I was invited to visit Longwood Gardens to take a look at their new installation, Nightscape. I wasn’t sure what to expect since all I had heard about it beforehand was that they were projecting light onto the plant material.

What I was about to experience was something I couldn’t image in a million years. Nightscape is a project that’s been in the making for over two years and I truly feel like it will blow your mind.

A little back story:

Longwood Gardens is totally redoing their Main Fountain Garden and while they do that there will be no firework shows. If you’ve never seen a Longwood fireworks display you have really been missing out.

Until construction on the Main Fountain Garden is completed and fireworks can resume, Longwood Gardens wanted to offer visitors something equally, if not more fascinating. I have to say they really hit the nail on the head with Nightscape, this is an experience like no other.

The entire installation was designed by the geniuses at Klip Collective, a visual art shop out of Philadelphia and this is their first garden display. If you ask me they nailed it on their first try.

What is it?:

Nightscape: A Light & Sound Experience is just that, an experience. Using the plants and beautiful landscape of Longwood Gardens, lights and original music will move you. There are nine site-specific locations, each of them using the light and sound in different ways. As you make your way through the gardens each experience has something new and exciting to offer.

Obviously this is something that is seen at night since it needs to be dark to see the lights.

Nightscape has more than lights to offer. While you’re there enjoying the lights, be sure to stop by the Beer Garden that features Victory Brewing Company beers.

Special events at Longwood Gardens tend to get busy and much like A Longwood Christmas you will need to purchase your tickets ahead of time. The installation is free to members but even the members will have to make a reservation to enjoy Nightscape. From now until October 31st you can enjoy the lights Wednesday through Saturday from 6pm to 11pm. Check the website for more details on times and tickets.

My thoughts:

Nightscape is something that you’re meant to experience. Photos can’t really do this installation justice so leave your camera behind and just enjoy the show. These lights are best seen with both eyes open, not looking through the viewfinder of your camera or on the screen of your phone. When your eyes are fully adjusted to the dark is the best way to enjoy Nightscape. Soak in the experience.

My advice would be to get to the gardens early, enjoy a dinner or a snack at the restaurant and of course enjoy the beer garden before the lights come on. From there I’d choose to do everything in the conservatory or everything outside, don’t go outside then go inside then go back outside again. Like I mentioned before, the lights are better seen when your eyes are used to the dark and not all of the conservatory is part of the installation.

Here’s a short video of what you can expect to see. Video was provided courtesy of Turf Republic.

Nightscape from Turf Republic TURFTUBE™ on Vimeo.

Go, check it out then stop back and tell me what you think.

Disclaimer: I was invited to a special preview event for media people free of charge; however, all opinions are mine and mine alone. 

I’ve sung the praises of Longwood Gardens before, it really is a family favorite for us. Whenever we have a “what should we do today” kind of day we usually end up strolling through the gardens.

Right now is my favorite time of year at Longwood Gardens, Christmas time. I can say without a doubt that Longwood Gardens does Christmas like no other; the lights, the sounds, the smells, it’s all part of the experience.

Today I want to share my tips and tricks for Longwood Gardens and more importantly A Longwood Christmas.

Become a member!

If you live anywhere near Longwood Gardens or visit the area a few times a year it’s worth it. For the average family of four the membership will pay for itself in less than three visits. Family in the area but you’re not? Get a membership! How fun would it be to take the in laws out when you go to visit them?

There’s more than just admission included with your membership. How does 10% off at The Garden Shop, the restaurants, classes and guest tickets sound? 15% off the performing arts concerts and 20% off the Fireworks & Fountains tickets. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Throw in member’s only events, free things like lectures and Walk & Talk and your membership is paying for itself even faster. Here’s a tip not many people know, your Longwood Gardens membership also gets you discounts at retailers throughout the tri-state area.

Go during the week whenever possible.

To get the most out of Longwood Gardens you want to visit during the week. Not only will it save you money (if you haven’t taken my advice and purchased a membership), you’ll also be able to see and enjoy more. That’s right, it’s cheaper to go during the week and it’s also less crowded. Remember that membership I told you to get? If you had one you could go on Monday for members only Mondays and avoid the crowds even more.

Less crowds mean it’s easier to get around the gardens and you don’t have to feel like you’re part of a herd. When it’s easier to get from place to place you can get there faster which of course means you can see more and get the best bang for your buck.

To really get the best Longwood Christmas experience you really need to go during the week. I know this from personal experience.

Our little family is slowly collecting some wonderful Christmas traditions and Longwood Gardens has been one of them since before the boys. If your visit to Longwood Gardens doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit NOTHING will. Even a Scrooge like me enjoys Christmas when Longwood Gardens is a part of it.

Have you been to Longwood Gardens before? Seen the Christmas display? Feel free to share your experience here.

Disclaimer: I was given a family membership and a wonderful evening at Longwood Gardens in exchange for this post. That being said, these are MY thoughts and opinions and I’d love Longwood Gardens and think you should too no matter what.