In the days leading up to Christmas we decided to take a mini-vacation to Philadelphia and Delaware, touring the Barnes Foundation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Winterthur.  We immersed ourselves in art and antiques, and delighted at the sights of the city lit up for the holidays.

On our last morning we had time for one last jaunt before we had to head back to Cape Cod.  We had never been to Longwood Gardens, and heard that it was beautiful at Christmastime, especially at night.  I was a little doubtful about our timing — here it was 10 am, drizzly and raw, and not really the best time of year to see outdoor plantings.  Still, we enjoyed the quiet beauty of the winter landscape.

We then made our way to the conservatory, and the contrast between the outdoors and indoors took my breath away.  Here were plants and plantings in every color, filling every inch of space with beauty.  Better than the decorated Christmas trees or holiday flowers, here were ornaments created entirely by nature.  From the showiest roses to the smallest bits of moss, each plant was a wonder.

I hope that if you’re in the midst of winter where you live that you can find some natural color and light to brighten your days.  Get thee to a conservatory!

Here’s to the new year!

–lucy