Longwood Gardens Meetup December 10th

last year

Thank you all for participating in the poll. And thank you Mtn for setting it up.

Based on the results, our meetup will be on December 10th at 12:30 (or slightly later if need be). We'll start with the fabulous Conservatory and then have lunch a little later after the lunch crowd has died down a bit. Lights (over 500,000 of them) come on at noon, but by 3 or so we should start to see them twinkle. Those who want to stay into night are welcome to do so as your ticket will be for the whole day. The only restriction is that Longwood has a no re-entry policy. Once you leave, you can't return.

Logistics: Longwood Gardens is in Kennett Square, PA. Nearest airports are Philadelphia (25 miles), Wilmington (20 miles), Baltimore (85 miles). I believe Amtrak also serves these areas. There is no public transportation that goes directly to Longwood. Uber is a good option. I . don't know about taxis.

There are pages and pages of hotels in the general area. AirBnB's are also available for that date.

Please use this thread to confirm your participation.

I have had a sneak preview of this year's theme and decorations and I can promise that the gardens will be outrageously beautiful. I can't wait to see everyone!

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Comments (45)

Funkyart
last year
Thank you, Jojoco! I didn't vote for this date but I will try to swing it. It sounds like a lovely day!

I'll add to the note about Amtrak -- Wilmington is the closest and easiest Amtrak station for an uber ride even if you are traveling from the northeast... but if anyone would be traveling from western or central PA, the Amtrak Exton station would be best.
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
last modified: last year
So nice of you Jojo. I probably can't make it so hope you will do a reprise when the bulbs bloom in spring!
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I finally made it out to Cicconi's and it was only a half hour drive from my father's in Colts Neck. I spent 3 hours wandering greenhouses and kept forgetting where I'd left my cart. I had 3 things I needed from their availability list but ended up with more than 3 plants! In one of the back houses was where I found the Hakone Beni Kaze grass whose internet photo grabbed me but the mail order prices for a 3-5 inch pot didn't. It's still a visible plug inside the quart but I'm leaving it in the container sunk in the garden to grow on and baby for the next year. I'm hoping I have it good light condition to achieve the burgundy, red & pink coloration in Fall but with enough shade so it doesn't shrivel up. Cicconi's prices for gallon perennials were almost on par with some other places but they had a great selection and people were extremely patient and helpful. The prices for good size plants compared to mail order, tops-lopped-off little starters were great and you get to actually see a plant in its natural state when you buy and growing the first year. Got more Asclepias Incarnata (they were out of Tuberosa-the Monarchs will have to deal with it), NY Ironweed, Heuchera Amethyst Mist, Pink Jewel Fleabane (after I saw a Spring Azure testing the nectar right in front of me), a huge Sedum Vera Jameson (funky succulent, not like its photos but a facinating stunner) and some Sweet Basil since my little seedlings won't be "Pesto sufficient" for a LONG time. The 2 Lamium Purple Dragon I got from Gasko's are fading quickly without growth or flowers while another $3. Lamium 3 times their size I got at a roadside plant seller on northbound side of Rt. 35 (south of the light at Costco in Hazlet) is flourishing and blooming its head off. I always saw this roadside place too late in zipping traffic to stop in but was keeping an eye out for it last trip up that way to Lowe's & Dearborn. I also got a Eupatorium Rugosum Chocolate (terrific burgundy tinged foliage & can't wait for fall white blooms), Buddleia Red Knight (in huge shrub pot since nowhere really to put 5'x5' plant in full sun), Salvia May Night, unknown electric blue/purple Salvia, Curly Parsley for Swallowtails and a few six packs of annuals for mostly shaded garden. Total only $36. for all that and they're doing very well. I didn't have to make a stop at Dearborn for anything and they wouldn't have any plants I got at roadside plant seller anyway except for Salvia May Night most likely. Early Saturday morning before food shopping I stopped in at Colonial Nursery on West Front Street just east of Middletown-Lincroft Rd. in Middletown. I never knew they existed until finding them listed as retail vendor for some national supplier. They had 2 year old Dwarf Goatsbeard for $9.95 that was 3 times the size of mail order gallon I got last fall and more than a foot tall/wide Astilbe Fanal that was a nicer shade of burgundy/raspberry than I perceived from online photos. It's not a huge place buy neat and clean with a good selection of plants not everyone carries in such pristine shape. The Fanal looked washed out and rangy at Cicconi's and price was the same. Next year I'll have to make it out to Cicconi's earlier in the season to look around when things haven't gone through a withering heat wave. I probably don't "need" much more to fill in what I can at my father's but there's always a chance I'll see some perennial between now and next year for which I could find a place to plant. Used quite a few annuals to fill in where I was too confused or rushed to decide on perennials to fill out a few new beds. Particularly short on spring bloomers. Maybe next year after a full year in the ground I'll have more time to enjoy all these beauties when I don't have to baby them until they get established. I was never so happy to hear thunder and lightening as last night thinking "Yippee...I don't have to worry about watering at 5 AM" expecially before getting started on cooking/straightening house for Father's Day celebration. All in all, I've maxed out on plants for my first year's attempt at gardening. I dread having to transplant the last few containers of annual seedlings I started myself. What was I thinking listening to people who said "It's a snap!" compared to being stretched out on the ground trying to tease apart tiny roots and then getting them placed just right in ground soil...to say nothing of watering with droplets so they don't dissolve into the ground? What a riot but good learning experience. Boy, do I feel lucky to live in Jersey!
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Beagles you are so sweet to offer your place for a get together. At the moment all of those dates work for me. We will have a house warming and a christening to attend out of state - but my brother's new home is still under construction and the baby isn't due until June. I'd love to get to met my fellow SE PA GWers.
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DH and I were talking last night after dinner, and I may just need to see what the weather outlook is for that day before I finalize travel. An east coast storm would be a nightmare, but if the weather is clear, that would be awesome. As you know, December in the Northeast/MidAtlantic can be a bit tricky. Not likely to be a problem here, but who knows.
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Funkyart
last year
(I am very much in for a spring trip if one comes to be!)
3katz4me
last year
I would plan on flying into PHL on Friday, returning on Monday and renting a car to spend another day checking out surrounding areas. Been in Philly in the past so it would be more out around Kenner Square. For those of you who live out there do you see any flaws in my plan - other than major snowstorms and such?
Annie Deighnaugh
last year
Oh dear, that's the one date I can't make. I'm sure you'll all have a wonderful time. Take pics so we can see the lovely decorations! And count me in for a spring trip for sure if y'all decide to have one!

