LONGWOOD CHIMES 298 - Longwood Gardens
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LONGWOOD
Winter
2019
CHIMES 298
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No. 298 A seed…that amazing marvel of nature that
overcomes incredible odds to flourish into
something beautiful, life-sustaining, and
inspiring. In this issue of Longwood Chimes,
we explore seeds in all contexts … from the
seed of inspiration that spurred Mr. du Pont
to construct our grand Conservatory, to the
seed of an idea that has grown into a national
movement to combat declining numbers of
horticulture professionals, to the beauty of
physical seeds gathered from our Gardens and
from our plant exploration trips around the
globe. Celebrate with us the humble beginnings
that lead to great things.
In Brief 6 8 10
Plantologists Unite! By the Book Nutrition from Within
Seed Your Future is growing Our Community Read is How composting is
the next generation of building rapport by sharing nourishing the needs
horticulturists. the joy of plants, nature, (and seeds) of our plant
By Susan E. Yoder and great books. collection.
By David Sleasman By Dr. Matt Taylor
Features 16 24 34
Natural Selection Gone to Seed A Century of Floral Sun Parlors
Christmas ornaments crafted A survey and celebration Part One: The Seed is Planted
from natural materials embody of seeds from throughout A new series on the creation of
our spirit of beauty and giving. the Gardens. Longwood’s great Conservatory.
By Katie Mobley By Colvin Randall
46
Array of Light
A spark of creativity and
a plethora of details bring
Luminary Nights to life.
By Patricia Evans
End Notes 52
Remembering William H.
Frederick, Jr.
A look back at the life, work, and
enduring influence of plantsman
and landscape designer William
H. Frederick, Jr.
3
In Brief The seeds of a Victoria special tanks dedicated and ‘Longwood Hybrid’ waterlily calibrated to the needs of are juxtaposed here with these majestic giants. the underside of one of the From seed sown in January, waterlily’s giant leaf pads. plants are set out on display Commonly referred to as the around the end of May and giant water-platter, they are quickly grow to fill the pools one of the iconic features during the summer season. of our summer season. One In August we begin the little-known fascinating fact process of hand pollinating about these plants is that and harvesting seed to ensure they are grown from these stock for next year’s display. pea-sized seeds each year in Photo by Daniel Traub. 4
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Education
Seed Your Future
Plantologists is growing the
next generation
Unite! of horticulturists.
By Susan E. Yoder
We are reaching a crisis point in horticulture. people to pursue careers working with in the BLOOM! initiative. With its support,
The horticulturists of today are aging and plants. We spent our first three years we have also created an exciting microsite
retiring, and the pipeline of people to follow conducting focused research, which today of free educator resources including an
them is a mere dribble. Employers across all serves as a foundation for the work that online learning module, sample lesson
of horticulture—from public gardens and officially launched in 2018. The research plans and activities, infographics, and
laboratories, to greenhouses and hydroponics affirmed what we are experiencing today. videos to help adults inspire youth to love
facilities—cannot find enough qualified We are living in a time of great disconnection plants and consider careers in horticulture.
candidates to fill their open positions. from plants. Plants are everywhere—yet Anyone can download the free resources at
College and university horticulture programs plants are nowhere on the minds of most scholastic.com/BLOOM (educator resources)
are declining. Reaching far beyond the Americans. This “plant-blindness” is and weareBLOOM.org/partners (toolkit of
strength and longevity of the horticulture especially significant among our nation’s materials).
industry, this crisis is about the future of youth. Informed by research examining the We’ve already reached almost one million
the planet. We must consider who will take right time to reach young people about the students with our BLOOM! materials in 2018!
the reins and have the expertise to provide wonder of plants and fulfilling plant careers, Year two goals include reaching an additional
the technology, science, art, and business Seed Your Future decided to focus our first one million students.
acumen necessary to meet the rapidly campaign on middle school students. But Now that we’re on a solid path of reaching
increasing demand for ornamentals, fruits, first, we needed to know what kids had to say. middle schoolers, we’re developing our
vegetables, nuts, and herbs in the face of When asked, middle school students second campaign—this one focusing on
the changing global environment. Who in our focus groups did not know what colleges and universities. In 2019, Longwood
will grow food that is safe and nutritious to “horticulture” meant. After we shared with will host an enrollment summit with colleges
feed the growing world? Who will research them how plants impact our lives every day, and universities that currently offer
cures for disease? Who will help solve some and the diversity of careers across the art, horticulture programs. We hope to learn
of our world’s biggest environmental issues science, technology, and business of plants, their needs, and then based on the research
such as pollution, drought, clean water, the students’ perception of horticulture we’ve already conducted, create tools and
and climate change? And who will bring became much clearer. They wanted us to resources to help colleges and universities
wonder to our world by creating landscapes stop using “weird” words like “horticulture,” inspire enrollment in horticulture training
and gardens that are not only beautiful but show them through video and social media programs. In years to come, we’ll develop
provide physical, social, and emotional content how plants can change the world, other campaigns to help solve this workforce
health supports? and have “cool” young people tell them gap. Perhaps mid-career-changers, returning
In 2014, Longwood Gardens took the about their fun (#ILoveMyPlantJob) careers. veterans, ex-offenders, and people with
lead on tackling this issue, and along with They coined the term “plantologist” instead special needs will be among our next
the American Society of Horticultural of “horticulturist” and urged us to connect priorities. We’ll continue to expand our
Science, founded the Seed Your Future plants to what they are already interested partnerships and work together to ensure
movement with Longwood President and in such as sports, fashion, medicine, a solid pipeline of trained and passionate
Chief Executive Officer Paul B. Redman technology, and art. horticulturists for years to come.
serving as the Seed Your Future co-chair. To engage middle school students, we
With more than 150 partners across the launched Seed Your Future’s BLOOM!
horticulture industry including horticulture initiative (weareBLOOM.org) in April 2018.
companies, gardening organizations, Through eye-catching content delivered both
schools, colleges and universities, public inside and outside the classroom, BLOOM!
For more information about the work of Seed
gardens, and youth organizations, we are is educating and inspiring young people Your Future, visit seedyourfuture.org. We invite
united by our confidence in the power of about the endless possibilities in horticulture. you to join in the movement to help teach the
plants to change the world. With a staggering presence in 100 percent plant-blind to see and open young minds to the
The Seed Your Future movement has of classrooms in K-12 schools and more than possibilities of a future in horticulture. It’s time
for Americans to wake up and smell (and grow)
taken a proactive approach with a mission 90 percent of classrooms in America, the roses, trees, and tomatoes. Together, we
to promote horticulture and inspire more Scholastic serves as an important partner can show them how.
