Harvest Season at Longwood Gardens

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. October 14, 2008

KENNETT SQUARE, PA, September 18, 2008. Fabulous fall color, glorious gardens and family fun await guests at Longwood Gardens during Autumn's Colors (through November 23, 2008). Enjoy the harvest season with giant pumpkins, unusual gourds, glass creations, carving demonstrations, concerts, a delightful garden railway, tasty autumnal treats and the final days of Nature's Castles, Longwood's spectacular treehouse exhibit.

New this year, Longwood's Music Room is transformed into a Fall Fantasy in Glass. Natural materials create a seasonal backdrop to a cornucopia overflowing with hand-blown glass pumpkins of all sizes, colors and shapes. The glass works of art were crafted for Longwood by artists Michael Cohn and Molly Stone.

From October 15 through November 23, more than 20,000 mums flourish in the palatial Conservatory during Longwood's annual Chrysanthemum Festival. Longwood experts have meticulously grown and groomed these fall favorites into a variety of unusual forms ranging from cascades to towering single-stemmed mums to massive hanging baskets to the elaborate "thousand bloom." This year, Longwood will delight guests with its largest thousand-bloom chrysanthemum ever and other new forms, including rotating chrysanthemum cubes adorning the Main Conservatory.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy Longwood's model Garden Railway that travels past miniature Longwood landmarks made from natural elements. Walk under trestles as trains travel above and see the unique detail and expert craftsmanship of this amazing railway.

A vast array of more than 100 varieties of colorful and highly unusual gourds and squash will be on display throughout the gardens. Kids won't want to miss the Pumpkin Playground, located in the Idea Garden, where young visitors are encouraged to interact with pumpkins--including hug, roll, sit on or pose with the pumpkin of their choice! October 11, 2008 is the date for the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, as gargantuan gourds compete for the coveted top prize.

Don't miss the final days of Nature's Castles, Longwood's spectacular display of three grand treehouses located in picturesque settings around the Gardens. Explore the Canopy Cathedral, Lookout Loft and The Birdhouse.

Each weekend of Autumn's Colors features entertainment for the entire family. From strolling performers to Carillon concerts to marching bands to talented guitarists, the Gardens are alive with music. Two special events: Curtis at Longwood, featuring students from the renowned Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, presents Igor Stravinsky's L'histoire du Soldat (The Soldier's Tale) at 8:00 pm on Saturday, October 25; and the renowned artistry of Taiwan's U Theatre on November 2 at 3 pm, when the group presents Sword of Wisdom, a riveting performance that integrates ancient drumming, martial arts, drama, dance and music. Contact Longwood Gardens for ticket information.

About Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is one of the world's great horticultural displays, offering 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows; 20 outdoor gardens; 20 indoor gardens within 4 acres of heated greenhouses; 11,000 different types of plants; spectacular fountains; extensive educational programs; and 800 horticultural and performing arts events each year.