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Bio·phil·ia /ˌbī-ō-ˈfi-lē-ə /-ˈfēl-yə : a desire or tendency to commune with nature

Explore the wonders of nature with us in our Léon & George Travels series as we delve into captivating biophilic experiences across the globe.

Approximately 50 miles north of Eureka, California and just below the Oregon state line lies a verdant haven nestled within the heart of one of the state’s many redwood state parks. Meet Fern Canyon, a true hidden gem amongst California’s many natural wonders, and well-worth the trek to see.

A Jurassic Wonderland

Located within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon is a mesmerizing tapestry of nature's artistry. Carved by Home Creek over thousands and thousands of years, what makes Fern Canyon so special are its 50+ft walls draped with lush ferns that cascade like emerald waterfalls. From Maidenhair Ferns, Sword ferns, Lady Ferns and Deer ferns, don’t be fooled by their often delicate appearance: some of these ancient species date back over 325 million years, making them older than dinosaurs. And speaking of dinosaurs, scenes from Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park 2: The Lost World were filmed here!

How to Visit Fern Canyon

Getting to Fern Canyon is an adventure in itself. You’ll need to make a reservation to obtain a parking permit, and be prepared for a 1-mile hike through the canyon, where you'll navigate the creek and witness the magic of Fern Canyon unfold before your eyes. For the more seasoned hiker, you can also access Fern Canyon via the 11-mile round trip hike from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center without any permit. Read the most recent updated information on how to visit Fern Canyon here.

When to Visit Fern Canyon

During the summer, the park installs wooden planks to navigate the trailhead and stream. If visiting during autumn, winter or spring, consider bringing waterproof footwear and always call to check conditions before visiting.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, mornings often offer greater solitude in Fern Canyon. Keep in mind that rainy weather can render the canyon interior impassable. Therefore, it's advisable to choose a clear, sunny day to visit. If hiking Fern Canyon in the rain is your only option, exercise caution, proceed slowly, and avoid venturing during heavy rains as Home Creek may flash-flood.

Photo credit: visitredwoods.com and Getty Images

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Education, Lifestyle, LG TravelsLéon & GeorgeFebruary 1, 2024LifestyleComment

L&G Travels: Longwood Gardens

Bio·phil·ia /ˌbī-ō-ˈfi-lē-ə /-ˈfēl-yə : a desire or tendency to commune with nature

Explore the wonders of nature with us in our Léon & George Travels series as we delve into captivating biophilic experiences across the globe.

Nestled in the picturesque Brandywine Creek Valley in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, you’ll find a sprawling botanical paradise known as Longwood Gardens. Spanning an impressive 1,077 acres, this horticultural masterpiece is among the most impressive display gardens in the United States, offering year-round access to a captivating world of native and exotic plants, both indoors and outdoors, as well as a testament to the artistry of horticulture and human hands.

A Glimpse into Longwood Gardens' Rich History

Longwood Gardens is so much more than a botanical garden. For thousands of years, the native Lenni Lenape tribe fished its streams, hunted its forests, and planted its fields, but how it got to be what it is today began in the early 20th century when industrialist Pierre S. du Pont purchased the property to save the trees from being harvested for lumber. Du Pont's vision was to create a garden that would not only be a sanctuary for plants but a place of art, science, and education.

Over the years, Longwood Gardens has evolved into one of the most remarkable horticultural displays in the world, sprawling across gardens, woodlands, and meadows, and is an awe-inspiring living work of art that continues to inspire generations.

A Garden of Wonders

One of the most captivating aspects of Longwood Gardens is the sheer diversity of flora and the meticulous care that goes into maintaining them. As you wander through the grounds, you'll find yourself surrounded by a symphony of colors and fragrances, with each season bringing new surprises.

The Highlights of Longwood Gardens

The Conservatory: The crown jewel of Longwood Gardens, the conservatory is a vast, four-acre indoor garden filled with an astonishing array of plants. Here, you'll encounter orchids, palms, and even a soaring treehouse that offers a unique perspective on the garden's beauty.
The Main Fountain Garden: No visit to Longwood Gardens is complete without witnessing the Main Fountain Garden in all its splendor. This mesmerizing display features 750 jets that shoot water as high as 175 feet into the air, creating an intricate and choreographed dance of water and light. The historic Italian Water Garden, surrounding the fountains, adds a touch of timeless elegance to the spectacle. It's a place where the beauty of nature and the ingenuity of design come together in perfect harmony.
The Meadow Garden: For those seeking a more naturalistic and wild experience, the Meadow Garden is a testament to the garden's commitment to preserving the environment and showcasing native flora. During the fall, the Meadow Garden bursts into a vibrant display of golden grasses and late-blooming wildflowers, offering a serene and contemplative contrast to the more formal gardens.
The Idea Garden: This space serves as an educational garden, demonstrating various gardening techniques, creative ideas, and inspiring combinations of plants.

