Longwood Gardens debuts “Nature’s Castles” grand treehouse exhibit
April 25, 2008
Contact: Patricia Evans
610-388-1000, ext. 442
pevans@longwoodgardens.org
PRESS RELEASE AND PHOTOS AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY UPON REQUEST
Brief: Longwood Gardens debuts “Nature’s Castles” grand treehouse exhibit April 25, 2008.
KENNETT SQUARE . . . There is something in the air at Longwood Gardens this spring as the horticultural showplace debuts Nature’s Castles, a spectacular display of grand treehouses especially designed for Longwood. Guests are invited to climb trees in style as they explore three large-scale treehouses designed by the country’s best treehouse designers. The display opens April 25, as part of Longwood’s Arbor Day Weekend activities and continues through Labor Day.
Trees are an important part of Longwood’s history and mission. Longwood’s founder, Pierre S. du Pont, purchased the Gardens’ original 202 acres to save an historic arboretum destined for the lumber mill. Today, many of those same trees still exist at Longwood in historic Peirce’s Park and Longwood is dedicated to preserving and sharing the importance of trees with its visitors.
“Nature’s Castles is designed to celebrate trees and engage our guests in an exciting and unique way about the beauty and importance of trees,” said Longwood Gardens Director Paul Redman. “Young and old will be amazed by the size, artistry and intricate detail of each of these amazing structures that will rekindle childhood memories for adults and reconnect children with nature. You will never think of treehouses in the same way after seeing these creations,” he said.
Nature’s Castles will feature spectacular treehouses in three picturesque locations throughout the Gardens:
The first creation, Lookout Loft, located in Longwood’s shady Forest Walk, is a rustic-like Adirondack-style structure with two separate viewing platforms, one covered by a roof, the other by a trellis, and connected by a walkway. Designed by Forever Young Treehouses of Burlington, VT, the expansive treehouse is a total of 720 sq. ft. Many of the intricate details guests will discover within the treehouse are inspired by Longwood’s conservatory, including an ornate handrail modeled after the Gothic Folly in Longwood’s recently opened Indoor Children’s Garden.
Forever Young Treehouses is known for creating and promoting the construction of treehouses accessible to those with disabilities and special needs. The company is in the midst of a campaign to create an ADA accessible treehouse in every state by the end of 2008. A large ramp leading up into the treehouse at Longwood allows for universal access for all.
The Italian Water Garden is the location of Canopy Cathedral, an ornate two-story house inspired by a Norwegian Stave Church. Designed by Peter Nelson of TreeHouse Workshop, Inc. in Seattle, WA, the 400 sq. ft. creation will boast an intricate glass façade and hand-carved fantastical creatures throughout. A large deck allows guests to enjoy a picturesque perch overlooking Longwood’s magnificent Italian Water Garden.
Nelson, author of the leading books on treehouses, Treehouses of the World, and Treehouses, is also the designer of Longwood’s third “Castle,” located near the historic Peirce-du Pont House. Rising nearly 20 feet above the ground, The Birdhouse is a 320 sq. ft. design constructed of cedar that will offer bird-eye views of the natural beauty of historic Peirce’s Woods.
Although the treehouses are surrounded by trees, preserving all aspects of the trees’ health and the surrounding landscape was of paramount importance to Longwood. Therefore, the houses themselves do not rely on the trees for structural support.
More Treehouses at Tyler Arboretum, May 31-September 28
Treehouse enthusiasts will also want to visit Tyler Arboretum’s Totally Terrific Treehouses. The exhibit, running from May 31- September 28, features tree houses created by local artisans amidst Tyler Arboretum’s ancient woodlands. From the whimsical to the educational, each exhibit is designed to appeal to the child in all of us and inspire wonder and appreciation for trees.
“Treehouses evoke cherished memories for many people,” said Tyler Arboretum Executive Director Richard Colbert. “Totally Terrific Treehouses invites visitors to relive those memories. This region is fortunate to have these two exciting treehouse exhibits to enjoy,” said Colbert.
Tyler Arboretum is located in Media, PA. For more information on Tyler Arboretum and Totally Terrific Treehouses, visit www.tylerarboretum.org.
About Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is located on US Route 1 near Kennett Square, PA, 30 miles west of Philadelphia in the historic Brandywine Valley. The Terrace Restaurant and Gardens Shop are also open daily. Admission is $16 for adults; $14 for seniors (age 62+); $6 for students (ages 5-22) and free ages 4 and under. Group rates are available. For tickets and information on Longwood Gardens call 610-388-1000 or visit Longwood online at www.longwoodgardens.org.
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