Among the 38 botanical gardens in PA, Longwood Gardens stands out as a unique and breathtaking masterpiece. Its rich history, dating back to the 18th century, adds to its allure, making it a destination unlike any other. It is located at 1001 Longwood Rd. Kennet Square, PA, www.longwoodgardens.org. Longwood Gardens was the vision of the world-famous U.S. entrepreneur Pierre S. DuPont. He transformed a 402-acre land, once owned by many stewards from the Lenni Lenape Indians to the descendants of George Peirce, into a paradise of unparalleled beauty through his vision and hard work. This site will surely leave you in awe and connected to the region's rich historical past.
Pierre S. Dupont (1870-1954) came from a well-known wealthy family that specialized in chemical products used in everyday households. At the age of 36, DuPont purchased a farm primarily to preserve trees in a transaction managed by the first female lawyer of Chester County, Isabel Darlington. This purchase was not initially intended for the creation of Longwood Gardens, but years later, DuPont transformed this simple country farm into one of the country's most exquisite horticultural display gardens in Pennsylvania.
When you first go to Longwood Gardens, you can do a self-tour or go with a group. The gardens are home to diverse plants and flowers, including rare and exotic species—Longwood Gardens is a true masterpiece among Pennsylvania's 38 botanical gardens. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, this destination is a unique and breathtaking experience. It's best to visit during [spring for the blooming flowers, summer for the fountain shows, or fall for the changing foliage]. Founded by the visionary U.S. entrepreneur Pierre S. DuPont, this 402-acre paradise is a testament to his hard work and vision.
Whether you choose a self-tour or a guided visit, prepare to be mesmerized by Longwood Gardens' diverse collection of plants and flowers, including rare and exotic species. For a complete experience, visit the visitor center, where you can see a short film about the gardens' history and splendor. Longwood Gardens also offers a range of educational programs and workshops for those interested in horticulture. Afterward, get ready to be captivated by a beautiful show at one of three fountains in Longwood. The Open Air Theatre, Designed by DuPont in 1914, combines fountains, horticulture, and performances from world-renowned artists in music, theater, and dance. Watch the water dance in sync with the music while the lights shine over the water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that will leave you in awe
The second fountain is the Italian Water Garden, also built by DuPont from 1925 to 1927. He drew inspiration from his travels to Italy at the Villa Gamberaia during the early years. Dupont meticulously designed every aspect of his garden, from the sculptures to hydraulic calculations. The Italian Water Garden includes the two most distant corner pools 14ft longer than those close by, creating a unique illusion that all four pools are identical in size. The Sunken garden is flanked by two rows of pollarded little-leaf linden, a sight to behold.
The third and final fountain is the most extravagant fountain at Longwood Gardens, and it's a must-see in all of its grandeur. The Main Fountain Garden was DuPont's masterpiece, a European-style garden with a crisp allee of trees surrounding a gently sloping lawn inscribed by braided boxwood hedge forms. The pathways lead you to explore elements of sculpture and garden embellishments, including limestone wall fountains and whimsical figures of fauna and flora. There's even a gallery with the original water pump. You can see how the fountains came to life. The last time the central fountain pumps were used was in 2014, and it closed for eight months. I finally got to see them before they closed down to see the new and improved renovated Main fountains, and of course, I was there for the grand reopening on May 27, 2015, and all I can say was it was magical with the added new exterior fountains dancing on flames. The vast fountain has water reaching 175 feet, dancing in sync with lights and music from classical to pop. The shows run every other hour, and this year, they added fireworks to make the night even more magical for families with children, single individuals, etc.
Next is the Conservatory, which is the heart and soul of Longwood Gardens. This 19th-century structure has a perpetual flower show under acres of glass. As of this year, in November, the conservatory is under construction to make more garden space when it reopens on November 22, but you can still visit other areas like the indoor children's garden, east Conservatory, and the east Conservatory plaza, green wall, historical leading conservatory, orchid house, Acacia passage, and silver garden. There is so much to see at Longwood all year round, and during this time of year, if one is hungry and depending on one's budget, you can pack a lunch or snack and dine at Longwoods Picnic grounds near the Hillside Gardens by the way, it a must-see (go to the bell tower). If you're on a budget, there are indoor and outdoor dining options like The Cafe', and there are grab & go items at The Beer Garden (if weather permits, there are hours of operation you can see on their web page) now if you want to splurge and go all out for an excellent cuisine, check out 1906 restaurant reservations are recommended so book ahead and 1906 doesn't accept reservations for parties larger than 12 people.
If you love to take walks and watch nature at its finest, check out Longwood Gardens Meadow Garden, where you can see an 86-acre open field with various ever-changing plant species, mammals, beautiful birds, and insects like butterflies to discover. There are two ways to explore the meadows: 1. you can view the vistas by an accessible boardwalk, and 2. you can set off on an immersive adventure, a three-mile walking trail, and believe me, you would want to choose the second option lol. While taking a long stroll, you will find unique features like pavilions, bridges, a beech boardwalk, and an 18th-century Webb farmhouse and gallery. When you finish the gallery, you can walk back or ride to the DuPont house with Longwood's staff in their mini-driving carts.
Longwood Gardens is so beautiful that you would want to get married, but unfortunately, you cannot have a wedding ceremony there. But you can take wedding photos in any section of the gardens; please call for information to make arrangements.
Now, from November through January every year, Longwood Gardens transforms into a winter Holiday Spectacle with a Longwood Gardens Christmas; when I was a teen, I always wanted to go and see the beautiful lights and exquisite trees decorated to the nines, and when I went to Longwood in January of 2015, I can say it doesn't to it justice in person as it is on tv. I was in complete awe and would return to a different theme in December 2018. It gets more beautiful and magical each time one goes. Make it a family tradition or your tradition. You will be smiling from ear to ear like a child.
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