Visiting in Autumn: The Annual Chrysanthemum Festival

While Longwood Gardens is a breathtaking destination year-round, there's something magical about visiting during the fall season. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, the garden takes on a completely new character. The crisp air, the scent of fallen leaves, and the vibrant foliage create an enchanting atmosphere that puts the pumpkin spice latte to shame.

What’s more, each fall Longwood Gardens holds its annual Chrysanthemum Festival, a spectacular showcase that brings an ancient artform practiced throughout Japan and China to the US. Fall’s favorite flower fills the gardens, with more than 5,000 colorful chrysanthemum plants that transform the Conservatory into an autumnal dream.

Visit Longwood Gardens

If you find yourself in this northeast pocket of the US, don’t think twice about making a visit to Longwood Gardens.

Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Plant your visit to Longwood Gardens

Education, Lifestyle, LG TravelsLéon & GeorgeOctober 20, 2023LifestyleComment

L&G Travels: Ganna Walska Lotusland

Bio·phil·ia /ˌbī-ō-ˈfi-lē-ə /-ˈfēl-yə : a desire or tendency to commune with nature

Explore the wonders of nature with us in our Léon & George Travels series as we delve into captivating biophilic experiences across the globe.

Nestled amidst the coastal beauty of Santa Barbara, California lies a hidden gem that's nothing short of a horticultural wonderland. Lotusland, a lush and captivating garden estate, beckons plant enthusiasts from around the world to immerse themselves in a verdant, one-of-a-kind oasis of greenery. Whether you have a passion for plants or simply enjoy walking in nature, then Lotusland should be at the top of your must-visit list in Southern California. Check out what’s so special about Lotusland and discover some of your favorite common houseplants—and not so common plants—thriving in the wild!

A Little History behind lotusland

Once the private estate of the eccentric and visionary opera singer Madame Ganna Walska, the enchanting Lotusland located in Montecito, California has evolved into a horticultural masterpiece. Over several decades, Madame Walska's passion for gardening and her fascination with rare and exotic plants led to the creation of the lush, botanical paradise we know today. Her influence on Lotusland's design, along with collaborations with renowned landscape architects, has left an enduring legacy. From its origins as an artistic retreat to its current role as a hub for plant conservation and education, Lotusland's history is a testament to the enduring power of nature and human creativity. Read more about Ganna Walska and her creation of Lotusland here.

Rare & exotic flora at lotusland

Lotusland boasts a jaw-dropping collection of rare and exotic plants, many of which you may have only seen in books or on the screens of your favorite gardening shows. Think enormous variegated Monsteras, one of the largest collections of Cycads (plants dating back to the Jurassic Period!) in the country, and more. The garden's diverse array of species includes cacti, succulents, tropicals, cycads, and palms, all beautifully arranged across its 37 acres.

Garden Inspiration

For houseplant and/or horticulture enthusiasts, Lotusland offers a variety of educational opportunities in garden design, sustibility, conservation and more. Simply visiting Lotusland is an educational experience in and of itself: the gardens are thoughtfully curated, showcasing different plant habitats and microclimates. The estate's mission is to advance our understanding and appreciation of the importance of plants in our lives and in the life of the planet is one we can certainly get behind! By visiting Lotusland, you're not only indulging your love for houseplants but also contributing to the preservation of our planet's botanical treasures.

Common Houseplants, Growing Wild at Lotusland

One of the most fascinating aspects of Lotusland is the opportunity to see common houseplants thriving in their natural habitat. While we often enjoy these plants neatly planted in pots in our homes, it's a whole different experience to witness them flourishing outdoors. Here are some common houseplants you might encounter at Lotusland:

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

The striking Bird of Paradise plant, with its large banana-like leaves and vibrant orange flowers, hails from South Africa. In Lotusland's tropical garden, you can observe these beauties reaching for the sky in a lush, verdant setting.

Ferns (Various species)

Lotusland's fern garden is a testament to the diverse range of fern species that can thrive outdoors. Ferns, often beloved as houseplants for their air-purifying qualities, appear in various shapes, sizes, and shades of green here, like the Bird’s Nest Fern, or enormous aerial Staghorn Ferns.

Euphorbia (Various species)

Euphorbias are succulent houseplants appreciated for their unique forms and resilience. In Lotusland's arid garden, you'll encounter various Euphorbia species, including the impressive Euphorbia Ingens, commonly known as the "Candelabra Tree” or Jade Cactus, or the Euphorbia Ammak, also known as our popular Desert Cactus!

Monstera deliciosa

The Monstera Deliciosa, known for its iconic Swiss cheese-like leaves, is a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts. In Lotusland, you'll have the chance to see these captivating plants in towering, enormous sizes, climbing and spreading their lush, fenestrated foliage in an environment that mimics their tropical native habitat.

Visit Lotusland

If you find yourself in the beautiful coastal gem of Santa Barbara, don’t think twice about making a visit to Lotusland!

Ganna Walska Lotusland

Cold Spring Rd, Montecito, CA 93108

Plant your visit to Lotusland

Photo credit: Visit Santa Barbara

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Education, Lifestyle, LG TravelsLéon & GeorgeSeptember 22, 2023LifestyleComment