7
Education
Our Community Read
By the is building rapport by
sharing the joy of plants,
Book nature, and great books.
By David Sleasman
For the last few years the Longwood Library utilizing Community Read as a way to The types of activities are bounded only
and Information Services Department nurture the organizational relationships by a partner’s imagination and budget. The
has been leading an initiative to share the between like-minded nonprofits. Public audiences range from large to small, but
joy of plants, nature, and great books. gardens in the Philadelphia region frequently every event adds up to a big impact. In 2018
As most Longwood Chimes readers know, share resources, but not so common is an the combined attendance for the 214 programs
this department largely works behind the ongoing forum to reach across the gardens’ on the Community Read calendar was
scenes. The LIS team manages the library, gates to public libraries, museums, and estimated to be more than 8,000 people. In
institutional archives, photography conservation organizations. In this spirit addition, consider the thousands of people
collections, and plant records. For this Longwood uses the skills of our Education checking out copies of the books at each of
initiative, however, the LIS team—joined by and Marketing teams to provide extensive the public libraries. That is a substantial
colleagues in the Education and Marketing program resources and publicity materials, amount of reading and talking.
Departments—works to share the message while strongly encouraging cooperation Expanding the potential for conversation
directly with Longwood’s Members and between partners. For the many nonprofit to younger readers, we have added titles for
the community beyond. The strategy is to organizations involved in the program, young and middle school readers at the
encourage two simple, yet powerful, human Community Read is a chance to work on suggestion of our partners, who wanted to
activities—reading and talking. initiatives together. For example, over the reach a wider audience. With those additional
The Community Read idea draws upon last few years Delaware Nature Society and young adult titles, the Community Read
a programming format common in libraries Delaware Museum of Natural History each extends its ideas across the region and across
to focus attention on literature. For have created Community Read programs age levels. Parents and grandparents can talk
Longwood this means shining a light on that they have taken on the road to the about many of the same ideas with their
writings about plants, science, and gardens. many public library partners. Without children and grandchildren.
In turn, the ideas embedded in the featured Community Read, these libraries may not New titles introduced in 2019 include
books seed events and programming have had the opportunity to offer such The Triumph of Seeds: How Grains, Nuts,
throughout the region. The first featured programs. This cross-pollination of Kernels, Pulses, and Pips Conquered the Plant
book in 2014 was Aldo Leopold’s conservation programming helps each organization to Kingdom and Shaped Human History by Thor
classic, A Sand County Almanac, a selection broaden and nurture its audience and help Hanson. Hanson’s engaging writing leads
inspired by our newly opened Meadow meet organizational goals while exploring readers to discover the power that seeds
Garden. That pattern continues. The vision the ideas of the featured books. contain, their ability to endure, and the
for each book selection starts with Longwood Community Read partners include journeys they take. Hanson tells the tale of
but must speak to a wider audience. public libraries, museums, gardens, and these amazing marvels of nature as they
Appropriately, the Community Read conservation organizations throughout explode into extraordinary beauty both tiny
selections should embrace larger themes southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and grand and, in turn, nourish and inspire
drawn from humanity’s relationship with Delaware, and northeastern Maryland. human life. Also included this year are two
the plant kingdom. Featured books They are the essence of the “Community” books for younger readers: Seedfolks by Paul
have explored Native Americans’ spiritual in the Community Read. Most return year Fleischman for middle school readers, and
connection to plants (Braiding Sweetgrass after year and some join for a specifically The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller for the
by Robin Kimmerer), the potential power themed year. Some create only one program youngest readers.
of one’s own creative energy for a world while others create more. Although
better connected to nature (Grandma Longwood plants the seed, the real
Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery), cultivation of the ideas happen with each
engineering in the garden and all around community partner organization. Each
us (The Way Things Work Now by David of these organizations plans programs
Macaulay), and women in science and based on its own perspective and audience:
horticulture (Lab Girl by Hope Jahren). book discussions, lectures, activities, movie
From the very beginning we sought nights, videos, hikes, and sometimes even Visit longwoodgardens.org for a complete list of
to take the programming idea further by field trips. Most are free. 2019 Community Read programs.
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Sustainability
How composting
Nutrition is nourishing
the needs (and
from seeds) of our
plant collection.
Within By Dr. Matt Taylor
From little acorns mighty oaks grow—or, tight control over plant decomposition and and nursery have a premium root growth
in the case of Longwood’s Soil and nutrient cycling. We collect herbaceous environment. As a result of this research,
Composting Facility, from plant material and woody plant material across the property we have reduced our dependence on growing
to nutrient-rich soil, the next generations and then blend the material with horse media ingredients sourced from outside the
of seeds grow. All seeds (except those of manure, along with food waste from our Gardens by approximately 15 percent.
orchids) have nutrients and energy stored Terrace Restaurant in specific ratios to begin Longwood compost always has a very
as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These the composting process. We closely monitor high pH. This led us to research and create
reserves are essential for germinating seeds the windrows, created from the blended a unique specialty “acid compost.” Using
that have not yet formed chlorophyll to feedstocks, for temperature and oxygen to a recipe we developed, we create a low pH
harvest solar energy or developed extensive determine when we should utilize a tractor- version of our compost to ensure it is safe
root systems to collect mineral elements mounted compost-turner to oxygenate for use with acid-loving plants, helping
from the soil. As a seedling develops, these the windrow and, in turn, facilitate them stay vigorous and healthy. Our secret
stored nutrients become exhausted. The decomposition. Regular and properly timed ingredient? We add elemental sulfur in the
young plant will shift dependence from the turning is essential in the production of beginning of the composting process. As
reserved nourishment and instead rely on high-quality compost, and once the windrow a result, we can use our “acid compost” as
its developing root system to obtain vital temperature stops exceeding 140 degrees a garden bed amendment in areas where
elements from the earth in order to grow. Fahrenheit, which kills weed seeds and we want to lower soil pH.
