Located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens is one of the premier botanical gardens in the world. With its origins rooted in early American history, Longwood Gardens has grown into a cultural and horticultural treasure. Spread across 1,077 acres of lush gardens, woodlands, and meadows, Longwood is a place of year-round beauty, attracting visitors with its breathtaking displays, innovative garden designs, and commitment to conservation and education.
The History of Longwood Gardens
Early History: The Peirce Family and the Great Trees
Longwood Gardens has a rich history that stretches back over 300 years. In 1700, a Quaker family known as the Peirces settled in the Brandywine Valley, purchasing 402 acres of land, which included what would eventually become Longwood. Over the years, the Peirces developed the land into a working farm, but they were also passionate about trees and horticulture.
In the late 1700s, brothers Joshua and Samuel Peirce began planting an arboretum of native and exotic trees, a feature that would later be known as Peirce’s Park. By 1850, the park had become one of the finest collections of trees in the nation, with its towering specimens serving as the foundation for what Longwood Gardens would become.
Pierre S. du Pont: The Visionary Behind Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens owes much of its current grandeur to Pierre S. du Pont, an industrialist, philanthropist, and member of the influential du Pont family. In 1906, du Pont learned that the land, including the historic Peirce’s Park, was set to be sold for lumber. Determined to preserve the trees and the beauty of the area, du Pont purchased the land, thus beginning his lifelong passion for transforming the property into a world-class garden.
Du Pont was inspired by the grand European gardens he had visited during his travels, and he envisioned a place where horticulture and engineering would meet in spectacular fashion. Over the next several decades, du Pont designed and constructed many of the signature features of Longwood Gardens, including the Main Fountain Garden, Italian Water Garden, and Conservatory. His influence extended beyond the gardens themselves, with a keen focus on advancing horticultural practices, research, and public education.
Expansion and Modern Era
After Pierre du Pont’s death in 1954, Longwood Gardens was established as a public garden and a foundation, committed to carrying forward du Pont’s vision. Since then, Longwood has continued to expand and evolve, adding new gardens, fountains, and conservatories while maintaining its commitment to excellence in horticulture, education, and environmental stewardship. Today, Longwood Gardens stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature, art, and human ingenuity.
The Gardens and Landscapes of Longwood
The Main Fountain Garden
One of Longwood’s most iconic features is the Main Fountain Garden, a dazzling display of water, lights, and music. Originally designed by Pierre du Pont in the early 1930s and inspired by the great water gardens of Europe, the Main Fountain Garden has undergone extensive renovations in recent years to restore and enhance its original beauty.
With more than 1,700 jets that can propel water up to 175 feet in the air, the fountain shows are a breathtaking spectacle. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy daily performances, including illuminated evening shows that feature synchronized music, lights, and water displays. The grand staircase, intricate stonework, and surrounding landscape make the Main Fountain Garden a highlight for visitors of all ages.
The Conservatory
Covering over four acres, the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens is one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. This glass-enclosed wonderland is home to an astounding collection of exotic plants from all over the globe, displayed in a series of themed rooms and spaces that provide year-round beauty.
- Orchid House: One of the most popular sections of the Conservatory is the Orchid House, where hundreds of orchids in a dazzling array of colors and varieties are on display. With orchids blooming year-round, this space is a celebration of the exotic and the rare.
- Palm House: Step into the tropical world of the Palm House, where towering palms and other tropical plants create an immersive environment. The Palm House’s lush greenery and warm climate transport visitors to far-off lands, providing a serene and calming experience.
- Waterlily Display: Outside the Conservatory, the Waterlily Display is a summertime favorite. With giant Victoria waterlilies and vibrant blooms, the reflective pools provide a stunning contrast to the surrounding architecture and gardens.
The Conservatory also features seasonal displays, including the highly anticipated A Longwood Christmas, which transforms the indoor spaces into a winter wonderland with festive lights, poinsettias, and spectacular holiday-themed designs.
The Italian Water Garden
Tucked away in a serene corner of Longwood, the Italian Water Garden is a hidden gem. Designed by Pierre du Pont and inspired by the formal water gardens of the Italian Renaissance, this garden features a series of geometric pools, fountains, and sculpted hedges. The symmetry and precision of the design create a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and reflection.
The Italian Water Garden is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight reflects off the water, casting a golden glow over the entire landscape. Surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery, this garden offers a peaceful retreat from the busier areas of Longwood.
Peirce’s Woods
A tribute to the natural woodlands that once dominated the area, Peirce’s Woods is a garden designed to highlight the beauty and diversity of native plants. Unlike the more formal gardens at Longwood, Peirce’s Woods is a more naturalistic landscape, with winding paths that lead visitors through a carefully curated collection of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
In spring, Peirce’s Woods bursts into color with blooming dogwoods, azaleas, and trilliums, while the fall season brings vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. This area of Longwood is not only a place to appreciate the beauty of native flora but also an important part of Longwood’s commitment to conservation and ecological education.
