December 26, '08 It's a glittering Christmas in the garden at Longwood. The Outdoor Light Festival is spectacular as the magic of the season comes alive! More than half-million outdoor lights adorn 74 trees that continues to enchant both old and young. The Main Fountain Garden has illuminated trees surrounding it creating a winter wonderland effect.
One of the best is the Open Air Theatre Fountain Shows synchronized to holiday music. The fountain is illuminated with vibrant colors and a glittering backdrop of snowflakes suspended in mid-air.
There are so much things to watch and do there. Try a visit...I just did! :).
If you are traveling either by pleasure or business in San Francisco, there is a san francisco hotel that you can always rely on located in the heart of San Francisco's Union Square and is conveniently located close to nightlife, shopping, dining, art and theater shows, as well as just steps away to the Financial District and Moscone Convention Center. Hotel abri is ideal for a modern day urban traveler that takes care of guests into further relaxation and peaceful rest amidst the bustling city streets. This hotel is designed with a contemporary art urban interior and decor and is equipped with upscale amenities, as well as it provides the uniquely sensorial experience of a Larkspur collection hotel accompanied by a comfortable and energetic vibe. Abri hotel san francisco is one type of place you can be proud of with its luxurious amenities that it can offer, namely Larkspur's signature FeatherBorne Bed Package, L'Occitane bathroom products, and a 42" LCD TV with advanced technology features and more. You can conveniently check the availability of your room before you book online. You can also make reservations by phone with the number provided on the home page at the bottom. Are you AAA member? Here's the good news. You can save 20% off their best available rate and receive a $25 gas card as well. Don't forget to check on their specials menu page for more special promotions.
For those who are more or less involved in the world of recruitment, perhaps many of you have already heard about Dennis Carey. But for those who are not familiar about him, Mr. Carey has been considered the leading executive recruiter for CEOs and corporate directors for some of the largest companies in the world. Of course, being as such is not as easy as what you see or think. Recruiting involves deeper significant knowledge of identifying potential leaders that can achieve a company's complex goals. After all, the success or downfall of a certain company greatly depends on the quality of those leaders of top-level management. Dennis Carey carries this expertise. He has been developing impressive records of achievements while conducting searches for leaders of several companies such as American Standard, Tyco International, 3M, MCI and many more. Various achievements and several high ranking positions have been delegated to Mr. Carey, being a highly educated profile in his own chosen field. For more information, you can check some given links at the bottom of the given link provided on this post.
If you are into world class dining with a romantic ambiance, there are banquet facilities in San Diego California worth going to like Trattoria Acqua. This restaurant is situated on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the La Jolla Cove. And if you love Italian cuisine, you'll not regret you chose this place.
Trattoria Acqua is inspired with a Mediterranean view located in the village of La Jolla, that continous to awe you as you dine and enjoy world class viewing! ;). Don't forget to try their pastas made on the premises daily, their mouth watering grilled fish, free range fowl and Harris Ranch meats, seafood and salads. They also offer various selections of wine and beverages as well.
Check their banquet menus as well for specifics you would like to have depending on your meal. They offer banquet lunch, banquet dinner, gourmet banquet lunch, gourmet banquet dinner and amuse. Various banquet rooms are as well available, so be sure to check them online.
If you prefer to receive regular updates on specials, recipes, coupons, events, etc., sign up for free to receive their newsletter online.
You can call or book online. Visit them today and check their mouth watering banquet menus.
On November 29, 2008, I got the chance to visit St. Paul's Chapel. This chapel is so far Manhattan's oldest public building in continous use. There are long stories about this chapel that made itself a part of American and world book history when the 911 attack happened. There are so much things to be shared as well, but let me just share to you a poem by J. Chester Johnson that describes this chapel when that fateful day happened:
It stood. Not a window broken. Not a stone dislodged. It stood when nothing else did. It stood when terrorists brought September down. It stood among myths. It stood among ruins.
