By Lily Chen, Co-News Editor
On Nov. 22, Longwood Gardens unveiled “Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience,” a remodeling of 17 acres of the site’s conservatories and grounds. It announced the project in 2021, and the gardens remained open throughout the process of constructing new buildings and expanding the indoor and outdoor gardens. Longwood Reimagined opened to the public with the start of the annual “A Longwood Christmas,” featuring illuminated outdoor gardens, fountain shows and other holiday-themed displays.
“The unveiling of Longwood Reimagined marks not only a milestone for Longwood Gardens but also a bold leap into the future of defining what it means to be a great garden of the world whose foundation is based upon horticultural excellence,” Longwood Gardens CEO and president Paul Redman said in an Oct. 23 press release. “This project honors our legacy by embracing innovations and sustainability practices that define 21st century garden artistry.”
The largest piece of the project is the West Conservatory, a new 32,000-square-foot greenhouse that incorporates sustainable technologies and draws inspiration from the Mediterranean for the interior gardens. Longwood Reimagined also saw the relocation and reconstruction of the Cascade Gardens, establishment of a new outdoor Bonsai Courtyard and restoration of aspects of the Waterlily Court, which will open in the spring.
Leading up to the project’s public launch, The Kennett Collection, the largest private collection of bonsai and bonsai-related objects outside Asia, gave 50 bonsai to Longwood Gardens for viewing. Longwood Gardens also relocated its restaurant and unveiled new private event spaces and The Grove, a learning and discovery center.
Junior Elaine Liu visits the gardens every year with her family for “A Longwood Christmas.”
“I thought (the West Conservatory) was really nice. It had a lot of good lighting, and I thought it was decorated well. The trees were pretty,” Liu said. “I wish I went a bit later so I could see all the lights better, but I would say (the gardens) are definitely improved.”
Lily Chen can be reached at [email protected].