Meadow Garden
Opened in 2014, the Meadow Garden is a 86-acre expanse of rolling meadows, wildflowers, and native grasses. The Meadow Garden offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of a traditional American meadow, with its ever-changing landscape throughout the seasons.
In spring and summer, the Meadow Garden comes alive with wildflowers such as black-eyed Susans, milkweed, and coneflowers, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. Walking trails wind through the meadow, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The Meadow Garden also features a historic farmhouse and an interpretive center, where visitors can learn about the importance of meadows in maintaining biodiversity and supporting native wildlife.
Special Events and Seasonal Highlights
A Longwood Christmas
One of Longwood Gardens’ most famous events is A Longwood Christmas, a spectacular holiday display that transforms the gardens and Conservatory into a winter wonderland. Held from late November through early January, A Longwood Christmas features dazzling light displays, festive decorations, and holiday-themed fountain shows.
The outdoor gardens are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls. Inside the Conservatory, visitors can marvel at elaborately decorated trees, poinsettias, and floral displays that evoke the spirit of the season. The music, lights, and seasonal plants combine to create an unforgettable holiday experience that draws visitors from around the world.
Festival of Fountains
During the summer months, Longwood Gardens hosts the Festival of Fountains, a celebration of water, light, and sound. The highlight of the festival is the daily fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden, which are synchronized to a wide variety of musical genres, from classical to contemporary.
Evening fountain shows, enhanced with lights and special effects, are particularly popular and offer a mesmerizing experience under the night sky. The Festival of Fountains is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Longwood Gardens during the warm summer evenings.
Orchid Extravaganza
Every winter, Longwood Gardens hosts the Orchid Extravaganza, a celebration of one of the world’s most diverse and exotic plant families. Held from mid-January through March, this event features thousands of orchids displayed throughout the Conservatory, in colors ranging from delicate whites and pastels to vibrant pinks, purples, and reds.
The Orchid Extravaganza also includes special orchid-themed exhibits, educational talks, and workshops where visitors can learn more about the care and cultivation of orchids. This event is a feast for the senses and a must-see for plant lovers.
Fireworks & Fountains
On select evenings throughout the summer, Longwood Gardens hosts its Fireworks & Fountains shows, combining choreographed fountain displays with stunning fireworks. These events are set to music and provide a truly awe-inspiring experience as the night sky lights up over the gardens.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy a picnic on the lawn before the show begins. Fireworks & Fountains is one of Longwood’s most popular events and sells out quickly, so early planning is essential for those who wish to attend.
Education and Conservation at Longwood
Longwood’s Educational Mission
Longwood Gardens is not just a place of beauty; it is also a hub for horticultural education and research. Pierre du Pont was deeply committed to advancing knowledge in the field of horticulture, and that legacy continues today through a wide range of educational programs.
- Professional Horticulture Program: Longwood Gardens offers a two-year Professional Horticulture Program that trains students in all aspects of garden design, maintenance, and management. Graduates of the program go on to work in public gardens, arboretums, and botanical institutions around the world.
- Workshops and Classes: For the general public, Longwood offers a variety of workshops and classes on topics such as gardening, floral design, photography, and sustainable practices. These hands-on experiences allow visitors to learn new skills and gain a deeper understanding of horticulture.
Conservation and Sustainability
Longwood Gardens is also dedicated to conservation and sustainability. The gardens participate in plant conservation efforts, particularly in the preservation of endangered species and native plants. The Meadow Garden, for example, plays a critical role in maintaining native plant populations and supporting wildlife habitats.
Longwood Gardens also focuses on sustainable gardening practices, using environmentally friendly methods to reduce water usage, manage pests, and promote soil health. Through its commitment to conservation, Longwood serves as a model for sustainable land management and ecological stewardship.
Visiting Longwood Gardens
Planning Your Visit
Longwood Gardens is open year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. Whether you’re visiting during the spring blooms, summer fountains, fall foliage, or winter holiday displays, there is always something new to see and experience.
Visitors can explore the gardens at their own pace or join guided tours to learn more about the history and horticultural highlights of Longwood. Dining options are available on-site, including 1906, a full-service restaurant named after the year Pierre du Pont purchased the property.
Membership and Support
For those who want to enjoy Longwood Gardens throughout the year, membership options are available. Members receive free admission, access to members-only events, and discounts on workshops and dining. Memberships help support the ongoing preservation and development of Longwood Gardens, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its beauty and educational programs.
Final Words
Longwood Gardens is more than just a garden; it is a living masterpiece that blends art, nature, history, and innovation. From its origins as a humble arboretum to its current status as a world-renowned botanical garden, Longwood Gardens continues to inspire awe and wonder in all who visit. Whether you are a seasoned gardener, a nature enthusiast, or someone seeking a peaceful escape, Longwood Gardens offers a timeless journey through the beauty of the natural world.
