Though the holidays are over, many of our favorite conservatories are still hosting great winter events. From light shows, to gardening tutorials, to miniature train exhibits, check out some of the events at these Mid-Atlantic conservatories.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
https://www.lewisginter.org/
Located in Richmond, Virginia, this 50-acre botanical garden is home to a classic domed conservatory, known as the “Jewel of the Garden” and the only of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. This 11,000 square-foot complex is home to exotic and unusual plants from around the globe, along with changing seasonal displays.
This winter the garden is hosting Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights until Jan. 10, which features lights, decorations, outdoor model trains, and more. Additionally, admission to the garden is free Jan. 13 – Jan. 19. For those at home, there are a variety of online demonstrations offered weekly with topics ranging from cooking with garden fresh veggies (Jan. 29) to designing tropical floral arrangements (Feb.13).
Longwood Gardens Conservatory
https://longwoodgardens.org/
Longwood Gardens’ East Conservatory covers about half an acre on the grounds of the garden and was built in 1973, replacing the former Azalea House from 1928. Since then, the garden has been redesigned and the structure’s roof was replaced in 2006 with a ridge-and-furrow roof, which allows it to cohere with the traditional architecture of its neighboring buildings.
This winter, Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is hosting its Winter Wonder display throughout the grounds from Jan. 23 – Mar. 21, which features beautiful seasonal displays both inside and outside. There are also daily online classes on topics like aquatic plants to pastel flowers, available on their website.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/
Phipps Conservatory, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was donated to the city by philanthropist Henry W. Phipps. The original greenhouse was completed in Aug. 1893 for about $100,000. Now, the conservatory is home to seasonal flower shows and numerous garden exhibits.
At the conservatory this winter is the Garden Railroad Rails and Trails, reopening Jan. 4, which features a new miniature railroad display in Phipps’ Biophilia Park. Additionally, the all-new Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: A Splash of Brilliance exhibit opens in January and features vibrant specimens of these colorful plants from the conservatory’s collection. Also, those at home can celebrate the holidays through the new year with Phipps’ Winter Flower Show: Home for the Holidays, which is now available as a virtual tour video.
Learn more about these amazing conservatories and more in our latest book:
The Conservatory: Gardens Under Glass