To stand was its purpose, long lines prove that. It stands, and around it now, a shrine of letters, poems, acrostics, litter of the heart. It is the standing people want: To grieve, serve and tend celebrate the lasting stone of St. Paul's Chapel.
And deep into its thick breath, the largest banner fittingly from Oklahoma climbs heavenward with hands as stars, hands as stripes, hands as a flag; and a rescuer reaches for a stuffed toy to collect a touch; and George Washington's pew doesn't go unused.
Charity fills a hole or two.
It stood in place of other sorts. It stood when nothing else could. The great had fallen, as the brute hardware came down.
Looking for a good vacation rentals online? Don't go much further...it's a waste of time doing it. There is one good site worth recommending, - rentalo.com and take note; it's no ordinary site but considered to be a top vacation rental site online. If you happen to be close to Ocean City, Maryland or New Jersey perhaps and you are currently searching for ocean city maryland vacation rentals listings, rentalo.com is the place where you should do your searching. The site's powerful interface helps your search for vacation rentals much more easier, much more faster and convenient to use. You can further try using their property smart search on their homepage and check the appropriate boxes. Voila! Your complete directory listing is in front of you instantly. Cool, isn't it? And who does not want special offers? Well, rentalo.com has a lot of discount offers and take note: - it's worldwide! I must admit, I am a Maryland resident, and a frequent traveler at that. I and my husband were trying to look for a vacation rental ad on a newspaper closer to our place last year, but we didn't find one and we ended up going to the western coast of the US, more than a thousand miles away from our home where we felt just "away from home." We didn't even thought of searching the internet...well, that was an act of what we call "spur of the moment" decision-making. It's just a surprising feeling to discover later that it was like I was just one step away to the right place but turned my back and chose walking more than a thousand miles to a foreign place. We should have used this on that previous vacation we had. That was a big regret but there is always "next time", right? ;).
No wonder Rentalo.com is being used by more than five million travelers for their vacation rentals search, as well as it provides listings for good hotels, condos, apartments, etc. Rentalo.com is considered to be the world's largest online vacation rentals offering access to 120,000 properties to its customers, with a lot of exclusive deals from hotels, inns, condos and apartments worldwide. You can also subscribe to their free newsletter that gives you the latest travel news and updates.
Rentalo has a lot more to offer and more informations to discover by visiting their site. Make your vacation worth cherishing and exciting with even big discounts! Hop in and get to know them today!
Those of you who just want pure shopping, dining and entertainment in Boston, the best place to go to is in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. There is no magical place in the center of Boston such as this ;). - it combines the glories of Boston's past with the urban sophistication of the city today. Just a step off the freedom Trail, the marketplace is within an easy walk to the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Paul Revere's House, and the Boston Common.
The marketplace is as well a home to over 40 nationally known and locally loved shops offering a unique selection of jewelry, formal and casual clothing, accessories and giftware.
For fine dining options, there are 16 restaurants, and the Quincy Market Colonnade's 35 eateries boasting international flavors and local favorites. Whether it's a power-lunch, a friendly get together, or a special romantic dinner, the Marketplace provides a range of upscale and casual dining alternatives.
World renowned street performers are captivating with their hilarious comedy routines, musical fanfare, etc...take time to meet them on the streets! :).
If you are a nature hiker, a traveler or just love the outdoors, I guess it's time to check your gears. When it comes to adventure outdoors, Sierra Adventure Gear is the ideal place that you can go to. From the beautiful deserts of California to the frozen tundra of the Arctic, they provide all kinds of various gears depending on your outdoor adventure. Having the correct gear can be an unforgettable fun of outdoor adventure or experience as well as a good protection from dangers or life-threatening event. From bags and backpacks to flashlights, emergency kits to watches, name it, Sierra Adventure Gear has it. By the way, check their huge collection of Maxpedition Gear products if you are needing bags or backpacks. Besides being affordable and with reasonable prices, they are durable hard-use gears. If you order over $75.00 worth of any items and products online, you are entitled to free shipping. You can visit them online at sierraadventuregear.com or you can contact them either by phone, mail or through email on their contact page provided on their web page. Check all of their products as well if you are needing some other gears for your outdoor needs. They are continously expanding their inventory, so keep checking on their site.