Soil or growing substrate, as used in pathogens, the intense decomposition phase Both regular and “acid” compost are
greenhouse and nursery production of of composting is complete. We then conduct used to promote tree health; and as a
plants, serves as the source of mineral a nutrient analysis to ensure the finished fertilizer for turf areas, our vegetable
elements the plant requires for growth and product is suitable for use. In nature, garden, and agricultural fields across the
reproduction. As the plant grows—whether decomposition of woody plant material can property. The compost delivers essential
in nature, on a greenhouse bench, or in the take decades. With controlled thermophilic nutrients to the plants, and provides a suite
landscape—its root system will tortuously composting at our Soil and Composting of microorganisms that can improve soil
navigate the soil, searching for areas rich Facility, we create mature, usable compost health and protect plant roots from diseases.
in nutrients and water. Once a plant has in less than four months. But we’re not done Our composting efforts have far-reaching
completed its life cycle, nutrient absorption just yet—this newly created compost is so effects within the Gardens, as the compost
by roots ceases, and the plant returns to the nutrient-rich that using it solely as a growing we create is only used here at Longwood.
ground from which it germinated. Through media for plants would burn their roots. With winter upon us, flowers have faded
decomposition by the soil fauna and biota, In order to use the resulting compost in and leaves have senesced. Decaying plant
the plant matter releases its collected mineral greenhouse production, we must blend it materials of the land will be cycling their
nutrients to the soil, from which future with other ingredients. The Research Team nutrients back to the earth to become the
generations of plants can use these nutrients. has conducted years of studies evaluating the nutrition for the next generation of seeds.
This process is referred to as nutrient cycling. physical and chemical properties of a wide And so begins another cycle of drawing
At our Soils and Composting Facility, range of compost growing media recipes to upon these nutrients to nourish the next
we use thermophilic composting to place ensure the plants we grow in our greenhouse generation of Longwood’s plant collection.
Opposite:
A grower holding a custom-
made Longwood substrate
blend that contains nutrient-
rich compost. Photography by Hank Davis
11Left:
Turning a compost windrow
at Longwood’s Soil and
Composting Facility. Regular
and properly timed turning
is essential in the production
of high-quality compost.
This procedure oxygenates
the compost and reduces
the temperature within the
windrows.
We closely monitor the windrows
…for temperature and oxygen to
determine when we should utilize
a tractor-mounted compost-turner
to oxygenate the windrow and, in
turn, facilitate decomposition.
Above:
Senior Soils and Composting
Equipment Operator Evan
Gruber takes a temperature
read on a compost pile.
Left:
Fresh wood chips from
Longwood arborist activities
will be used as a feedstock
for compost.
12Soil Testing Program
Testing soil pH and nutrient
content is an essential tool
for healthy management of
Longwood’s plant collection.
Longwood volunteers Catherine
Buckminster and Steve Long
have been running the soil
testing program for the last five
years, during which time they
have handled upwards of 5,000
samples. They run analyses for
greenhouse crop production,
test soil throughout the
Conservatory, and often take
on large holistic projects such
as testing the soils through the
entirety of Peirce’s Woods and Above:
the Main Fountain Garden. Soil samples are routinely
collected from across the
Gardens and brought to the
Soil Lab for testing.
Above:
Longwood volunteers
Catherine Buckminster
(foreground) and Steve
Long in the Soil Lab.
Catherine is mixing a soil
sample with deionized water
to extract nutrients. Photo
by Daniel Traub.
Left:
Extract solutions are then
tested for pH and electrical
conductivity. Soil pH is a
measure of acidity and EC is
a measure of nutrient content.
13Features The edible fruit of Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’ contains an abundance of seeds, yet very little pulp. Hillside Garden, 2018. Photo by Daniel Traub. 14
15
The Arts
Natural
Selection
Christmas ornaments crafted
from natural materials embody
our spirit of beauty and giving.
By Katie Mobley
Photography by Daniel Traub
Left:
Longwood Land Stewardship
Technician Calvin Cooper
forages for hickory nut shells
in the Meadow Garden. The
shells were used to make
Christmas ornaments for the
Meadow Trees.
Opposite:
Longwood volunteer Sarah
Finnaren puts the finishing
touches on a sphere made
from the scales of Atlas
cedar cones for the Lookout
Loft Christmas display.
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The spectacular 15-foot birdhouse Detail view of coconut shell
Wildlife Tree featured 204 feeders, and millet and broom
birdhouses in eight different corn bunches, set atop two of
designs to accommodate a the northern flicker birdhouses
variety of species including owls, created for the Wildlife Tree
chickadees, purple marlins, wood display, Christmas 2018.
ducks, wrens, housefinches, and
northern flickers.
The towering elegance of twinkling Norway spruce situated outside of the East sets Longwood apart,” shares Senior
Fraser firs. The graceful curve of a vibrant Conservatory. While the Conservatory Horticulturist Pandora Young, who has
amaryllis. The sounds of laughter glowed with an 18-foot revolving tree overseen the Wildlife Tree since 2005.
punctuating the Gardens. A sense of trimmed with 1,200 ornaments and 7-foot “We use things from the Gardens and
warmth and togetherness. Beauty can poinsettia standards lining an allée of we take inspiration from the Gardens.
be found in many shapes and senses at spinning fountains, the Wildlife Tree stood The end result is not just pretty but gives
Longwood—particularly during our tall just outside, decorated with sheaths back to wildlife at a time of year when
Christmas season, when the comfort of of wheat, barley, and millet, outfitted with they could use it the most.”
nostalgia meets the spirit of giving cups full of birdseed, apples, and cranberry This past Christmas, Young and her
throughout our Gardens. rings, and enjoying its popularity with the team of volunteers created a thing of
While we always aim for innovation guests, squirrels, and birds. beauty with the imaginative 15-foot
and imagination in our Christmas displays, Since its beginning, the Wildlife Tree birdhouse Wildlife Tree surrounded by
we also take care to showcase the tiniest has moved about the Gardens each four evergreens draped in millet, wheat,
of natural materials that make our Gardens Christmas season, making stops along the and broom corn, as well as 50 coconut
so beautiful, as well as the hard work of way outside of the Peirce-du Pont House, shells replenished daily with birdseed.
our volunteers that allows Longwood to Canopy Cathedral Treehouse, and, this past The volunteer team lovingly constructed
truly shine. Perhaps no Christmas elements year, near the Small Lake. No matter its the Wildlife Tree’s ornaments, as well as
celebrate natural materials, applaud our setting, the Wildlife Tree has always focused its 204 birdhouses in eight different designs
volunteers, and give back to our resident on nourishing wildlife, adorned with to accommodate owls to chickadees.
feathered and furry friends more than ornaments crafted from seeds and other Following birdhouse kits created by
the Wildlife Tree and Meadow Trees. natural materials, from raisin strands to Longwood carpenters, longtime volunteers
Our annual Wildlife Tree made its stacked mini apples to garlands of dry citrus like Roger and Nancy Hiss constructed the
debut in 1992 in the form of a 12-foot slices. “The use of natural materials is what beautiful birdhouses from white pine and
18“The use of natural materials is what sets
Longwood apart. We use things from
the Gardens and we take inspiration from
the Gardens. The end result is not just
pretty but gives back to wildlife at a time
of year when they could use it the most.”
