days. Check your tickets as restrictions may apply.

Members

Guests Included in Membership Level

Chimes Tower Members & Guests Included in Chimes Tower Membership Level

All Other Guests

Using Your Complimentary Guest Tickets

Non-Peak DaysMondays through Fridays from Nov. 27–Jan. 11Excluding Dec. 26–31

Come as you wish, no reservations required



Timed Admission Tickets required.See previous page

Accepted

Peak DaysAll Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 27–Jan. 11and Dec. 26–31

Free reservations required after 2 pm

Free reservations required after 2 pm


Timed Admission Tickets required.See previous page

Check your tickets as restrictions may apply

Upgrade to a Chimes Tower Membership

Chimes Tower Members and those included in their Membership Level can experience holiday magic at any time and do not require reservations. Upgrade by calling 610.388.1000.

More for Members on Mondays!December 1, 8, & 15 All-day discounts and Members-only hours 5–10 pm

Members and their guests can beat the Peak Day crowds on these evenings during exclusive Members-only hours. Members can bring guests using Complimentary Guest Tickets, or can purchase timed tickets on-site. The merry melodies of the Olde Towne Carolers fill the Gardens from 5–9 pm on these evenings, too.

Members can be extra merry on these select Mondays with all-day 20% discounts at The Café, 1906, and The GardenShop.Dining in 1906 is popular on these days, so make your dining reservations now at opentable.com or by calling 610.388.1000. The GardenShop discount only applies to non-sale merchandise.

Visiting TipsThat Soar

Come Early!Arrive by 2 pm and you’ll miss the evening traffic and still have time to explore all the Brandywine Valley has to offer after your visit to the Gardens. Our outdoor holiday lights come on at 3:30 pm and our Open Air Theatre fountain shows run continuously throughout the evening.

Save on Non-Peak DaysPurchasing a timed ticket for a Non- Peak Day means crowds are lighter and prices are lower! Non-Peak Days are Mondays through Fridays from November 27–January 11, excluding December 26–31.

Print Your Tickets and Member Reservations at HomeTo avoid lines, we encourage you to print your barcoded tickets and Member reservations at home to show them upon entry. Or, go paperless and open your print-at-home tickets on your smartphone prior to entering the Visitor Center for scanning.

Allow for Travel TimeTraffic may become heavy approaching Longwood Gardens between 3 and 7 pm.

Remote Parking Is Used If NeededParking is free. Transportation from remote parking areas to the Gardens is provided. Handicap parking is available in the main lot of Longwood Gardens. Please display your handicap permit so our staff can appropriately direct you to the designated area.

Bundle Up!A Longwood Christmas is both indoors and outdoors. Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.

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Shop and DineOur Café, 1906, concessions, and The GardenShop are available for you. Make a reservation in our fine dining restaurant, 1906, at opentable.com. Be sure to purchase your timed admission tickets for the same date and time as your dining reservation.

Using Complimentary Tickets?Many complimentary admission tickets are not valid on Peak Days during A Longwood Christmas. Check your tickets as some restrictions may apply.

Be Our GuestOnce you enter the Gardens, you may stay as long as you wish. If you wish to leave and re-enter—no problem. Just be sure to stamp your hand.

Follow @longwoodgardensWant real-time holiday updates, behind-the-scenes photos, and ticket sell out alerts? Be sure to follow us @longwoodgardens on Twitter and Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.

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We work hard to keepour Members engaged and informed about all that is

happening at Longwood. If you don’t receive e-mails from

us, or if you would like to update your e-mail address, please

contact our Membership Team at [email protected].

November

24 Conservatory Closed All Day in Preparation for A Longwood Christmas Outdoor Gardens are open 9 am–6 pm

Birds of Longwood Walk 9 am

Your Table is Gorgeous


Lights, Camera, Christmas


27 A Longwood Christmas on View

November 27–January 11, 2015 Thanksgiving Buffet ¹

28 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

29 Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

Rob Dickenson and The Brandywine Christmas Minstrels 5–8 pm



December

1 Members-only Monday Members save 20% in The GardenShop and The Terrace all day. Members & their guests can enjoy A Longwood Christmas exclusively during Members-only hours from 5–10 pm. Hear merry melodies sung by the Olde Towne Carolers from 5–9 pm.

Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

2 Backyard Banquet– Natural Ornaments

Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3 & 4 pm Brandywine Harp Orchestra 7 & 8 pm

3 Quilled Snowflake Ornaments

Calendar of Events

Solas Presents A Celtic Christmas

4 Insider Tours: Production Greenhouse

11:30 am & 2 pm ***

Conservatory Highlights Walk 1 pm

Christmas with the Canadian Brass

5 Insider Tours: Conservatory

and Heat Plant 11:30 am & 2 pm ***



6 Holiday Tabletop Wreath

Insider Tours: Conservatory and Heat Plant 11:30 am & 2 pm ***

Holiday Wreath Making




7 Breakfast with Santa ¹

Insider Tours: Production Greenhouse 11:30 am & 2 pm ***



Rob Dickenson and The

Brandywine Christmas Minstrels 5–8 pm

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Members-only Monday Members save 20% in The GardenShop and The Terrace all day. Members & their guests can enjoy A Longwood Christmas exclusively during Members-only hours from 5–10 pm. Hear merry melodies sung by the Olde Towne Carolers from 5–9 pm.


9 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3 & 4 pm

Jersey Sound Chorus of Sweet Adelines International 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm

Chester County Choral Society 7 & 8 pm

11 Insider Tours:

Production Greenhouse 11:30 am & 2 pm *** Conservatory Highlights Walk 1 pm

Organ Sing-Alongs 2, 3 & 4 pm

Floral Fun with Roger Davis 6:30–8:30 pm *.

Clearview Regional High School Vocale Ensemble 7 & 8 pm.

12 Insider Tours: Conservatory

and Heat Plant 11:30 am & 2 pm ***




A Sparkling Holiday

Insider Tours: Production Greenhouse

11:30 am & 2 pm ***

A Sparkling Holiday

Conservatory Highlights Walk1 pm

Organ Sing-Alongs2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm



Birds of Longwood Walk 9 am





15 Members-only Monday

Members save 20% in The GardenShop and The Terrace all day. Members & their guests can enjoy A Longwood Christmas exclusively during Members-only hours from 5–10 pm. Hear merry melodies sung by the Olde Towne Carolers from 5–9 pm.



2, 3 & 4 pm A Capella Pops 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm

Wilmington Handbell Ensemble 7 & 8 pm


2, 3 & 4 pm

Upper Darby High School Encore Singers 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm








2, 3 & 4 pm

Great Valley High School Chamber Singers 7 & 8 pm



2, 3 & 4 pm

Haddonfield Memorial High School Madrigal Singers 7 & 8 pm



2 & 3 pm


Jazz Pianist: Eric Mintel 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

The class you want sold out? E-mail [email protected] or call 610.388.5454 to be put on our wait list.

Birds of Longwood Walks require outdoor clothing and shoes/boots. Binoculars are recommended.

Please note: All ticketed events are limited. Sell out likely.



2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm



2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm



2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm



2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm


31 Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Organ Music with Rudy Lucente 3–9 pm


PartiGras Band 4–9 pm

Nothing But Treble, singers 7–9 pm

Frank the Dog Barbershop Quartet 6–9 pm

Gardens Close at 10 pm

January



2 Organ Sing-Alongs

2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8 pm

Insider Tours: Conservatory and Heat Plant

11:30 am & 2 pm ***



3 Organ Concerts: Peter Richard Conte

6, 7 & 8 pm




4 Organ Concerts:

Peter Richard Conte 6, 7 & 8 pm




5 Botanical Illustration Studio

6-part class January 5, 12, 19, 26 February 9, 16 12:30–3 pm *

8 Insider Tours:

Production Greenhouse 11:30 am & 2 pm ***


9 Insider Tours:

Conservatory and Heat Plant 11:30 am & 2 pm ***


10 Sharpen your Shovel,

Deadhead your Dahlias 6-part class January 10 March 7 May 2 July 18 September 26 November 14 9–11 am *



Introduction to School Gardening: Online 6-week online class January 10–February 22 *

Organ Concerts: Marc Cheban 6, 7 & 8 pm


11 Insider Tours:

Conservatory and Heat Plant 11:30 am & 2 pm ***


Organ Concerts: Rudy Lucente 6, 7 & 8 pm


12 Conservatory Closed

All Day for A Longwood Christmas Removal Outdoor Gardens are open 9 am–6 pm

13 Conservatory Closed

All Day for A Longwood Christmas Removal Outdoor Gardens are open 9 am–6 pm

Plant Science: Plant Propagation 6-part class January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17 1–3 pm *

Horticulture

Holiday Dining Events

Ticketed Performances Continuing Education Classesand Workshops Member Mondays Holiday Performances, Free with Gardens Admission

1 Special ticket required: longwoodgardens.org 610.388.1000

* Advanced registration and fee required: enroll.longwoodgardens.org 610.388.5454

For a complete list of our Continuing Education opportunities and to view our full-year course catalog visit us online at longwoodgardens.org. Members save 10%

*** Special ticket required for Insider Tours: longwoodgardens.org 610.388.1000, or on-site. $4 Ticket, $3 Members. This ticket does not include admission to the Gardens.