The New England Aquarium is located at Boston's waterfront (Long Wharf). We spent the rest of our day dropping by at the aquarium after watching at the IMAX Theater. We've been to many aquariums before, but since we were there, we thought of using our remaining time before going back to our hotel. We were able to catch the Penguin Feedings by the biologists that early afternoon. And yes, those penguins are really cute, but when it comes to eating their food, - they devour their fish whole! :). As we climbed further on the 2nd floor, we were amused to see at least more than 130 different species of animals ina giant ocean tank. This is the spot where you can really see each one of them up close.
Harbor Seal {Front Plaza} - this is just located at the left side fronting the aquarium on its main entrance. There are scheduled harbor seal training sessions here. You can watch them for free as they interact with their trainers. it's usually held at 10am, 11:45am and 3:45pm. Catch those times so you won't miss them.
The Simons IMAX Theater is adjacent to the New England Aquarium. Since we both love 3D shows, my husband and I opted to go there and purchased tickets for two shows that lasted 45 minutes each. We watched the Wild Ocean 3D which is all about a massive feeding frenzy that takes place in the oceans of South Africa where billions of fish migrate up to the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Coast. In the movie, you'll witness the breaching whales, frenzied sharks, herding dolphins and diving gannets compete in an epic underwater struggle for survival. We liked Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean better. This film showcases small and giant marine mammals, including hump back and sperm whales, orcas and dolphins, as they behave naturally in the wild: interacting socially, playing, feeding, breeding, migrating and perpetually fighting for their survival.
If you happened to be around the area, you can drop by Simons IMAX in the morning to watch Grand Canyon Adventure 3D or The Dark Knight: IMAX Experience. We were wanting to watch the show but both of the shows are scheduled in the morning by which our schedules don't allow.
Indeed, I consider this a good news and at the same time, a perfect timing for our vacuum cleaning needs at home. We have a Kirby vacuum cleaner that we bought 2 years ago. The vacuum bags were free together with the purchase. We are running low on those bags and I had a difficult time finding them in many of the stores. I am so glad I got this to post because I've my own experience to tell :). Well, here's the good news! EZvacuum.com is offering 10% discount for all your vacuum cleaners bags belts filters brushrolls machines and a lot more. I was so delighted to discover that they also offer Kirby Vacuum bags with a pretty much affordable price too. The offer from exclusive outlets are more expensive by online orders plus shipping costs. If you want to buy your vacuum cleaner that helps you combat allergens at home, there are some cleaners highly recommended at EZ Vacuum site as well. EZ Vacuum offers complete vacuum needs, so avail of their holiday special savings today before it ends. Just use the code EZVAC10 upon ordering to get your discount. If you order more than $50. worth of products, you are entitled to a free shipping. Or else, they charge very low shipping charges compared to other stores. Don't miss the chance, go get your savings today at EZvacuum.com.
Your Guide to Boston's Top Night Time Attractions:
Boston is an ideal place to navigate by foot and thus named "America's Walking City". Every year, the city of Boston is visited by over 12 million visitors. Boston residents are proud of their city's world class sports teams, top medical and educational facilities, as well as its unique position in American history. It offers a wide variety of things to do and caters to almost any interest. Whether you enjoy shopping, fine dining, history, arts, theaters...the city of Boston is your place!
Night Time Ideas:
Quincy Market - situated on the freedom trail, this market is also known as Faneuil Hall, named after one of its buildings. it's surrounded by some old pubs and restaurants, and is the home to an unusual blend of shops, historical buildings and restaurants. If you love to do some shopping and eat as well, this is a good place to go to.