—Pandora Young, Senior Horticulturist, Longwood Gardens
Right:
Pandora Young restocks the
feeders at the Wildlife Tree
located near the Small Lake,
Christmas 2018.
19Left:
Volunteer Karen Blackburn
(left) and Senior Horticulturist
Kari Getchonis collaborate on
natural material ornaments for
the 2018 Peirce-du Pont House
Christmas display.
Below and center:
Volunteer Lois Lynch cuts
birch bark into strips for a
handcrafted birch bark tree
for the Peirce-du Pont House
Christmas display.
Ornaments created for the
Lookout Loft Treehouse
Christmas display include
(above) a handcrafted
ornament made from
sugar pine scales and Above:
Atlas cedar cones, and Volunteers Anne Baines
(right) wreaths constructed (left) and Kathy Wells
from princess-tree seed working on a birch bark
capsules and dawn wreath for the Lookout Loft
redwood cones. Treehouse holiday display.
20Left:
Volunteer Barbara O’Connell
assembles a Meadow Tree
ornament from larch cones.
Below:
Volunteer Toni Gorkin assembles
a larch cone ornament for the
Meadow Trees.
Above:
A variety of finished
ornaments created for
the Meadow Tree, in a
color palette of gold,
silver, bronze, burgundy,
and white.
Above:
A handcrafted ornament in
progress for the Meadow Tree,
made from a variety of materials
including magnolia, alder, and
pine cones.
2122
“We’re using already beautiful objects
to create new beautiful objects.”
—Calvin Cooper, Land Stewardship Technician, Longwood Gardens
Above: fallen redwood and cypress trees from ornaments made of pine cones, magnolia
A beautiful ornament crafted Longwood property, and then coated pods, milkweed pods, and sweet-gum
from dried common milkweed
pods and a sweet-gum ball
them with linseed oil to protect them balls, sourced from Longwood property,
topper. Meadow Tree, from the elements. “The Gardens in a color palette of gold, silver, bronze,
Hourglass Lake Pavilion, are extraordinary inspiration,” shares burgundy, and white.
Christmas 2018.
Nancy. “I like the idea that the tree is Land Stewardship Technician Calvin
Below: decorated in natural materials that Cooper, overseeing the Meadow Trees for
An artful assemblage of
perhaps are reminiscent of a simpler the first time in 2018, recognizes the use
hickory nut shells (sourced
from the Meadow Garden). time…” Not only did this year’s Wildlife of natural materials as “a way to get people
Tree ornaments and birdhouses give further acquainted with the objects they’d
Opposite:
Calvin Cooper gathers back to the wildlife—they also give back find in the landscape, showing how to be
common milkweed pods to the local community, as a number creative and resourceful with what you can
from a natural land area of the birdhouses will be given to area gather in your own backyard. We’re using
at Longwood as source
material for Meadow Tree schools and natural land organizations already beautiful objects to create new
ornaments. to be future homes for birds. beautiful objects.”
Another Christmas highlight that Just like Young, Cooper calls the role
showcases the beauty of natural materials of volunteers “absolutely crucial” in the
is our Meadow Trees. Their natural creation of the Meadow Trees, citing
aesthetic is a reflection of the Meadow their dedication to gathering the natural
Garden itself. Our first Meadow Tree came materials from such Longwood spaces as
on the scene in 2015 as a 12-foot white fir Oak and Conifer Knoll and transforming
with ornaments crafted from materials those natural materials into gorgeous
found in the Meadow Garden and our ornaments worthy of their stunning
natural lands. Draped throughout the Meadow Garden surroundings. Volunteer
years in such creations as silver grapevine George Gallatig, who has donated his time
garland and water droplet-shaped and expertise to many Meadow Garden
ornaments filled with milkweed down, endeavors, shares that the creation of
our Meadow Trees have always relied the Meadow Trees and his work building
on the beauty of natural materials. This the birdhouses for the Wildlife Tree has
Christmas season, our twin Fraser fir ultimately resulted in “happy memories”
Meadow Trees wowed with artistic for all. With that, we happily agree.
23Horticulture
Gone A survey and
celebration
of seeds from
toSeed
throughout
the Gardens.
Photography by David Ward
24Longwood hybrid aquatic
canna. In the 1970s Longwood
acquired Canna glauca, a
true aquatic canna from
tropical America, for the
purposes of crossing with
common terrestrial hybrids.
The resulting efforts produced
four specimens commonly
known as Longwood hybrid
aquatic cannas that prefer
moist-to-wet conditions.
Most people grow cannas for
their bright vibrant flowers
and bold foliage, but the seed
pods can be simply exquisite
as well. Late in the season
we often leave some of the
seed pods intact to add
interest to the Waterlily
Display. These three-angled
dry capsules eventually split
to expose hard round seeds
with a long viability.
Opposite
The seed head of Tillandsia
leonamiana × stricta. This
air plant from the bromeliad
family is typically on display
in the Cascade Garden.
2526
Opposite, clockwise This page, clockwise from above:
from top left: Hamamelis × intermedia (witch-
Bald-cypress cones; dried hazel) seeds; Cedrus atlantica
seed head of Glycyrrhiza Glauca Group (blue Atlas cedar)
yunnanensis (Chinese cone; Quercus cerris (turkey oak)
licorice); Wisteria floribunda acorn; Fagus grandifolia (American
(Japanese wisteria) seed beech) seed; Quercus alba (white
pods; Catalpa seed pods. oak) acorn.
27Gomphocarpus physocarpus, commonly called swan-plant or sometimes balloon-plant because of the balloon-like fruit it produces, is a relative (in the same family) of the common milkweed. This is especially evident when looking at the silk-like material attached to the seeds, which helps them spread when blown by wind. The plant is native to southeast Africa, but has become naturalized in many parts of the world and is frequently grown as an ornamental, as we do here at Longwood where it is a common ingredient in the trial beds of the Idea Garden. 28
Echium wildpretii,
commonly called tower-of-
jewels, is one of the more
iconic plants in the early
spring Conservatory
seasonal displays, because
of the nearly 7-foot spikes
of salmon-pink flowers.