Illuminated Fountain Shows Dance Day & Night Our Open Air Theatre Fountain Shows run on the hour from 10 am–3 pm, and every 5 minutes beginning at 3:30 pm.

Highlights fromOur GardensIlluminating Our Italian Water Garden

During your visit to A Longwood Christmas, bundle up and take an evening outdoor stroll to our first-ever twinkling light display at our Italian Water Garden. This year, our talented Longwood craftsmen created a 20-foot tree form that is comprised of 140 pre-lit spheres. This pyramid-shaped feature is on view in the center of our Italian Water Garden and each individual sphere was attached by hand to our custom- made metal structure.

The Artisans of A Longwood Christmas

One aspect of A Longwood Christmas that our staff really enjoys is finding and working with talented artisans to bring our creative display ideas to life. This year, we are fortunate to be working with a number of local artisans who specialize in everything from paper to linen to glass to wood. You could call Australian native and Haverford resident, Malinda Swain, a paper florist. She creates elaborate paper flowers using a combination of the folding art of origami, the cutting art of kirigami, and a lot of imagination. Malinda is putting her artistry to work in our Music Room where she is creating large, ornate paper feathers for display. Jim Bewley’s media of choice is wood, and the West Chester resident has been creating one-of- a-kind birdhouses for display in the Rose House. Each birdhouse is handcrafted and unique, ranging in height from 3 inches to 10 inches. These birdhouse ornaments are also available for purchase in the GardenShop (see our Gift Guide for details).

Gilded Phoenix Wreaths Fly High

Explore our Ballroom and discover ten soaring, gilded phoenix wreaths that encircle our historic wall sconces. Each intricate gold wreath was meticulously crafted using natural materials, requiring more than 100 hours of work from our talented Longwood team. The head, body, and tail of the phoenix are made separately, painted gold, and then attached to a four-foot circular support. The sculpted body and neck are tiled with eucalyptus and salal leaves to create a feathered effect. An arrangement of seeded eucalyptus, cycad leaves, icy branches, and willow form the phoenix’s extravagant tail. Don’t miss the whimsy and beauty of this soaring display.

Santa’s Biggest Helpers

Months before A Longwood Christmas opens to our guests, teams of volunteers are hard at work brainstorming ideas, gathering materials, and making ornaments, wreaths, and swags, in preparation for our holiday season. Senior Gardener Kari Getchonis has a team of as many as 18 volunteers who are helping her deck the halls of the Lookout Loft and Birdhouse treehouses. The work begins in early spring when Getchonis presents the display theme to her team and then they begin brainstorming ideas together. Those ideas are taken to our in-house display designer who selects which will work best. By May, the team is hard at work collecting materials and beginning to assemble ornaments. This year alone, the group will create hundreds of handcrafted ornaments to decorate four trees in the treehouses. “I could not do it without the wonderful volunteers who work with me,” Getchonis says.

Clockwise from top left:Handcrafted birdhouse ornaments created by Jim Bewley.

Longwood Gardeners Jessica Whitehead and Emily Salmons put the finishing touches on a gilded phoenix wreath.

Gardener Emily Beehler hangs eggs hand-painted by our volunteers on a Christmas tree display.

A team of volunteers making handcrafted ornaments for this year’s outdoor treehouse display.

A volunteer holds a finished handmade bird nest with hand-painted eggs.

Experience Holiday Magic at Our Garden Railway The Garden Railway display is decked in grand holiday style. Be sure to take the family to see this playful display of miniature locomotives winding their way through our magnificent landscape in its new location near the Birdhouse Treehouse. The Garden Railway is outdoors and runs during regular Gardens hours, weather permitting, through January 11, 2015.

Visit Our East Gardens to See More Lights and Our Meadow Boardwalk This holiday season we’ve expanded our outdoor light display near the Large Lake and Canopy Cathedral to include more lit trees, wooden tree forms, and twinkling stars than ever before. New this year, enjoy an evening stroll on our Meadow Boardwalk (which will be open weather permitting) and enjoy never-before-seen views of our Meadow Garden at night… see if you can spot a twinkling 90-foot hickory tree in the distance.

More HolidayHighlights

Give the Gift of our Gardens!

(1) Garden Gift Cards The Garden Gift Card is one gift with so many options! Gift cards can be used for admission, Membership, classes, purchases at The Terrace, The GardenShop, and more.