North End - this are populated by dozens of family owned Italian restaurants. Be sure to look for Paul Revere's house, the USS Constitution and the Old North Church, while strolling the streets.
Harvard - one of the most prestigious universities and has the distinction of being an "Ivy League" school. Take a stroll through the 22 acre park that composes Harvard yard. There are many buildings and statues that adorn the campus. Afterwards, you can proudly (and truthfully) declare - "I went to Harvard"! :).
Fenway Twilight Tours - Visit the oldest ballpark in major league baseball, which is known as "America's most beloved ball park," and home to some of baseball's greatest players. This tour starts at 5 and 6pm and lasts 1.5 hours.
Bostix - if you're in the mood for theater, visit Bostix booth for discounted tickets. There are 2 locations; Cosley Square -10AM-6PM (Mon.-Sat.); 11AM-4PM (Sun.) and Faneuil Hall - 10AM-6PM (Tues.-Sat.); 11AM-4PM (Sun.)
Ghosts and Graveyards - This unique trolley tour shows you Boston's darker side. Hear stories of the city's gravest moments and its most ghoulish individuals. It includes a walking tour of 2 of Boston's oldest burying grounds. Tours start at 6, 7, 8 and 9PM.
Museum of Fine Arts - if you love arts, this place houses nearly 450,000 works of art including an extensive treasury of Asian art. Opens until 9:45pm.
Medieval Manor - dinner theater where you go back to the middle ages. You will be served a 6 course banquet eaten without a fork, knife or spoon. While you dine, you'll be entertained by a troop of actors.
Salem - This is a home to America's #1 Haloween celebration. While there, visit the House of Seven Gables, the Salem Witch Museum, or anyone of the other "haunted" events.
Newburry Street - this street boasts some of Boston's most high end shopping. Mostly are signature brands such as Burberry, Brooks Brothers, Louis Vuitton, etc. Most shops close at 7pm. There are also some of Boston's best restaurants here.
There you go, you will now have somewhere to go just in case you're new to Boston. Have fun!
Kmart is indeed going all the way with all the exciting, mind blowing deals they could offer this holiday season. It's time for all the shoppers out there to check it out; - an incomparable assortment of exciting gifts from America's most respected brands for your family and loved ones. And just imagine, there are more than 25,000 gifts under $25. More choices of products make you get the best of what you like to give this Christmas, right? Some coveted brands are included such as Martha Stewart, Craftsman, Celebrations by Radko and many more. No wonder why many shoppers have turned to be regular customers at Kmart for quality products that they can afford. It's primarily for the fact that prices are budget friendly and yet with good quality. I saw one ideal gift for my mother in-law; - a beautiful blue topaz heart pendant with matching earrings for only $19.99! She loves jewelries, and they are really perfect for her as well. Definitely, I'll be getting one for myself as well ;). These prices are just amazing deals! This is also a perfect timing for my husband to have some more dress shirts for only $19.99. I think I will just have to tell him about this deal, so he can grab some at the store, lol! Check your Kmart stores or online to find more unbeatable prices for your gift items. For sure you will get more extensive savings and more value for your money. Happy shopping! :).
For many travelers, snapping pictures is as essential as carrying a passport. Here are at least 6 tips that will enhance your skills in taking your photographs on your next trip.
Get Up Close. - Try to create an intimacy and closeness with your subject. The first seconds are always the most spontaneous-sometimes the person is uncomfortable or tense - but after a few frames, he will usually regain composure and relax. All of these emotions come through in the image.
Try Low Light. - Taking pictures after sunset without a flash requires that you steady your camera - you can place it on a piece of furniture or even atop a pint of beer. Even if the sky looks dark, there is more light in it than you might think. Combined with the glow of streetlights, the result is dramatic, surreal effect.
Look For Humor. - Try getting interested in being a mischievous ironist. There are funny situations to be found all over the world.
