Mum's the Word!

Chrysanthemums, that is.  This past weekend's visit to Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA), made a renewed mum fan out of yours truly.  With the advertised event of  Night of a Thousand Lights, how could I resist a tour?

It was too chilly a November eve to stroll through the grounds, but 4 acres of conservatories, filled with blooms...I could do that.  With each new season, the amazing staff/volunteers transform this space into a drop-dead-gorgeous wonderland.  This was actually my first visit during the Fall season...as I recently acquired 'Membership' status.

I arrived just after 4pm and the next 3 hrs. passed in a blink.  There were guided tours of how the Chrysanthemum displays came to be.  The man hours required to nurture and train plants into rounds, spirals and cascades...it's astounding!  From a single stem cutting, it took 17 months and 1,500 hrs. to create each of these perfectly shaped domes!

This peacock fan in the Children's Garden was adorable!

The glow from the setting sun made the Conservatories even more magical!

I was enchanted by the use of these beautiful lanterns.

How cool are these Bonsai Mums? Something we can try at home?

It was interesting to learn that many of the blooms need to be grafted to different plant stock in order to achieve certain heights and forms.

When night came, these floating lanterns made a spectacular scene!  Photos do not do it justice.  Although the Night of a Thousand Lights was a special event, the Chrysanthemum Festival will be on display through November 23rd.  If you're in the area, it's worth a visit!

 

Thanks for visiting, friends.  Hope you enjoyed the tour...