Longwood Gardens' Orchid Extravaganza, Jan. 24-Mar. 31

Orchids Take Center Stage

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. January 13, 2009

KENNETT SQUARE, PA, January 13, 2009 - Longwood Gardens pays homage to one of the world's most beloved flowers during Orchid Extravaganza, January 24-March 31, 2009, celebrating the divas of the plant world with thousands of orchid blooms, displays and special exhibits. New this year is a towering, revolving Orchid Mobile suspended from Longwood's East Conservatory ceiling. The award-winning Living Wall of Orchids returns, fashioned to resemble a massive curtain.

In 2009, Longwood Gardens is the place to "bee" as it showcases pollination and its importance to the environment with the changing exhibit: The Birds & The Bees: Pollination and the Secret Lives of Plants. The exhibit opens with a look at which pollinators orchids rely on. Go back in time to Victorian England and relive Orchid Mania when explorers went to harrowing lengths to collect these treasured plants. Longwood's collection of historic orchids is depicted in stunning images by photographer David Ward. See Ward's images and then visit Longwood's Orchid Room for the real thing.

OrKid Days Family Fun

Spend a Saturday enjoying a children's performance, craft, and the chance to meet exotic animals (and pollinators). Activities include John Flynn and the Brandywine Zoo on January 31; Cathy & Marcy and the Delaware Museum of Natural History on February 21; and Yosi & the Superdads and the Philadelphia Zoo on February 28; .

Jazz Club Returns

Enjoy a night of hot jazz in an exotic orchid paradise, with great jazz pianists as selected by NPR Piano Jazz host Marian McPartland: Renee Rosnes & Quartet, February 12; Taylor Eigsti & Julian Lage, February 26; and the Bill Charlap Trio, March 12; Tickets for each 7:30 p.m. concert are $60 ($55 for Garden Passholders). Arrive before the concert and stroll Longwood's Conservatory, bursting with more than 4 acres of fragrant, colorful gardens. Sample signature dishes from the Terrace Restaurant's extraordinary chefs at the Tapas Table (special tickets required). Afterwards, relax at a dessert and coffee reception with the artists.

Concerts & Special Events

Up-and-coming musicians from the renowned Curtis Institute of Music take the spotlight in the new series Curtis at Longwood Gardens. Enjoy a dazzling piano concert on March 14 at 1 p.m. and a classical violin performance March 21 at 1 p.m.

On February 14, Longwood presents the Love Blooms Valentine's Dinner, 7-11 p.m. Enjoy Tapas-style dining while enjoying live piano music and dancing in Longwood's Conservatory. Chocolate-lovers will relish a selection of sweet favorites including dipped strawberries, a chocolate martini bar, truffles, hot fudge sundaes, gourmet hot chocolate and more. Tickets are $150 each ($130 for Passholders) or $275 per couple ($235 for Passholders).

What better place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than at Longwood surrounded by the beautiful garden greenery? At 1 & 3 pm on March 15, Tommy Sands performs Irish music.

The International Orchid Show & Sale, March 27-29, offers tours, plant sale, a dinner dance, and other special events.

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.