Pay Attention to Scale. - Scale can help you tell a story.
Catch People in Motion. - A little blur of movement helps create a lively atmosphere.
Find An Unusual Vantage Point. - You can gain tremendous perspective and can concentrate a lot of information into a single photo.
This time, many of you might still be looking for some gifts that are ideal to give for your co-workers, friends or even for your boss. Financially wise, we need to be extra cautious in overspending by choosing gifts that are ideal to give and yet more affordable and budget friendly. Let's face it, our present economy is still gloomy and we are holding on to a tight budget! But on the other side of the story, we don't have to give up the fun and the spirit of giving during the Christmas season, don't you agree? Here are some that I can suggest for your gift searching. Why not try personalized holiday gifts? These can be the best choice to have for your boss at work :). Or, you can buy one for yourself as well if you are having trouble where to store your computer files at home or at work. Pexagon Technology is offering 20% off today until the year ends for your awesome personalized holiday gift ideas such as personalized thumb drives in 14 different colors, personalized pens in 3 unique styles and multiple colors, business card flash drives and wooden USB flash drives. Check these cool gifts ideas online by visiting pexagontech.com and you might even get more excited getting those items :). They are small and sleek, and convenient to carry. Where else can you get a gift personalized and with a discounted price offer such as this? Just continue browsing for more cooler gift products. It's really worth your money.
The garden has also gardens constructed in a larger greenhouse called conservatory. There are at least 16 gardens inside including halls which are worth visiting and as attractive as the outdoor gardens.
1.Conservatory Orangery and Exhibition Hall – Originally, this area was planted with orange trees. Now, this is filled with ever blooming flowerbeds and manicured lawns. This is the Main Conservatory which was opened in 1921. This has adjoining greenhouses to grow flowering plants and fruits.
The exhibition hall has a sunken, marble floor covered with few inches of water for reflection. On some occasions, the floor is drained for special displays and entertainment. It has creeping fig and bougainvillea trained on the pillars and walls.
If you prefer to hear and learn more about the plants, they offer a self-guided audio tour inside the conservatory, pointing out the history, design, plants and mechanical infrastructure and other behind-the-scenes facts.
2.East Conservatory – this showcases remarkable water features. A central flowing stream and 16’ wide waterfall add sound and motion to the garden. Each of the black-dyed pools is heated to support aquatic plant life year-round.
3.Children’s Garden Construction Project – this temporary exhibit highlights some of the amazing sculpted features and garden designs that will be found in the new Children’s garden. A mini-maze filled with plants entices children to explore the new design of the Children’s garden. A remote controlled camera allows them to view the construction progress.
4.Ballroom, Pipe Organ & Gallery The ballroom is unique for its elaborate finishes including a parquet floor, fabric-paneled walls, and ceiling comprising 1,104 panes of rose-colored etched glass.
The Pipe Organ Museum Gallery – interprets the history and mechanics of Longwood’s Aeolian organ and chronicles Mr. Du Pont’s interest in music as well as the 2000-year history of pipe organs. As the restoration proceeds, visitors can view the wood and metal pipes housed in the organ chamber.
5.Outdoor Waterlily Display – this displays wide variety of aquatic plants from all over the world.The pools are filled with numerous types of day-and-night-blooming tropical waterlilies, lotuses, giant waterplatters, and other aquatic and bog plants.
6.Production Greenhouses This 30,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility assists Longwood staff in growing plants for display in the neighboring4-acre conservatory.
7.Mediterranean House – this greenhouse displays plants grown in Mediterranean-type climates from around the world which are characterized by moist, cool winters and hot, dry summers. Plants from these regions require high light levels, good air circulation, and a minimum temperature of 40F. This garden is at its peak in early to late spring.
8.Palm House – this greenhouse first opened on Palm Sunday, 1966, the reason why it got its name. It features unusual palms and cycads, lush groundcover plants, and the sound of rushing water that create a tropical feeling throughout the year.
