Note to Caroline-4th of July, 2026

Hi Caroline,

As I was putting together this post about Longwood Gardens, I found myself reflecting on how much my gardening life has changed over the years for me. Getting older and dealing with a progressive disorder that effects my mobility, and energy level has definitely changed the way I will  garden going forward. There are some things I simply can't do anymore, such as spending hours digging, hauling heavy bags of soil, or maintaining large garden beds. I miss some of those activities, but I'm learning how to adapt.

One thing I love about living in Maryland is the abundance of beautiful public gardens. Visiting places like Longwood Gardens allows me to continue learning, finding inspiration, and sharing gardening experiences with our readers, even when my own physical gardening is more limited than it once was.

I'm also still learning how to garden in Maryland. The climate is quite different from Maine, and every season brings new lessons. My gardening space has changed dramatically as well. Instead of large garden, space, I now have a small patio container garden.

Much of what I grow as far as produce will be for  rabbits, including herbs and greens, along with a few vegetables and flowers for myself.

Like many people  these days, I find myself paying closer attention to costs. Gardening on a budget has become important, and I'm always looking for creative ways to grow more while spending less.

How are things going with you? I know you're helping in your parents' garden this season. You mentioned cleaning up the pond area. I can't wait to see the post. I always enjoy hearing what's happening in your corner of  Coastal Maine. I have enclosed a few photos from my patio garden, but its not really blog ready yet. 

 Michele 

 

The Orchid Room at Longwood Gardens, PA

 

The Orchid Room at Longwood Gardens is filled with stunning blooms in every color imaginable. There were delicate white orchids, vibrant pink varieties, rich purple flowers, and unusual orchids with fascinating shapes and patterns. Everywhere I looked, there was something new to admire. It was definitely a popular exhibit with a line of people waiting for more space that they could get in to view the spectacular blooms.

What always amazes me about orchids is how different they are from most flowering plants. Some flowers looked almost like butterflies, while others resembled tiny works of art. It is easy to see why orchids are among the most popular houseplants in the world. They were my Mothers and Grandmothers favorite plant. 

  

If you are like me you have wondered are they easy to grow? For home gardeners, orchids can sometimes seem intimidating, but many varieties are easier to grow than people realize. Most orchids prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered only when their growing medium begins to dry. Good air circulation is also important. With a little patience, they can reward gardeners with spectacular blooms year after year.

 

As I walked through the Orchid House, I found myself stopping often to take photos and appreciate the incredible diversity of these plants. Each orchid seemed to have its own unique personality and charm. Longwood Gardens never disappoints, and the Orchid House was no exception. Whether you are an experienced gardener or simply enjoy beautiful flowers, this display is well worth seeing. It was a wonderful reminder of the beauty and variety that the plant world has to offer.

In future posts I will share another favorite areas from my visit that served as garden inspiration I brought home with me. My next post is on container gardening ideas.