Longwood has reopened

Clematis in bloom at the far end of the Flower Walk.

I've been visiting Longwood Gardens as long as I can remember, even long ago when admission was free. I've been to Longwood for fireworks, for light shows, for concerts and musicals; I've walked its paths in subfreezing temps and the heat of summer, during droughts and renovations. 

But never before during a pandemic.

Longwood reopened to members on June 18 after being shut since mid-March. You have to make timed reservations online (hours and days of operation are limited), and I signed up for Friday, June 19, at 1 p.m. As you drive in the main entrance, you're diverted to the overflow parking area, where they make sure you do indeed have a reservation (you can show them your confirmation code on your phone or on a printout) before allowing you to enter the main parking lot. I parked in Row H.

In the lobby, you scan your confirmation code and show a photo ID before you're allowed to enter the Gardens proper. Masks are required in the lobby and are encouraged throughout the Gardens, and I would say about 75% of visitors, as well as all staff, wore them the whole time.

There were a lot of people there, but nothing like during the Christmas season. Visitors were really good about keeping apart from others. The only time I felt encroached upon was when I was standing on the terrace overlooking the main fountains: a young unmasked couple walked right up next to me. At the Eye of Water, people spaced themselves out by sitting in the corners.

View from the Rose Garden looking toward the Conservatory.

You can scan the QRS code on the map placards posted throughout the garden for details on what's open and closed. The fountains are all operating, but the Conservatory, the Peirce du Pont house, the Chimes Tower, the indoor restaurants and the pump room/grotto were all closed. Only one room in the gift shop is open, but they're selling Longwood-raised annuals outside. Only a few restrooms are open. The Beer Garden, with numbered outdoor tables and masked waiters, was open and quite busy.

It was great to be back at Longwood, even if it wasn't the same experience as usual. With my mask covering my nose, I couldn't smell the eucalyptus that was flourishing in the Flower Walk. 

It was sad not to be able to smell the eucalyptus.

I heard no foreign languages; usually there are plenty of tourists from overseas. With so many people wearing masks, sunglasses and hats I recognized nobody, even though I'm sure some friends were there at the same time.

 

Longwood visitors walking near the Eye of Water.

All of the fountains are still operating.