(2) Birdhouse Ornaments Take a piece of A Longwood Christmas home with you. Handmade locally for Longwood Gardens, these hand-turned wooden birdhouse ornaments are featured in our Rose House display and are available for purchase while supplies last. Large $160 Medium $120 X-small & Small $89 Members save 10%

(3) Hand Painted Bird Ornaments Adorn your tree with a hand-blown and hand-painted Blue Jay, Loon, or Yellow Grosbeak ornament, or go for all three! Each is exquisitely handcrafted for Longwood Gardens.

$21.99 Members save 10%

(4) 2015 Calendars Follow the beauty of each season at Longwood with our 12-month calendar. Each month features an extraordinary image of a horticultural highlight.

$15.99 Members save 10%

More Great Gift Ideas

Tickets to A World-class Performance Featuring outstanding jazz, classical, organ, and world music performances, experience a concert in our garden setting with tickets to any of our 2014–2015 Performance Series events.

Purchase tickets at:longwoodgardens.orgMembers save up to 15%

Gift of Membership Give the gift of the ultimate Longwood experience with year-round Garden access, special discounts, exclusive Members-only events, and more!

Purchase inThe GardenShopor online atlongwoodgardens.org. Some quantitiesmay be limited.

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Orchid ExtravaganzaOn viewJanuary 24–March 29

Winter at Longwood Gardens is anything but snowy and cold. Step inside our warm 4-acre Conservatory and enjoy a sanctuary of sunlight amid thousands of colorful orchids. From our vibrant orchid meadow display to our alluring Oncidium waterfall, orchid blooms become extravagant works of art.

Kids’ Play at OrKID Days! January 19, February 16, March 14 11 am–2 pm

OrKID Days are filled with fun and wonder for our youngest guests. Children can explore orchids firsthand at discovery stations, enjoy interactive storytelling, and partake in a family seek-and-find in our orchid-filled Conservatory.

Light. Sound.Spectacle.Coming Summer 2015

This summer explore the Gardens by day… and by night. Get ready for an immersive evening journey around the Gardens where you will encounter moving imagery and light set to music and brought to life by the natural canvas of our plants, leaves, trees, and lakes. Your experience begins July 1.

Tickets on sale March 2015More details coming soon to longwoodgardens.org.

Gardens HoursNovember 27, 2014–January 11, 2015A Longwood Christmas9 am–10 pm

Please NoteOur Conservatory is closed all day November 24–26, and all day January 12–13 for A Longwood Christmas installation and removal. The Outdoor Gardens are open.

Tickets

General Admission / Non-PeakDay Admission Adults: $20Seniors ages 62+: $17Students with student ID: $10Children 4 & under: FreeMembers: Free. No reservations required.

Peak Day Admission Adults: $27Seniors ages 62+: $24Students with student ID: $13Children 4 & under: FreeMembers: Free reservations required after 2 pm.

Chimes Tower Level Members and guests included in their Membership do not require reservations throughout A Longwood Christmas. Peak & Non-Peak Days duringA Longwood Christmas

Non-Peak DaysMondays through Fridays fromNovember 27–January 11Excluding December 26–31

Peak Days All Saturdays and Sundays fromNovember 27–January 11 andDecember 26–31

Visit longwoodgardens.org for more details. Prices and hours are subject to change.

Parking Parking is free. Remote parking is used if needed. Transportation from remote parking areas to the Gardens is provided.

Dining at The TerraceThe Terrace is a Certified Green Restaurant through the Green Restaurant Association and offers two dining experiences, open daily.

The CaféEnjoy casual fare made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

1906Savor this artful, full-service dining experience. Reservations made via opentable.com or by calling 610.388.1000.

For Your ConvenienceLongwood Gardens covers many acres. There are no shuttles within the Gardens. We’re happy to offer the following:

– Non-motorized wheelchairs, electric scooters, and children’s strollers are available on a first- come basis for a fee. Supply limited, reservations not accepted.

– Rentals are free for Members, but Member guests will be charged a fee.

– Scooters are not available during rainy, snowy, or freezing weather.

Become a MemberMake our world yours—become a Member today. Membership pays for itself in two visits.

Stay Connected

Join in the conversation & “Like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/LongwoodGardens

Phone: 610.388.1000Website: longwoodgardens.org

Photography credits: Hank Davis, William Hill, Longwood Gardens, Klip Collective, and Daniel TraubIllustrations by: Rebecca Clarke

Gardens Information

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holiday seasonal highlights, 2014

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