Native to the Canary
Islands, Longwood received
our first seed from a
botanical garden in Tenerife
in 1984 and has been
growing the plant ever
since. Because the plant
is rather unusual and not
widely produced in the
commercial greenhouse
industry, Longwood staff
hand pollinate several
plants each year to
generate the seed needed
to grow the next year’s
crop of display plants.
Pollination is done using a
large paintbrush and gently
brushing up and down the
flower spike when it is in
peak bloom. Flower spikes
used for seed production
are allowed to mature
naturally and once they
dry down, the seed is
manually separated,
cleaned, and stored until
it is time to sow it for
the next crop of plants.
29This spread and following spread: Specimens gathered from the Hillside Garden. Plants in this area are selected for their year-round interest, and add structure to the display even in midwinter. Left to right: Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower); Thermopsis villosa (Carolina-lupine); Digitalis sp. (foxglove); Baptisia (false indigo). Overleaf: Dried seed capsules of Pycnanthemum muticum (clustered mountain-mint). 30
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Legacy
A Century
of Floral
Sun Parlors
A new series on the
creation of Longwood’s
great Conservatory.
By Colvin Randall
2021 marks the 100th anniversary of
Longwood Gardens’ most iconic feature,
the great Conservatory that one writer
described in 1921 as a collection of
“floral sun parlors.” This crystal palace of
glasshouses, artful gardens, production
ranges, concert spaces, musical instruments,
museum exhibits, floral and design studios,
classrooms, library, archives, offices,
tunnels, and climate facilities is a unique
successor to an exhibition concept that was
glorified from the mid-19th to mid-20th
centuries. Many of those older buildings
have disappeared, but Longwood’s has
survived and grown to its present perfection
thanks to founder Pierre S. du Pont and to
a dedicated staff who continues his vision.
These efforts are applauded by millions of
grateful visitors who return again and again.
The story of Longwood’s Conservatory
is a fascinating tale of travel and discovery,
architecture and design, trial and error,
exploration and research, and gracious
hospitality. As the complex begins its
second century, a look back can only
strengthen the admiration of the many
guests who delight in its varied splendors.
The complete story will be chronicled
here over the next several issues of the
Longwood Chimes, as told by Colvin
Randall, Longwood’s P.S. du Pont Fellow,
who has studied the Gardens’ history for
nearly 50 years.
Tulips and primroses in the
Orangery, spring 2003. Photo
by Larry Albee. Longwood
Gardens Library & Archives.
3435
Part One
The Seed
is Planted
3
In his first 23 years,
Pierre du Pont’s rustic
beginnings were 4
enriched by three
world-class spectacles 5
that ushered in a new
age for mankind.
Pierre Samuel du Pont was born five years
after the close of the Civil War, in 1870,
at Nemours, a DuPont Company house
overlooking the Brandywine Creek a few
miles north of Wilmington, Delaware. He
was the third child and first son of Lammot
and Mary du Pont, whose large family
eventually included 10 surviving children.
Pierre’s early years were influenced by
the traditions of the Brandywine country
where he was exposed to the beauty of the
rolling landscape with its ever-present river
and to the du Pont family traditions of
gardening. He noted that in this rural setting,
his childhood home was four miles from
Wilmington with but one family carriage
and two horses for travel. A country store
and the garden furnished food excepting
what was brought from town.
Country life along the Brandywine was The Centennial site covered
comfortable by comparison to the plight of 285 acres with 255 structures
sheltering 30,000 exhibitors.
factory workers, but it lacked the excitement Pierre du Pont especially
of the big city. So for young Pierre, the 1876 remembered the Main
Centennial held in Philadelphia was thrilling Exhibition Hall (1), Hydraulic
Annex of Machinery Hall (2),
beyond anything he could have imagined.
Horticultural Hall (3), and
He had the good fortune to be taken to Elevated Railway (4), which
the Centennial on two occasions, and true loosely connected Agricultural
to his later interests, it was the architecture, Hall (5) to Horticultural Hall.
Free Library of Philadelphia.
the machinery, the horticultural exhibits,
and the waterworks that he remembered.
Of his impressions he later wrote: “First the
tremendous size and brilliance of the Main
Exposition Building—to my eyes a most
361
2
Pierre du Pont at about 5 years
of age c.1875, at 16 in 1886, and
at 32 in 1902. Hagley Museum
and Library.
37Pierre later noted, beautiful sight with flags flying from staffs
throughout its entire length. Within it was
did not run off the track as I had felt sure
it would.”
“I have seen other and a wilderness of the manufactured products
of the world….
All in all, the Philadelphia Centennial
provided for almost 10 million guests a
probably much better “The ‘Machinery Hall’ captivated me spectacular glimpse of the world at large
though I was disappointed to see that the as well as an indication of things to come.
and finer Expositions, building was not as beautiful as the one Pierre later noted, “I have seen other and
Chicago [1893] the first mentioned. The great Corliss Engine
in the center of the building was awe
probably much better and finer Expositions,
Chicago [1893] the outstanding one, but
outstanding one, but inspiring, its great height and reputed the one of 1876 still remains the finest in
power seemed beyond belief though today my recollections.”
the one of 1876 still it would seem a much over-grown toy.” In 1879, at the age of nine, Pierre
Pierre’s second visit to the Centennial
remains the finest in resulted in two disappointments. The
stayed in Philadelphia while receiving
daily therapy treatments for a muscular
my recollections.” giant conservatory was not all that he
had expected. Horticultural Hall, he
ailment. Much of his free time was spent
exploring the city. He was fascinated by
remembered, “had a collection of tropical the construction of City Hall, then no
plants, then small of course, of which the more than two or three stories high, and
most advertised were the tree ferns. he especially enjoyed sneaking in an
To my eye they were lacking in height— unguarded construction entrance to watch
not nearly as high as the trees at home and workmen set large blocks of stone.
