Longwood Reimagined: JBC's Role in Designing Custom Soil Profiles
/The Longwood Reimagined project represents an exciting new chapter in the evolution of one of America’s most celebrated public gardens. As part of the design team led by Reed Hilderbrand, JBC was tasked with soils design for both the interior conservatory and the surrounding exterior landscapes. Our work focused on crafting specialized soil profiles to support a wide variety of planting environments ranging from curated garden beds and a native meadow to areas of high-performance turf.
JBC’s scope included both technical design and collaborative consultation, ensuring the selected soils would meet the horticultural needs of the site while also aligning with the aesthetic and ecological vision of the project. Each soil blend was carefully designed to optimize plant health, support biodiversity, and perform well under Longwood's maintenance schedule. This attention to detail was critical, especially in the conservatory, where plantings required an entirely custom mix to thrive in the interior climate conditions.
What truly set this project apart was the collaboration between JBC, Reed Hilderbrand, and Longwood Gardens’ own horticulture department. Known for its top-tier staff and resources, the Longwood team brought deep institutional knowledge to the table, resulting in a dynamic partnership and a cooperative atmosphere. For JBC, it marked the first time we partnered directly with a horticulture department, resulting in an exciting and rewarding experience that expanded the scope of our expertise.
To highlight the transformation, we’re sharing a series of before-and-after images, comparing construction progress in 2023 with the completed gardens in 2025. These visuals showcase the dramatic impact of the project, both indoors and out.
Opened to the public in late 2024, Longwood Reimagined offers visitors an immersive experience that pairs world-class design with horticultural excellence. From the expansive meadow views to the lush plantings within the conservatory, every element has been carefully engineered to flourish, both above and below the surface. JBC is proud to have played a role in shaping this iconic transformation.