Longwood Gardens

What is Longwood Gardens?

Longwood Gardens is a large public garden in southeastern Pennsylvania, offering a mix of formal outdoor gardens, natural woodlands, and open meadows. The grounds feature a wide range of plantings, from seasonal flower beds and topiary to native trees and wildflowers. Visitors will find glasshouse conservatories filled with exotic plants, impressive water features including grand fountains, and themed areas such as a rose garden, peony garden, and waterlily display. The site also includes treehouses, walking trails, and historic buildings.

The history of Longwood Gardens

The land that is now Longwood Gardens was once home to the Lenni Lenape people. In the early 1700s, Quaker settlers began farming here, and by the late 1700s, the Peirce family started an arboretum with native and exotic trees. The property became a gathering place for the local community in the 1800s. In the early 20th century, Pierre S. du Pont acquired the land to protect its trees and gradually developed it into a major horticultural display garden, opening it to the public in 1921. The gardens have expanded over time, adding new features and preserving historic landscapes.

What there is to see

Longwood Gardens is organized into a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces. The outdoor gardens include formal walks, water gardens, and naturalistic meadows, while the conservatories house tropical and Mediterranean plants. The gardens are maintained by a team of horticulturists, and new plantings and displays are added for each season. Special features include large fountains, a restored farmhouse, and themed gardens designed by noted landscape architects. Recent projects have expanded the conservatory and added new garden spaces.

When to go

Longwood Gardens welcomes visitors year-round, offering changing displays with the seasons. The gardens host flower shows, concerts, fountain performances, and educational workshops. During autumn and winter, special events like fall foliage walks and a holiday light display draw large crowds. The site also supports horticultural training and research, and serves as a venue for community gatherings and cultural events.

Parts and collections

The gardens include many distinct areas, such as the Italian Water Garden, Main Fountain Garden, Peirce's Woods, Meadow Garden, and themed spaces like the Rose and Peony Gardens. Indoors, the conservatory features Mediterranean-inspired gardens, an orchid house, and a bonsai courtyard. Each area showcases different planting styles and collections, reflecting both formal European influences and native American landscapes.

Why Longwood Gardens matters

Longwood Gardens is recognized as one of the leading display gardens in the United States. It has played a role in local history, from its early days as a Quaker gathering place to its preservation efforts for native plants and historic buildings. The gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are known for their seasonal events, educational programs, and commitment to conservation and public enjoyment.

Plan a visit

🇺🇸 Kennett Square · All yearLongwood Gardens and its conservatoryThe former du Pont estate in Pennsylvania, with a vast glass conservatory, fountains and flower displays in every season.

Questions people ask about Longwood Gardens

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• Scientists transplant soil fungi in race to save world’s threatened orchidsThe Guardian, Article

• Longwood Gardens on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data