they were almost devoid of leaves, a sad and But he had what he termed a new “thrill”
disappointing sight.” (Nevertheless, tree when he discovered the former Matthias
ferns have always been one of the signature Baldwin mansion at 1118 Chestnut Street. He
plants in Longwood’s Conservatory.) later recalled: “Mr. Baldwin, founder of the
Outdoors, the Centennial grounds Baldwin Locomotive Works, was a self made
were ripe with carpet bedding, especially man who is said to have been a lover of
along Fountain Avenue leading to flowers in his boyhood and who resented
Horticultural Hall, but there were also the fact that many private collections were
Below:
The $1.76 million Main
rugged wooded ravines where no withheld from public view. When he built
Exhibition Building was additional planting was needed. One was the greenhouse adjoining his home on
1,832 × 120 × 70 feet high crossed by a newfangled monorail, which Chestnut Street he placed it with one long
plus four towers and four
arched pavilions, enclosing
was Pierre’s second let-down: “To reach side directly on the street line where it
21.47 acres. Machinery Hall the Horticultural Hall [from Agricultural could be observed at all times. This story
was 1,402 × 360 feet with a Hall], one boarded a railroad train that was told to me by my Uncle as we admired
southern wing of 208 × 210 had one rail only. My disappointment was the flowers. I made an inward resolve that
feet, enclosing 14 acres in
all; it cost nearly $800,000. in the fact that the one rail feature was if ever I built a greenhouse it would be kept
Library of Congress. not clearly seen from the car and the latter open to public view from within as well as
38Below: Right:
Horticultural Hall was 383 × 193 × 69 Australian tree ferns, palms,
feet tall, with a 20-foot-high gallery and tropical trees were
around the inside. Glass forcing houses displayed inside Horticultural
were attached to the sides. A prominent Hall, along with garden
roof lantern crowned the top. It cost ornaments, aquariums,
$300,000. It was demolished in 1955 after flower stands, garden
damage from Hurricane Hazel in 1954. equipment, and mounted
New York Public Library. graphic plans promoting
the emerging profession of
landscape design. Eleven
countries exhibited indoors.
The tree ferns, shipped from
San Francisco, were in the
center, and Pierre was not
the only one to observe
that they were in less-than-
perfect condition. New York
Public Library.
Below right:
The Safety Elevated Railway
was 500 feet long, chugging
along up to 30 feet above a
ravine. It seated 60, and
passengers paid three cents
for a two-minute trip. In
addition to the main center
rail, two lower rails stabilized
the car. Library of Congress.
Below: in 1879, when Pierre saw it, is
The 1116–1118 Chestnut Street not known; the conservatory
house built by Hartman Kuhn at some point became a florist
(1784–1860) was purchased by shop as shown in the photo
Matthias Baldwin (1795–1866), at bottom right. The complex
who added an adjoining four- was demolished and replaced
arch windowed conservatory by Keith’s New Chestnut Street
fronting the street. From about Theatre, opening in 1902.
1862 to 1867, some or all of the That theatre was remodeled
residence was the clubhouse several times before being
for the new Union League of demolished in 1971. Free Library
Philadelphia. The building’s use of Philadelphia.
39from without. Time and destiny have subjects introducing skills that would be wrote Pierre from Boston, “I could not have
enabled me to make good this self-made, of practical use. Pierre was glad that he been more prostrated with surprise than
if not selfish, promise.” was pursuing chemistry and not civil I was by the latest plan for next summer.
In 1881, Lammot du Pont moved his engineering, which his classmates had Of course it has struck me very favorably and
family from the Brandywine vicinity to found difficult. However, evaluating his thrown me into a great state of excitement.
Philadelphia so that he could more easily MIT studies in 1902, he noted that he I am sure that we would have a splendid
commute to his new Repauno Chemical would have profited from the study of time….” Coincidentally, he had dreamt of
works in New Jersey. But in 1884, he was mechanical engineering, construction such a trip just a few nights before.
killed in an explosion there. Fourteen- work, business method, law, bookkeeping, Mrs. du Pont, her ten children, and two
year-old Pierre stepped up and assumed and accounting. He had found use for maids sailed May 25, 1889, from New York
responsibilities that would grow as the every subject studied at the Institute, on the Cunard ship Etruria and landed
years passed, providing invaluable training “excepting military drill. Probably a in Queenstown, Ireland, on June 1. They
for later accomplishments. number have profited by this also.” toured Irish castles and abbeys before
Despite the tragedy, the lifestyle of Pierre spent his summer vacations at arriving in London on June 10. There, they
the family was not altered to any great home in Philadelphia or visiting relatives visited most of the popular attractions,
degree. The du Ponts continued to live down on the Brandywine. A seasonal including the zoo and several of the famous
in Philadelphia where, in 1886, Pierre highlight was always a few weeks spent at London parks, and they made two trips
concluded five years of study at the Cape May, New Jersey. For the summer of to the Crystal Palace to see the fireworks.
William Penn Charter School. That fall, at 1889, however, his mother proposed an The Crystal Palace was one of the marvels
the age of 16, he entered the Massachusetts extended, three-month trip to Europe for of the 19th century. Originally erected in
Institute of Technology. the entire family. The proposal came as Hyde Park in 1851, it reopened in Sydenham,
At MIT, the study of chemistry occupied an unexpected but thrilling opportunity. a London suburb about 8 miles to the south,
much of his time, but he also pursued other “If I had been run over by a steam roller,” in 1854. As rebuilt and enlarged using
40Left:
The 1889 Expo stretched
across the Seine, from
the Palais de Trocadero
(far left) to the Galerie des
Machines (far right). The
horticultural exhibits were
outside the Trocadero: four
compartment gardens with
107 beds each with 100,000
plants from 100 exhibitors;
14 kiosks; two 250-foot
display tents; a Japanese
garden; and exhibits of
conservatories, ornamentals,
vegetables, fruits, forest
seeds and saplings, and
hothouse plants. There were
also gardens around the
Eiffel Tower. Hagley Museum
and Library.
Below:
This 1889 Expo map
was saved by Pierre and
presumably used for his
four visits. The Trocadero
gardens, shown at the
bottom right, were
actually located off the
left edge of the map,
across the Seine. Hagley
Museum and Library.
41Above left and below:
The vast Crystal Palace, c.1860s, at Sydenham
was filled with plants that were greatly reduced
in number after most of the tropical north end
burned in 1866. The rest of the building was
destroyed by fire in 1936. Library of Congress.
