The standard of horticulture that is showcased through the entire garden is incredible, with one thing clear - everyone loves their job. After a brief introduction to what we would be doing over the next two days and potted history of Longwood by Doug Needham and Brian Trader, we launched straight into a garden tour. We were gradually eased into the garden by walking the Experimental Garden, however the sight of 56,000 tulips in full bloom was on the verge of being overwhelming.
The world famous fountain garden is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment and as a result looks more like the building site of a new out of town shopping centre rather than that of an Italianate masterpiece. All of the 4000 odd piece of stonework have been painstakingly removed from the garden and are currently being restored, while upgrades to the pumps, fountains and lighting will help to create 'a cross between Versailles and the Bellagio!'
For me, one of the stand out areas of the garden was the Italianate water gardens, which when running at full capacity, recirculates 17,000 litres of water per minute.
The tour of the 86 acre meadow was an amazing experience and gave us an opportunity to see a wide variety of habitats aswell as many native birds, such as Bluebirds, Red-winged Blackbirds and Turkey Vultures. I particularly like a quote by Thomas Carlyle in one of the pavilions which read, ' When the Oak is felled the whole forest echoes with the sound of its fall, but a hundred acorns are sown in silence by an unnoticed breeze.' This seems to fit the ethos of the area so well.
A highlight for all of the trainees was spending the afternoon working with the second year Professional Gardener (PG) trainees in their show gardens. Each PG has to produce four designs for the show gardens, then of the 30 odd designs produced, 4 are selected and then installed. This years designs are based on the themes of the fountain garden restoration and the Nightscape show new for 2015
Amelia and Jason - Untie the Knot
Adam and Nick - Underground Artisans
Lincoln and Bryan - Metallic Interferance
Drew and Bethany - Evening Spectacular
I worked with Brendan helping Drew and Bethany planting large Buxus pyramids and a mix of ornamental grasses (Nassella tenuissima, Miscanthus sinensis 'Morning Light' and Schizachyrium scoparius). It was hard work in the heat and humidity, but it was well worth it.
Lawrence Wright, Longwood Garden, Philadelphia, 04/05/2015