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

Garden Railway

September 7–November 22

See the Brandywine Valley in miniature form in the Idea Garden! Visitors of all ages will enjoy watching the train travel past Longwood landmarks made from natural elements.

NEW Kids' Garden Adventure

Mondays and Thursdays at 10:00 am

Join us for a one hour program that introduces children to the wonders of a garden through story, crafts and garden exploration. For children ages 3-5.


Find out more »

The Buds and the Bees

Pollination and the Secret Lives of Plants (through November 22)

Join us for our year-long changing exhibit, which delves into the sights, sounds and science of pollination.


Find out more »

Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy

Saturday, November 28; 3:00–5:00 pm

Pennsylvania Ballet's Sugarplum Fairy greets young guests. Be sure to bring your camera to snap a picture with this favorite friend from George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.

Ice Skating Spectacular

November 26–January 10

Enjoy ice skating performances featuring an array of up-and-coming talents, professional skaters and Olympians in a fairy-tale setting.


Find out more and buy tickets online »