site site.xsl LongwoodGardens

section nav_section.xsl section_Plan_Your_Visit

Plan Your Visit

page pg_standard.xsl Orchid_Extravaganza2

Orchid Extravaganza - January 20 through March 25, 2012

Escape the cold of winter during Orchid Extravaganza. Explore a magical world of orchids where thousands of colorful blooms drape from walls, flow from baskets, and form captivating archways in artful displays.

Wander through our grand four-acre Conservatory where every day is a spring day.

New to Orchid Extravaganza: Taking inspiration from our Conservatory's arching windows, this year's Orchid Extravaganza features a new 13-foot living arch. Stand beneath this artful curved structure of 350 white Phalaenopsis and you'll feel your eyes drawn toward the violet orchid orbs suspended above the Exhibition Hall. Another new element of our orchid display, each of our six vibrant orbs features 120 orchids.

On March 23–25, 2012 enter a world of dazzling orchids showcased by the best collectors and growers from Hawaii to South America during the annual International Orchid Show & Sale ! Stunning exhibits fill the Conservatory and a wide array of orchids are for sale. Enjoy the American Orchid Society-judged show, guided tours, informative talks and a sales pavilion like no other.

Horticultural highlights this season:


General Indoor Highlights  
  • Acacia
  • Amaryllis
  • Begonias
  • Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis)
  • Bugloss (Echium)
  • Buttercup (Ranunculus)
  • Butterfly-bush (Buddleja)
  • Christmas-pride (Ruellia macrantha)
  • Cliva
  • Longwood Hybrid Cinerarias (Pericallis)
  • Coleus
  • Delphiniums
  • Eupatorium
  • Forget-me-nots (Myosotis sylvatica)
  • Freesia
  • Geraniums (Pelargonium)
  • Gladiolus
  • Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
  • Cape Cowslip (Lachenalia)
  • Lilies
  • Marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens)
  • Narcissus
  • Orchids
  • Pansies (Viola)
  • Primroses (Primula)
  • Queen's tears (Billbergia nutans)
  • Roses
  • Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
  • Stocks (Matthiola)
  • Broom (Cytisus x spachianus)
  • Tulips
  • Velvet Groundsel (Roldana petasitis)
  • Winter Red-hot-poker (Veltheimia bracteata)

General Outdoor Highlights  

  • Conifers
  • Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa)
  • Hollies (Ilex)
  • Siberian Squills (Scilla siberica)
  • Tomasini's Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus)
  • Topiaries
  • Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)
  • Witch-hazels (Hamamelis)

Please note that actual bloom times may vary depending on weather. The list of flowering highlights is subject to change.

Displays & Upcoming Events

element callout2.xsl Wine___Jazz

Wine & Jazz

Saturday, June 2

Featuring Grammy Award winner Dianne Reeves! Savor fine wines and sample fresh, local fare as you enjoy the sights and sounds of live jazz in our Gardens

Find out more

element callout2.xsl Bruce_Munro

Light: Installations by Bruce Munro

Opening June 9

Experience Longwood Gardens in a whole new light through the evocative and imaginative art of Bruce Munro, British lighting artist.

Find out more

element callout2.xsl Fireworks___Fountains

Fireworks & Fountains

May 26, July 3 & 21, August 11, September 1 & 29

Glittering fireworks and colorful fountains light up the night sky and dance to exciting music on select evenings in the midst of our Gardens' lush, natural beauty.

Find out more

element callout2.xsl Fountain_Shows

Fountain Shows

Enjoy fountain shows through in the Main Fountain Garden.

See the schedule