The Orchid Extravaganza is open at Longwood Gardens

Outside it may be gloomy and gray, but it’s all color, fragrance and elegant displays at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Some 5,000 exotically beautiful and fragile orchids are arranged in huge baskets, on garden arches, beside a waterfall, and in a “meadow,” all inside a four-acre conservatory.

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Many of the orchids are familiar to gardeners, but there are examples of rare and hard-to-grow varieties. Staff select and arrange blooms from Longwood’s five growing houses every day, so the vibrant colors and sweet scent never fades.

The Extravaganza runs through March 29. Admission is with timed tickets, which also grant access to the rest of Longwood’s conservatories and grounds. While tickets can be purchased at the door, they may sell out on any given day, so order online at tickets.longwoodgardens.org to guarantee admission.

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