I can recommend https://www.innatwhitewingfarm.com/ as it is only a few minutes from Longwood, rooms are nice and they serve a decent breakfast.
Funkyart
last year
3Katz, I really enjoy that area and used to live within 10 min (in No Wilmington) many years ago. I think it is a great plan... and while you can never predict major snow storms, it's rare to have them that early in the winter season. You may see snow-- but I would think it is unlikely that you'd run into anything major enough to throw off your travel plans.

I am sure you have some ideas on what you'd like to do already but Annie's link covers the area very well.. plus downtown West Chester and Kennett Square both have interesting shopping and restaurants. You can also check out what is playing at the Grand Opera Theatre in Wilmington.
Bookwoman
last year
Alas, we have an out-of-town wedding that weekend. :-(
Kitchenwitch111
last year
I'll be there! I'll be driving from central NJ and will return home at the end of the day. Looking forward to seeing LG and my forum friends!
3katz4me
last year
Okay - just want to confirm this is happening for sure as I’ve booked a flight for which I have 24 hours to cancel.
jojoco
Original Author
last year
Don't cancel! I, for one, am thrilled you are coming. You're also in the running for the "Travelled the furthest" prize. (Note to self--stalk 3katz posts for likes and dislikes.)
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
Jealous!
dedtired
last year
Holding off just a bit before giving my official response. I’d say I am 90 percent in. It depends on how my f-ing back doing. I can dose myself with ibuprofen if things arent so good. Most likely, I am a yes. its only a 45 minute drive!
3katz4me
last year
Oh ded - hope you can make it - I would love to meet you!
jojoco
Original Author
last year
Ded, I hope you can make it. We can all get scooters and race around the gardens. (Seriously though, people of all ages use the scooters. It is so much better than walking around in pain.)
dedtired
last year
Okey doke, i cant resist. Count me in. Looking forward to seeing Kitchenwitch (yay) again, too, but will seriously miss Annie and Mtn. And meeting my fellow library lover, Bookwoman. How about Salonva? Maire Cate?

3katz, cant wait! It will be chilly but snow is unlikely. Maybe visit Brandywine Museum if you are a Wyeth fan, or even if you’re not. Lots of holiday stuff going on.

i’d die before I’d give in to a scooter. I should be okay.
3katz4me
last year
last modified: last year
Ded - remember I have a prosthetic leg so we can hobble around together as needed. 😂 👍😊
lisaam
last year
I thought I’d be able to meet you but my new office scheduled the holiday party for the 10th and i need to become more familiar with my work peeps. Enjoy!
Kitchenwitch111
last year
Hey Ded! Looking forward to meeting up with you again!
salonva
last year
I am looking forward to it for sure!