9.Bonsai – these are potted miniature trees specimens that imitate full-size plants in nature. Horticulturists periodically prune roots, branches, and leaves to shape as well as keep the bonsai from outgrowing their containers. They shape plans into a variety of forms by wrapping wire around the stems. This permits branches to be bent and trained into the desired position. The wires are eventually removed.
10.Potting Shed – the gardeners use this shed as a planning and staging area for many of the magnificent horticultural displays.
11.Estate Fruit House – this garden is a striking example of the creative reuse of existing structures. Two of the favourite fruits of Mr. Du Pont are being grown here, nectarines and grapes. The fruits is produced at least a month ahead of the outdoor season by controlling heating and ventilation.
12.Cascade Garden – this garden features water cascades splashing into clear pools and lush, richly textured plants clinging to the walls and carpeting the ground.
13.Rose House – Pierre du Pont used this greenhouse to grow roses for cutting and display from late fall to early summer. Chinese hibiscus plants have been added to the terraced beds to extend seasonal interest.
14.Tropical Terrace – Visitors enter this tropical garden of lush foliage through the dangling 20-ft.long spaghetti-like aerial roots of the princess vine. Familiar houseplants such as philodendrons and calatheas, and many unusual tropical plants with bold textures and bright colors are displayed here. A rabbit’s foot-fern hanging in the center of the greenhouse was planted in 1953 and weighs approximately 500 pounds.
15.Orchids and Banana House –The orchid room houses the best of Longwood’s more than 3,200 types of orchids. At least 300-500 plants at peak bloom at one time adding color and fragrance in the air. Nearby, visitors can stroll beneath a diverse collection of one of the principal food crops of the world, the banana. 20 different types are grown in Longwood and range from the towering 30-ft.plantain to the dwarf banana that is easily grown in a container.
16.Silver Garden – Displays gray and silver-foliage plants adapted to the arid landscape of the Mediterranean and desert regions. The meandering shape of the gray-blue slate hints of a dry streambed as would be found on the floodplain of a desert. Rock outcroppings catch the eye in the center, and the “stream” disappears behind the boulders.
Guys, just check on Sears Pre-Thanksgiving Sale. Have you seen the amazing deals yet? You can either visit them online (just click on the underlined link above), or visit any Sears store nearest you.
Well, it's probably time to get lucky and grab the chance of getting big savings from Sears, don't you think? At least, you get peace of mind by the time you're on, celebrating the big turkey day!...with a blast! :). From home appliances, kitchen appliances and many more, you can get savings for more than $100. A cash back of 15% after mail-in rebate is also available for all appliances that worth more than $499. Quite a good deal, right? And here's one that I consider a perfect gift for your family, friend or just for yourself; - a Sony 7.2 megapixel digital camera for only $129.99...that's after $50. instant savings!
I think this would be the best thing to have for the big turkey day celebration. You deserve to have one to capture all the memories of celebrating Thanksgiving Day with your loved ones!...and where else can you get a good deal? That's only when you get it at Sears! And that would also be the time wherein you consider yourself a lucky shopper, right? Buying your Sony camera is worth it after all...with a good quality and a good price rolled into one. Happy shopping everyone!
The Outdoor Gardens: 1. The Cow Lot. The ideal thing to start your tour begins here. This large open lawn, framed with specimen trees, was once a pasture. 2. Open Air Theatre – This is an outdoor theatre built in 1913. Because of Pierre du Pont’s love of music and drama, this was completed in 1914, then re-designed and enlarged in 1926-27. Today, it features all types of music performances and fountain displays. Fountains built into the stage perform daily from spring through Christmas and after dark are illuminated by hidden colored lights. An unusual water features serves as the stage curtain, rising 10’ in front of the stage before most performances. 3. Peirce-du Pont House – Step inside the house and see the heritage exhibit on the first floor which features historic photos, artifacts and a video that tells the story of the stewards of the land who preserved and developed the property. 4. Pierce’s Park – this is an arboretum that includes many large trees planted by the Pierce family in the 1800’s. Some of the trees here are approximately 200 years old. 5. Flower Garden Walk – this garden was created by Pierre du Pont that became the first flower garden and fountain in 1907. Today, the plantings bordering the 600-ft. long brick walk are mixtures of annual and perennial flowers, spring bulbs, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. A semi-circular store called “Whispering Bench” concludes the eastern end of the walk.