Above:
The 1889 Galerie des Machines at the Paris
Expo was 1,452 × 380 × 148 feet high. It was
demolished in 1910. Library of Congress.
prefabricated, standardized building parts 1865 to 1936, and the pyrotechnics were Pierre was especially eager to see the “Ex”
in a highly complex structure, it contained credited with helping maintain the park because, he noted, it would “not come again
a winter garden, caged birds, scientific and financially. There were ground-level set in a hurry.” Fortunately, he was able to make
art displays, and products for sale. The pieces up to 600 feet wide and 90 feet tall four trips to the Fair.
building, 1,608 x 312 x 104 feet high and that created fiery portraits and animated The Champ de Mars was filled with giant
crossed by three transepts up to 384 feet tableaux; and “living fireworks” with men exhibition halls, none more impressive than
long and 168 feet tall, was 50 percent larger in asbestos suits scurrying around ablaze the Galerie des Machines, the largest free-
in volume than its Hyde Park predecessor, but with more than sparklers. Pierre and five span vaulted building yet constructed. Its 20
one-fifth was destroyed by an 1866 fire that of his family visited on June 20 and he acres of usable space were filled with the era’s
eliminated most of the tropical conservatory. and three others returned on July 4, both latest machinery. Smaller but still massive
It was conceived to provide education and Thursday fireworks nights, to see the connecting buildings were devoted to diverse
recreation for all, with fine arts courts pyrotechnics; they also lunched there industries, the liberal arts, and beaux arts.
creating a walk-through encyclopedia of the on the first visit and bought admission Among the great attractions at the
history of civilization. By 1889, it was still an tickets, so they must have toured the inside Exposition were les fontaines lumineuses,
exhibition hall and museum but also more of the Palace. Pierre had to have been the illuminated fountains that used the
of a commercial shopping arcade. amazed by the monumental building. latest lighting technology. These played
Outside, a huge, brassy fountain garden After a week spent touring the three times a night to immense crowds.
of 11,788 jets and streams had been built by countryside and castles of Scotland, the There were endless other things to see
1856, which required so much water and du Ponts arrived in Paris on July 8. besides the Expo. The du Ponts visited
was so expensive to operate that the largest Paris in 1889 was the center of the Versailles and Fontainebleau then
features had been abandoned by the time world. “L’Exposition Universelle,” continued through northern Italy,
of Pierre’s visit. But the fireworks were still symbolized by the Eiffel Tower, was the Switzerland, Germany, then back to Britain
going strong: there were 1,500 displays from greatest ever held. Nineteen-year-old where they departed from Liverpool on
42Left: Above:
The Columbian Arch and The $300,000 Horticulture
Peristyle at the Chicago fair, Building, designed by William
photographed here by Pierre Le Baron Jenney for the 1893
du Pont, had 48 Corinthian Chicago fair, was 998 × 250
columns representing all 48 × 113 feet high, plus eight
states and territories as of attached greenhouses 100
1893. It was destroyed by fire × 24 feet, totaling six acres
in 1894. Much of the fair was under glass (compared to 31.5
built of 30,000 tons of staff, indoor acres for the nearby
a mixture of gypsum or Manufacturers and Liberal
plaster, plus glycerin, dextrin, Arts Building). Inside was a
water, and hemp or jute fibers planted palm mountain atop
on iron or wood frames, then a 10-cents-to-enter crystal
spray painted to look like cave, studded with South
marble, useful for temporary Dakota rocks, plus forests of
exhibition buildings. It was plants, fruits, and vegetables
a major architectural material from around the world,
used to create neo-classical including 16,000 orchids, a
detailing in fairs Pierre visited 35-foot-tall navel orange tower,
from 1889 to 1904. Hagley and displays of European
Museum and Library. wines. Library of Congress.
43August 31. It was the grandest of trips, which
cost $5,917.39 (more than $150,000 today)
exclusive of passage across the Atlantic.
Following graduation in 1890 from MIT,
Pierre secured employment with the DuPont
Company. His mother took this opportunity
to move her family back to the Brandywine
and built a house there, called “Saint
Amour.” Pierre was overseer on this project,
both for building the house and for laying
out the garden.
In 1893, 23-year-old Pierre visited
Chicago and its spectacular World’s
Columbian Exposition that commemorated,
albeit a year late, the 400th anniversary
of the “discovery” of America. He was
overwhelmed by the grandiose effects. He
wrote to a cousin: “I am enjoying the Fair
immensely, there is so much of beauty and
interest that one can hardly decide to what
to devote the time. The large buildings are
magnificent beyond description, it is a
lasting enjoyment to look at them alone.
I only regret that they must so soon go and
that, comparatively, so very few have been
able to see them. I do not wonder that the
Chicago people are proud of their city and
the Fair.”
He was especially impressed by the huge
central space around which the main
buildings were grouped and by the electric
fountains at one end. After dark, 5,100 arc
lamps and 90,000 electric lights everywhere
created, for 1893, a spectacle without
precedent. As he noted in 1938, “This great
court with its impressive, glistening white
buildings of Grecian order and its
magnificent water courses and fountains
has not been equaled in any exposition held
since that date.”
Architectural historians have noted that
the neo-classical style of the Fair delayed
acceptance of more forward-looking modern
architecture, as evidenced by numerous
post-Fair classical buildings in Washington
DC and other cities. But Pierre loved
Chicago’s glorious architectural look back,
and he would embrace simplified versions
for his future building projects at Longwood
in the upcoming century.
The conclusion of Part One: The Seed is
Planted will appear in the next issue of the
Longwood Chimes.
44Above: The Court of Honor with The Horticulture Building
The Chicago site had its two Electric Fountains is above the center 16-acre
61 acres of lagoons and is left of the immense Wooded Island. At the
waterways. There were central 1,687 × 787-foot center top is the world’s
14 great buildings and Manufacturers and Liberal first Ferris wheel. Library
200 smaller structures. Arts Building. of Congress.
45Horticulture
Array
A spark of creativity
and a plethora of
details bring Luminary
of Light
46
Nights to life.
By Patricia EvansView from top of the Chimes
Tower of the June 2018
luminary installation. More
than 2,000 luminaries were
placed on the Chimes Tower
Lawn, aligned on a 45-degree
axis to the orientation of the
Main Fountain Garden. Photo
by Hank Davis.
47Left:
Guests walking amongst
the concentric rings of the
August 2017 luminary
installation adjacent to the
Theatre Garden. This design
was inspired by the ripple
pattern raindrops make when
falling into water. Photo by
Carol DeGuiseppi.
Opposite:
Working image board in
designer Erin Feeney’s office,
featuring inspirational
imagery along with
conceptual sketches for
projects and installations.
Photo by Daniel Traub.
