Hi readers,

Welcome to the Adventures of Blake Blog. Within these blogs, I will be talking about some of my trips around the world, and how they have impacted my life. From Taiwan to Costa Rica, I have been lucky enough to explore the world. However, I thought that I should start close to home for my first blog.

Longwood Gardens is located only 8 miles from my house, so I would say that is closer than some of my other destinations. Longwood is a world-renowned botanical garden, and many horticulturists believe that it is the number one garden in the world. Now at this point, you may be asking, “How did a garden impact your life?”, and I will get to that eventually. However, I believe that it is more important to provide vivid imagery to understand the atmosphere of Longwood Gardens. First, upon entering the underground tunnel to the park, one’s senses are overloaded with numerous colors. From the white hydrangeas to the purplish-pink blood drops, the park is a sea of color that will stun one upon every entry. Now, I want you to remember that this is only the first step into a thousand-acre park.

The garden is filled with various attractions that will consume the average visitor’s mind for days. The main attraction is a recently upgraded fountain garden that contains 1,719 jets that sing, dance, change color, and soar up to 175 feet. The shows are always complemented with nostalgic songs, and the fountains dance as gracefully as the Kirov Ballet company. Not to mention, the Fountain Firework shows that include perfectly synchronized fireworks, fountains, and music that will leave you speechless for days. In addition to the fountains, the conservatory houses over 1,000 various plant and tree species which will captivate you as soon as entering the doors and smelling the aroma of the different flowers. Furthermore, the park contains lakes, trails/paths, meadows, forests, tree houses, and so much more. I think you can agree with me that Longwood Gardens offers a look into the diversity of nature that no place on Earth can offer.

Now, I told you that I would describe the impact of Longwood Gardens in my life, and it is that time. After visiting Longwood for the first time, I decided to buy a membership, so I could attend anytime I wanted. As a result, I visited every day after school and every weekend. I was fortunate enough to meet a friend named Carol, a guest services employee. Carol kept all my supplies in her office for me, so I did not have to transport them every day. She guarded my picnic blanket, lawn chair, and umbrella. With her genuine kindness, I was easily able to visit Longwood after school. On the average school day, I would proceed to the large pond to lay out my picnic blanket, pop open my umbrella, and open my lawn chair. I would do my homework, study, and simply relax. Here, I was able to escape reality, and I was transported to another world where I could achieve anything in the most beautiful place on Earth.

Longwood Gardens changed me in the best way that I could have ever imagined. After visiting Longwood over 100 times in a year, I had a new respect for nature and beauty. I actively learned different species of plants, and I became involved in local conservation efforts within my county. Through volunteer work at Longwood Gardens, I established many connections with world-renowned horticulturists and leading climate change researchers. I witnessed their pride for the environment and nature. In turn, I quickly picked up their pride and established it in my life. I am currently an active member in different Longwood Gardens’ activist groups. I teach the youth about the importance of nature and try to establish the same pride I have within them. Nowadays, I have new passions as a result. I love to hike, explore new locations, and promote change and knowledge about our amazing environments present on Earth. Overall, I have learned so much from my trips to Longwood Gardens about myself and the environment, and I would never change a moment.