In the fall, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, one of the leading horticultural centers in the U.S., is opening a massive new green wall and conservatory plaza designed by famed British landscape architect Kim Wilkie. The indoor green wall will feature 47,000 plants, making it the largest in North America. Lately, Longwood has been investing heavily in high-quality landscape architecture, having recently hired cutting-edge landscape architecture firm West 8, which was recently commissioned to create the gardens' long-term master plan (see earlier post).

The new 3,590-square-foot green wall includes 47,000 plants, making it 50 percent larger than what is now the largest indoor green wall in North America found at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh. The green wall is mostly made up of fern varieties, including Holly Fern, Rabbit's Foot Fern, Button Fern, Asparagus Fern, and others. The green wall is expected to dramatically improve energy efficiency by moderating indoor air temperatures.

In addition, Wilkie created a new East Conservatory Plaza, consisting of five tiers of terraces that appear like steps in the landform. According to Longwood, the innovative design of the terraced lawn creates a "sculptural clearing" for dramatic views of gardens and buildings. Paul Redman, director of Longwood Garden, said: "Kim Wilkie's unprecedented design for the East Conservatory Plaza is deeply rooted in tradition, while also embracing innovative landscape design. The plaza – both as a place of quiet contemplation and a site for creative programming – will engage our guests in new and exciting ways." Wilkie talked about the ideas behind his design: "I wanted to create a gentle environment of light and shade that would be transformed by the changing hours of the day, a place where people could relax in the morning sunshine, enjoy views out onto the rest of the Gardens, take in a special event, or perhaps even attend a sparkling party at night."

The terraced landform will be watered by an both an overhead and sub-surface irrigation system. Both system are needed to ensure water doesn't run off the terraced slope. The irrigated landform also contains bathrooms hidden within (seen in the top image). The bathrooms will be naturally lit from holes at the top of their domes. "The innovative design of the underground restrooms will take advantage of earth insulation, an age-old concept that is highly energy efficient."

The landscape architecture project was designed in collaboration with Michaelis Boyd, an architecture firm, and Wells Appel, local landscape architects.

For those in the area, Wilkie will host a "Leadership in Landscapes" symposium for innovators in the fields of architecture, design, horticultural and landscape design on October 8. 

Learn more about Longwood Gardens, which drew nearly 900,000 visitors last year. Check out another beautiful project from Wilkie, the Orpheas landform in Boughton, England.

Also, learn more about the benefits of green walls.

Image credits: (1) Longwood Gardens East Conservatory Plaza, and (2) Longwood Gardens East Conservatory Plaza (Section) / Longwood Gardens