A moment of inspiration is often visually
represented by a glowing lightbulb above
lighting device that boasts a constant
flame when ignited and a long handle so
“I had spaces in mind
one’s head. For Erin Feeney, our Associate one does not have to bend over to light where we could use
Director of Landscape Architecture and each luminary. They also shared their
Programs, her most recent inspiration experience with luminary logistics—and strong lines and
involved more than 3,000 points of light.
Feeney led the team that brought to
there are many—such as how long it takes
to light the luminaries (about two hours
geometric shapes
life one of our newest displays, Luminary
Nights, which first debuted in summer 2017.
with eight people), how many people are
required for set up and take down (20–25),
to contrast the
While luminaries have been used and much more. organic gardens…”
throughout history around the world for The team also conducted a number of
—Erin Feeney, Associate Director of
decorative and symbolic purposes, we had small, onsite trials that proved enlightening, Landscape Architecture and Programs,
never used them en masse in our gardens. so to speak. They looked at a number of Longwood Gardens
After staff saw a luminary display during light sources, from battery-operated LED
a visit to the French garden Vaux le Vicomte lights to wax candles, before deciding that a
in 2016, Feeney was asked to think about how real flame provided the purest light, settling
to bring such an experience to Longwood. on an 8-hour tealight candle. They also
“The direction was to think big,” explored a number of different containers
Feeney explains. So she did, compiling an and bags for the candles to sit in before
interdisciplinary team to begin researching selecting a cream-colored reusable plastic
everything from possible garden locations, container that showcased the glowing light
to what kind of light source to use, to how most effectively. “In the end, it always comes
far apart to space the luminaries. back to the aesthetic,” Feeney explains.
The team began by speaking with other One of the trickiest things to figure out
gardens who did luminary displays including was how to weigh the containers down
Vaux le Vicomte and Desert Botanical so they would not be easily dislodged by a
Garden. Desert Botanical, based in Phoenix, light wind, or the accidental jostle of a guest
has presented a luminary display during passing by. Sand is traditionally used, Feeney
the holiday season for many years. They explains, but there was concern about filling
shared tricks of the trade and lessons the bags and the sand spilling out if a bag
learned, including how to construct a clever was overturned. Our masons suggested
4849
Above:
A pre-nightfall view of
guests exploring the June
2018 luminary installation
on the Chimes Tower Lawn.
Photo by Hank Davis.
Left:
Erin Feeney reviews CAD
plans as she directs
volunteers and students
with the luminary installation
on the Cow Lot, August 2017.
Photo by Morgan Horell.
Right:
View inside of a luminary
reusable plastic container
shows 8-hour tealight
set in polymeric sand.
Photo by Morgan Horell.
50polymeric sand, which sets solid when water that patterns found in garden elements, The spacing of the luminaries also revealed
is added. Horticulturist and luminary team including gates, benches, and architecture, some considerations. The 10-foot spacing
member Darren Rutledge worked out the also played a role. The Theatre Garden and between luminaries on the on the Cow Lot
details and the problem was solved. The bags Flower Garden Walk site offered both a allowed guests to move among them with
were filled once with the polymeric sand, traditional approach to luminaries, with ease, but the 2-foot spacing in the Theatre
water added, and are now stored, solid sand many elegantly lining the 600-foot-long Garden resulted in more than a few
in place, ready to be used again and again. Flower Garden Walk, and a more elaborate luminaries being displaced out of position.
Perhaps the biggest decision facing the design in the grassy area below the Theatre We treat our Luminary Nights as “pop-
team was where to place the luminaries in Garden, which was inspired by the ripple up” events, meaning we do not share the
the gardens. “Many factors went into that pattern raindrops make when falling into display dates until we know the weather will
decision,” Feeney explains. The space has water, featuring overlapping groups of cooperate for us to successfully put on the
to accommodate crowds, it has to be concentric circles. display. And the weather requirements are
accessible, and there has to be lighting A combination of 25 staff, students, stringent. Rain, obviously, is a non-starter,
beyond the luminaries for safety, among and volunteers assisted with mapping the and even a gentle breeze can wreak havoc
other considerations. Feeney also realized design to the turf, setting up the 3,000 with luminaries. “Our threshold for wind,”
that topography played an important role, bags, and inserting and lighting the tealight Feeney ponders …“basically there isn’t one,”
knowing that the luminaries would best be luminaries. Each evening the luminaries she says with a laugh.
appreciated if they were able to be both would burn themselves out (the reason Since that first display in August 2017,
immersive for guests and also viewed from to select an 8-hour tealight) and a new we have staged luminaries in our Italian
above. “We also wanted to punctuate areas tealight would be swapped in the next day. Water Garden, Large Lake area, Chimes
of the gardens that guests might not interact In all, about 300 hours were required to Tower, and surrounding lawn. Each display
with often, or add another element to a set up, light, and maintain the display over has boasted an original design by Feeney
well-known experience,” Feeney explains. the three evenings. encompassing around 3,000 luminaries.
For the inaugural luminary event, the More than 30,000 guests attended the Does she have a favorite? “I hope my favorite
team selected the large lawn as you enter inaugural luminary weekend that spanned is yet to come,” she says, “but the Cow Lot
the Gardens, known as the Cow Lot, and a picturesque Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is currently my favorite … I loved the
the Theatre Garden area and nearby Flower evening in August 2017. Many lessons were experience of journeying to the center
Garden Walk. For the Cow Lot, Feeney learned from that first experience. and even if you didn’t make the journey,
devised a design that featured nearly 700 “We saw that guests were equally you could enjoy it from the berm.”
luminaries in a sunburst pattern that entices enchanted by the opportunity to walk Feeney has more grand designs up her
guests to journey to the center of the open among the luminaries as they were to sleeve for future displays including some
lawn from where they could experience 48 simply stroll along a luminary-lined path,” extravagant, non-linear patterns drawn from
rays aligned perfectly in all directions. “I had Feeney says. “At first, guests were not botanical inspiration that will certainly
spaces in mind where we could use strong sure they could walk on the Cow Lot, but prove challenging to implement. But one
lines and geometric shapes to contrast the once a few ventured in, more guests can’t help but assume that Feeney and the
organic gardens, “ Feeney explains, noting followed and made their way to the center.” luminary team won’t be in the dark for long.
Right:
View of luminary installation
at the Italian Water Garden
shows the “fine edge”
treatment used to delineate
the pools and fountains. Photo
by Eileen Tercha.
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