Try this; - Sit on one end of the Whispering Bench and have a friend sit on the other end. Cup your hand and whisper a secret toward the center of the bench and notice how your voice travels around the curve! 6. Pierce’s Woods – This is an “art form” garden of native woodland plants that features fragrant native azaleas in April and May. 7. Italian Water Garden – the basic layout of he design was inspired from Villa Gamberaia, near Florence, Italy while Mr. & Mrs. Du Pont was having their European trip, made with a water staircase and 600 jets that re-circulate 4,500 gallons of water each minute. The underground plumbing and drainage systems represent state-of-the-art technology, and the fountain display is computer operated. 8. Wisteria Garden – showcases cascades of violet and white flowers that spill from arbors and tree-form wisteria in May. 9. Square Fountain – this is an enclosed water feature fountain, surrounded by seasonal flowers and built in 1908. 10. Peony Garden – The garden derived its name from the shrubby hybrid tree peonies that bloom each May, along with Japanese irises and golden chain trees. Architectural interests are also added such as sundial and teak branches. 11. Flower Garden Drive – this 600-ft.long avenue parallels the Flower garden Walk with a magnificent alle’e (double row) of 27 bald cypress trees, fronted by an arborvitae hedge, that provides a stately backdrop for a double flower border. 12. Theater Garden – this is a walled theatre garden designed by Thomas Church in 1975. Now, it’s considered as a garden for all seasons, a decorative patchwork of muted colors and extravagant textures. 13. The Rose Arbor – it serves as one of the outdoor staging, areas for concerts when Rosa ‘American Pillar’ blooms in June. At the center of it is an old Italian wellhead that was given to Longwood in 1970. 14. Children’s Garden – this is undergoing complete rebuilding of its indoors. The graphic panels explain the new design. 15. Conservatory Terrace and Main Fountain Garden – The conservatory has colourful flowers and exotic foliage that are combined in year-round horticultural displays. The main fountain garden has 380 fountains and spouts set in Italian limestone basins and canals that create spectacular displays throughout the summer. At night, the fountains can be illuminated by 724 colored lights. 16. Outdoor Children’s Garden – this features a lively bee-themed activities including a honeycomb maze, “buzz trail” and flower fountain. 17. Idea Garden – This used to be once a large vegetable garden that supplied food for Mr. & Mrs. Du Pont and Longwood employees, with a 5-acre wide garden. It was developed early 1980’s into an educational displays for home gardeners. 18. Pump House – This is part of the garden,-the equipment that drives the main fountains, waterfalls and eye of water. 19. Chimes Tower Hillside – If you come across the hillside walk, you’ll notice that exuberant bulb, shrub and perennial plants spill down the slope of it, providing colors from spring to fall. As you continue to follow the path, you’ll discover magnificent views of the waterfall and Chimes Tower, with intimate places to sit and listen to carillon performances. 20. Chimes Tower – This eye-catching tower is 61-ft. tall that features a 62-bell carillon that rings hourly and for concerts. As you walk along the Chimes Tower, it provides a series of sunny and shaded spots for tranquil contemplation amid spectacular views. Various colors of trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials throughout the year draws visitors to the eye-catching tower. At the base of the tower is a video that talks about the history and mechanics of the Chimes Tower. 21. Frog Hollow – this is a moist, low-lying area that fills with daffodils, magnolias and grape-hyacinths and usually gives color in Spring until end of June. 22. Conifer Knoll – the sloping landscape is dominated with mature specimens of majestic evergreens. Covering the top of the knoll is a variety of conifers. 23. Oak Knoll – Various oak species dominate this knoll. From March through April, thousands of pale purple crocuses and yellow winter aconites create beneath the leafless oak tress. 