(And yes, Brandywine Musteum is a wonderful suggestion. ).

I go to Longwood to walk, but please know that scooters are very much used and not a problem at all. No need to stress yourself.

I look forward to meeting again and meeting new! Sorry to miss some of you- hopefully springtime meet up will happen.

Thank you Jojo for organizing.
hhireno
last year
last modified: last year
I’m in.

I’m looking forward to meeting some of my imaginary friends.

(edit to correct one of those crazy typos that only happen on this site. Please overlook the twenty that will show up in this edit because I’m not coming back to fix them.)
salonva
last year
Those who were able to make previous get togethers, can attest to the reversal of aging for attendees. Just thought I'd add that if you are considering it and may be able to come.
hhireno
last year
Longwood cat featured on Bored Panda
dedtired
last year
Wow this is shaping up to be a fun gtg for old and new friends.

3katz, maybe between the two of us we can come up with twogood legs. Just be prepared for my occasional screech when i get a shot of sciatic pain down a leg.
maire_cate
last year
last modified: last year
Thank you Jojo for invitation. I'm planning on joining the group too. We're going away for 2 weeks after Thanksgiving but should be back by then. I think we all had a really nice get together last time. I left before it was really dark enough to appreciate the evening lights so I'm contemplating staying over. I think we met on a Friday and the rush hour traffic on my way home was awful. However this is a Saturday so maybe it won't be as bad.

Ded- I didn't realize that it takes you that long to get there. I'm in Burlington County, NJ and no matter which route I drive it takes me well over an hour. Even when I leave from DD's condo in Center City it takes an hour. I guess there's just no quick way to get there unless you happen to live next door.

Maire
dedtired
last year
Oh Maire Cate I am happy to be seeing you again. I like to take the more scenic route and avoid highways. Do you come over the Delaware Memorial bridge orthe Commodore Barry? Im so glad this is happening
Annie Deighnaugh
last year

I'm going to miss seeing everyone!

Do take a picture of your feet for me!!
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
May voters, unite!
maire_cate
last year
last modified: last year
Ded - That's what makes my trip so much fun. I have such a choice of bridges - the Comm. Barry, the Walt Whitman, even the Ben Franklin when I stop in Philly to pick up my daughter. The last time she drove and I wasn't paying attention until I saw the "Welcome to Delaware" signs. She was following her Waze navigation and it routed her through northern Delaware to 95 to Philly. We could have stopped at Winterthur. The only easy drive is if you live west of LG.

But it's certainly worth the drive to see everyone again and I'm looking forward to meeting more GW-ers.

And a May excursion would be another lovely excursion.

Maire
dedtired
last year
Lol, Annie. I thought of that picture and hope we will do it again.
Sueb20
last year
How’d you get that pic of me, Annie?

I’ll be in Anguilla on Dec 10. 👙

Hope I can join if a May date is scheduled! (Please, not May 13 weekend.)
Annie Deighnaugh
last year
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
My foot looks so much younger there…
maire_cate
last year
Mine looks thinner......
dedtired
last year
I forgot i owned those shoes.
dedtired
last year
We will have to keep our eye out for Persimmon the cat.

Fat cat
jojoco
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
The tentative count so far:

Jojoco

Funky- maybe at best

3Katz

Kitchenwitch

Dedtired

Salonva

Hhireno

Maire_cate

AraphoRd - maybe

Anyone else? Beagles? The more the merrier!
jmck_nc
last year
Waaahhhh. That would have been the perfect weekend until my Pilates teacher just scheduled a training class for that same weekend. May is looking good though!
Funkyart
last year
last modified: last year
I wish I could be more firm but I am very tentative to unlikely for December. I have a lot going on and a lot that is up in the air in December. It is going to be an amazing time!

I am definitely in for Spring.
3katz4me
last year
C’mon Beagles - I would love to meet you!
Arapaho-Rd
last year
I'd love to come if I can free up that weekend so a definite maybe right now.

Did we play "guess the feet" back when it happened - my memory is failing me.
3katz4me
last year
Would be great to see you again Arapaho-Rd. 😊
mtnrdredux_gw
last year
The first-choice votes were actually tied for a December 10th GTG and a May 6th GTG, and Jojo has been incredibly gracious about offering to do both.

Christmas the year we went was gorgeous, I am so sorry I will miss it and y'all. May 6 is definitely on my calendar; tulips are a fave.
jojoco
Original Author
last year
Funky, I know you are a maybe at best--I'm just an optimist!
Annie Deighnaugh
last year
Put me down for a spring visit for sure!
Arapaho-Rd
last year
Thank you, 3katz! I would love to see you again too.

Longwood Gardens Meetup December 10th

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