Magic Shrub Activities Kit
The Magic Shrub is a charming fictional story about the early years of Longwood Gardens. In the book, ten-year-old Sam knows a lot about plants, and a little about bullies. When he learns in the fall of 1906 that the property next to his home has been sold and the woods where he has played all his life are in jeopardy, he sets out to learn more. Sam teaches his new neighbor Pierre about the land and the trees. In return, Pierre shares his vision for a garden and along the way helps Sam win over some new friends. The two share a respect for history, the magic found in nature, the vision of a garden, and a friendship that is timeless.
Stop by the Gardens Shop to pick up a copy of this charming tale!
And, you can now download our new Activities Kit that will help you prepare for an enriching visit to the Gardens.
Click on the links below to download (in pdf format) the accompanying activities kit, teacher's guide and self-guided tour that will entertain your kids in the classroom or at the kitchen table, and during their visit to Longwood.
In order to view the files, you will need to download Adobe Reader (if you do not already have it installed on your computer). Get Adobe Reader.
Teachers Guide
Word Definitions
Know/Want to Learn/Learn Activity
Leaf Matching Activity
Word Search
Word Search Key
Self-Guided Tour
Design Your Own Map Activity
Fireworks & Fountains
Last Show of the Season: September 5!
Get ready for an evening of oohs and ahhs, as Longwood presents spectacular Fireworks & Fountains shows guaranteed to make your summer memorable.
Find out more »
Fragrant Fridays
September 10: Honey Harvest
See, touch, taste, learn and of course smell everything about one popular fragrance each month during Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance.
Find out more »
Nature's Castles
The sky's the limit for these spectacular treehouses created by the country's best designers! Let your inner child come out to play in three fantastic creations.
Find out more »
Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance
through November 21, 2010
Longwood Gardens takes you inside the unmapped universe of scent with Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance, an interactive exhibition that explores the art, science and mystery of fragrance.
Find out more »