24. Eye of Water – this modern water feature sits above a 90,000 gallon reservoir that supplies the waterfalls and main fountain garden. 25. Rose Garden – a traditional garden installed in 1930, features many varieties of fragrant roses that bloom from June to October. 26. Topiary Garden – this attractive garden features evergreen yews that are trimmed into large geometric forms and whimsical shapes. The desired forms take years to develop. Today, it now includes more than 20 different shapes with more than 50 specimens. Within this garden is an analemmatic sundial which took 8 years of daily readings to perfect it, which is accurate to within 2 minutes. A sign on the site explains how to read it. 27. Caryopteris Alle’e – this long, narrow alle’e between the topiary and rose gardens has double rows of blue caryopteris and white hibiscus that bloom in late summer. 28. Lilacs – features 70 different lilac varieties that has plantings of white, pink and purple lilacs on both sides of the path leading to the main fountain garden. They bloom during late April and May with delightful fragrance. 29. Forest Walk – this natural woodland walk takes visitors under magnificent tulip trees, ashes and maples. 30. Meadow – this comprises 2 areas, the meadow trailhead and the meadow bridge platform that glows with wildflowers in late summer and fall. These areas were added as a new dimension for horticultural displays. The bridge platform contains native wildflowers. It becomes attractive and alive with moths, butterflies and birds during late summer and early fa
Who does not want a free trip to New Zealand? After all, I and my husband have been wishing to visit this country one day. For many blog travelers out there, it seems it's gonna be a dream come true this time! :). If you are dreaming of becoming a travel blogger, then this really the best chance for you to fulfill it into reality! The good news is that it's free, because Air New Zealand and Larry the Travel Guy are giving away two (2) free round trip air fare from LA to Auckland, New Zealand. But before I proceed, you might want to meet and know more about Larry, - the Travel Guy ;). Be sure to visit his site larrythetravelguy.com and take time to take a peek on all of his photos and videos for those places he had visited. Besides, your trip will be featured on his site mentioned. By the way, this is a "LarryTheTravelGuy" contest, sponsored by Air New Zealand Limited. The good thing about this is you don't need to purchase anything to join the contest. All you need to do is check on the terms and conditions on one of the given links and from there, you will be all set to be ready for your trip!
When it comes to nature tripping, one of my favourites is the Longwood gardens. In fact, we are already a garden pass member together with my husband.
We have been visiting the gardens for many times now, but in fact, we haven’t completed visiting all the gardens yet. Well, at least we all have the valid reasons to keep going back J.
Longwood Gardens had its centennial celebration, in the year 2006. It started in 1906, and with its 100 years of existence, it had gone a long way of better improvement and constant nurturing that the beauty of it became one of the most visited gardens in the whole world.
The basic historical facts about the garden:
Longwood Gardens is located on US route 1, about 3 miles northeast of Kennet Square, PA, 30 miles west of Philadelphia, PA and 12 miles north of Wilmington, DE.
In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. Du Pont purchased the property to save its collection of historic trees. His preservation efforts blossomed into a full-fledged passion for gardening that has rarely been equalled.
Over the past 100 years, Longwood Gardens has matured into one of the world’s great horticultural showplaces. It is not only a garden per se, but also showcases the excellence and innovation in preservation, horticulture, education, philanthropy and the performing arts.
There are at least 31 (and more are coming) outdoor gardens in Longwood Gardens. To find out, the only thing you can do is visit the gardens. You will be awed by the garden’s beauty as you see various trees and plant collections in different gardens.
