Yesterday, after spending the morning at the Brandywine River Museum, Ellen and I drove four miles west on Route 1 to the massive estate and botanical gardens, Longwood Gardens. From spring to fall it deserves a day of its own to walk the garden paths, but in winter the Conservatory (entrance above), a huge enclosed greenhouse, is the thing to see, and from now to March 30 they have hundreds of their orchids on display. After a fine (if expensive) lunch at their restaurant, Ellen and I spent a few hours walking the many paths inside the Conservatory to see the orchids and the many other plants. A great tonic for winter weather.

The main Conservatory building with central pools.

Something new since we were last there, the Fern Wall. The doors are to individual and family-sized restrooms.

The flower beds are beautifully planned and arranged for color and variety.

Another example.

A large Bird of Paradise flower.

Another view in the Conservatory. And now, following without further comment, my photos of the orchids. I don’t know the names of any of them, but they are gorgeous and well worth seeing!