—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, May 22, 1976 32 Longwood [Continued from Page 301 displays, a series of different show plants dominates the large conservatories, beginning with acacias and spring bulbs in January and February, and continuing to azaleas and rhododendrons in March and April, and begonias throughout the summer months. In early autumn, coleus and or namental peppers are planted in the conservatories with the first of the Thanksgiving chrysan themums. “The outdoor gardens at Longwood combine the natural beauty of woodland paths and lakes with the formality of bedding plants and fountain gardens. Of particular interest are an herb garden; a wildflower area where plants native to within a hundred miles of Longwood are grown; a topiary garden with an unusual analemmatic sundial; and the Rock and Heather Garden, built on a hillside around a sixty-foot waterfall and chimes tower. Electronic chimes in the Tower count the hours and quarter hours, and carillon concerts may be heard at 11 a.m. and 2 and 5 p.m. daily. Rose gardens nearby include a display of All-America rose selections, and in the Pinetum, east of the Rock and Heather Garden, many interesting and unusual conifers are grown, in cluding the dawn redwood and the giant California redwood. “The many fountains at Longwood make it unique among the world’s hor ticultural displays. In ad dition to several small, single fountains that punc tuate the flower gardens and walkways, there are three large fountain displays at Longwood. One is in the Italian Water Garden, based on the design and dimensions of a garden at the Villa Gamberaia near Florence, Italy. The carved stonework for the garden was imported Lancaster Farming Photo by Dieter Krieg The fragrance and beauty of flowers and plants -grounds, located less than an hour’s drive east of appears to be very satisfying to these two young Lancaster, attract young and old alike throughout flower inspectors at Longwood Gardens. The the year. from Italy, but native hemlock trees were sub stituted for the Italian cypresses of the Florentine garden. The fountains in the Italian Water Garden are in operation during the day throughout the summer months. “In front of the main conservatory is one of the most famous fountain systems in the world. Covering approximately five acres, the fountains and canals of the Main Fountain Garden are outlined with Japanese holly and the entire area is bordered with clipped Norway maples. At night, illuminated by myriad colored lights, the fountains provide a never-to-be forgotten experience as they eject water at the rate of 10,000 gallons per minute. One of the central pairs of jets throws a column of water 130 feet into the air. Evening displays are presented for a half hour every Tuesday, Thurdsay and Sunday evening from the A wonderland of beauty, color, and serenity which shelter plants from all over the world, the awaits visitors to Longwood Gardens’ azalea azalea house is one of the more recent additions to house. Part of a large complex of conservatories the world-famous gardens. With more than 1,000 acres of land devoted to horticultural and environmental beauty, Longwood Gardens ranks among the finest in the country and even rivals the best in Europe. Shown here is just a small portion of the main grounds. Note the sculptured shrubbery in the right half of the pic ture. beginning of June until Labor Day. “The water for the Mam Fountain Garden system is recirculated and is located in a large underground reservoir east of the Rock and Heather Garden. Water is pumped up from the reservoir to gush through the Eye of Water before it cascades over the nearby waterfall. The Eve of Water is Longwood’s newest water feature, inspired by the “Fuente de Ojo de Aqua’’ near San Antonia de Belen, Costa Rica. “Longwood’s third fountain system is located at an open air theatre on the grounds, where a novel “water curtain” made of small jets spaced six inches apart adds immeasurably to the enjoyment of per formances. The Theatre seats 2100 people and is in use on scheduled summer evenings when local organizations give musical and dramatic presentations for the benefit of charity. The backdrop of the stage is formed by clipped ar borvitae and tall trees. Following each per formance, a lighted display of fountains on the stage provides a memorable finale. “Besides maintaining the remarkable indoor and outdoor horticultural displays, the staff at Longwood considers education to be an important part of its duties. A series of horticultural evening lec tures is given by guest speakers during the winter months and in autumn, winter and spring; short courses are offered to tb*g | public on such horticultural*:' subjects as botany, plant propagation, pressed plant design and wildflowers and various phases of gardening. A staff member is also available Monday through Friday to answer practical horticultural questions concerning the displays and plants exhibited at Longwood. An effort has also been made tc educate the public through attractive exhibits in the display con servatories. Example gardens, illustrating the various solutions of local landscape architects to common home landscaping problems, are maintained in the Azalea House, and there are displays of containerized house plants and vegetables. Longwood Gardens has several work-study programs for students of horticulture. One of these is the Professional Gardener Training Program, a two year course for high school graduates. This program includes both classroom sessions and on-the-job in struction for those wishing vocational training. During the summer months, a limited number of college students majoring in the plant sciences par ticipate in the Summer Laboratory of Ornamental Horticulture. The students gam practical experience by working in the gardens and are exposed to other useful areas of horticulture through lectures and field trips. A graduate program for students working for a Master’s Degree is con ducted in cooperation with the University of Delaware. Students in this program (Continued on Page 331
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers