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.
I welcome your comments. Please scroll to the end of this post to leave one. If you’re reading in an email, click here to visit Digging and find the comment box at the end of each post. And hey, did someone forward this email to you, and you want to subscribe? Click here to get Digging delivered directly to your inbox!
__________________________
Digging Deeper
Come learn about garden design from the experts at Garden Spark! I organize in-person talks by inspiring designers, landscape architects, and authors a few times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance; simply click this link and ask to be added. The Season 7 lineup can be found here.
Tour several Austin gardens on Saturday, November 4, on the Garden Conservancy’s Open Day tour for Travis County. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and will be available beginning September 1st.
All material © 2023 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
The post Into the sunflowers in Longwood’s meadow appeared first on Digging.
