LOCAL'Floating' trees. 900 poinsettias. It's Christmas at Longwood GardensJaci SmithThe Daily TimesEvery Christmas, Longwood's 4-acre conservatory is transformed into a winter wonderland and the epicenter of the display is the Exhibition Hall.Courtesy Of Longwood GardensThis year, 17 Fraser fir trees will be suspended in midair using a custom suspension system created by our Facilities Department.Courtesy Of Longwood GardensThe final product will be a forest of floating trees, inspired by the scene in the Harry Potter movies of the floating candles in the Great Hall.Courtesy Of Longwood GardensThe design and planning process for a Longwood Christmas starts more than a year in advance.Courtesy Of Longwood GardensThroughout the display, you’ll see over 15,000 potted holiday plants, including more than 900 poinsettias.Courtesy Of Longwood GardensDuring the three days before Thanksgiving, the conservatory is transformed from mums to Christmas.SUPPORT COMMUNITY COVERAGE:Subscribe hereCourtesy Of Longwood GardensOne hundred-fifty staff and students put in over 5,400 hours in the final push to install the display.Courtesy Longwood GardensEducation Intern Julie Raiguel hangs ornaments created by MOT Charter School. Every year, Longwood selects students from 13 schools to design and craft hand-made ornaments. This year’s theme is the way children imagine a Christmas tree. “I love to see all the kid’s original pieces of artwork,” said School & Youth Manager Michelle Cugini, “no two are the same.”Courtesy Of Longwood GardensSt. Anne’s Episcopal School created ornaments reflecting “gifts from the heart. Of the 13 schools participating, three are from Delaware, including MOT Charter School, Oberle Elementary School, and St. Anne’s.Courtesy Of Longwood GardensLongwood has sponsored the Children’s Tree program for more than 20 years. The MOT Charter School students’ ornaments focused around being “colorful and bright” using felt, string, pine cones, mini pom poms, and natural materials.Courtesy Of Longwood GardensOberle Elementary School students chose to decorate their tree with snowflakes, polar bears, and penguins, finding inspiration from a photo of emperor penguins standing under the Aurora Borealis. Penguins hold a special place in their hearts, as their mascot is “Pete the Penguin.”Courtesy Of Longwood Gardens