Into the sunflowers in Longwood’s meadow
As I roamed Longwood Gardens during the Philadelphia Area Fling, I was eager to see the Meadow Garden in its late September glory. I set off on the meadow trail in late afternoon, as the light slanted low through golden petals and tawny grasses.
I reached the meadow from the main gardens by crossing a footbridge that reminds me of a miniature Pennybacker Bridge in Austin.
A cute bronze frog perches on the handrail.
And then I was in the 86-acre meadow, strolling through goldenrod, sunflowers, and asters that stood as tall as I am.
It was gorgeous — sun-warmed, abuzz with bees and butterflies and chittering birds.
One surprise though: much of the meadow had been mowed, and I later heard that was done because of the manhunt for the escaped prisoner, who was spotted on camera at Longwood in early September (he was recaptured before the Fling tour). What a shame, but necessary, I’m sure.
Happily, plants were left standing along part of the trail, and because they were so tall at the end of summer, I felt immersed in them. Plus they continued to feed and shelter insects, birds, rabbits, and other wildlife.
Asters and goldenrod, a natural fall bouquet
The bees were loving the goldenrod.
Forget paths diverging in a yellow wood. How about a yellow meadow?
Sunflowers reaching for blue sky
Dainty white asters
The Webb Farmhouse, built in the early 1700s, beckoned across a portion of the meadow that had not been mowed. I was tempted, but it’s a long walk, and our Fling dinner (sponsored by Longwood) was coming up. I walked a little ways and reluctantly turned back. If you’d like to see the interior, check out my Longwood meadow blog post from 2016.
Goldenrod and bee
A few others were on the trail too, but mostly I had it to myself. Me and the bees.
As I reached the mown area again, I admired ironweed (I think) and Joe Pye weed along the trail.
And fluffy white seedheads atop prickly stems
And more glowing sunflowers
A mass of goldenrod with the Webb Farmhouse in the distance
Pokeweed berries and its striking magenta stems
But mostly it was glorious yellow.
A gracefully curved bridge spans a boggy area. The mown area is seen beyond.
I moseyed on, enjoying the late-afternoon sunlight in the grasses and flowers.
One look back
I left the meadow thinking of dinner, but I had time for a quick spin through Longwood’s main flower gardens first.
Up next: The colorful Flower Garden Walk at Longwood. For a look back at Longwood’s romantic Italian Water Garden and fun treehouses, click here.
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Digging Deeper
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All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
What a great and immersive post. 86 acres of meadow! I felt like we were right there with you. I’ve enjoyed reading about the gardens on the fling. I’ve been many of the public ones but need to make it to more of the private ones that are open.
I’m glad you enjoyed the meadow tour, Yvonne!
I loved that meadow! It reminded me of some of the prairies around Madison–many of the same plants and expanses. Beautiful photos, Pam!
Thanks, Beth. I’m loving prairies these days for their resilience to extreme weather, especially here in Texas. It was a treat to see Longwood’s again.
I wish I’d had more time in the meadow. Glad you were able to explore it fully…. except for the mown down, high-visibility part! Loved your photos. You’re an easterner now! 🙂
The meadow was great. Even with much of it mown, there was still a lot to see. I’m curious what you mean about being an easterner now, though? Tell me more! 🙂
Longwood is on my list of places to visit.
Love seeing these fall pictures.
It’s such an amazing experience. Go see it, Lisa!
Loved this post, Pam.
I was discouraged by the mown part and didn’t venture far enough, obviously, to see the unmown part, but glad to share it via your photos.
I’m such a fan of meadows!
Me too, Lisa. I was grateful to find part of the meadow at full height.
Great virtual tour, Pam. One question: why do they mow that large section of the meadow?
Oh, I mentioned in the text: it was because of the manhunt for the escaped murderer who was spotted at Longwood before he was captured.
Goldenrod and Aster, advertise the end of summer and the looming Autumn in many parts of the country: I love those colors. I checked out your 2016 post to see the inside of the 1700 cabin: it looks very well maintained, probably better than when it was originally lived in.
Those wide open spaces are totally captivating; what a wonderful and immersive experience.
Yes, the meadow is a lovely addition to the more formal areas of Longwood.
Thought of you today at Kirstenbosch.
When we met a birder with a big camera.
From Austin, Texas ;~))
Oh, wow, I wonder who that lucky traveler was. Austinites get around!