Longwood Gardens | Wilmington DE

A Botanical Masterpiece in Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens, located just over the Delaware border in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is one of the world’s most spectacular horticultural destinations. Spanning more than 1,000 acres, the estate is celebrated for its breathtaking gardens, elaborate fountains, and diverse plant collections. Founded by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont in the early 20th century, Longwood was transformed from a private arboretum into a public sanctuary of beauty, innovation, and botanical education.

Seasonal Gardens and Outdoor Splendor
Longwood Gardens is renowned for its outdoor landscapes, which shift dramatically with the seasons. In spring, the Flower Garden Walk dazzles with tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths arranged in vibrant patterns. Summer brings the Main Fountain Garden to life, with towering water jets choreographed to music and illuminated at night. Autumn drapes the arboretum in fiery reds and golds, while winter showcases thousands of lights in the stunning Conservatory and outdoor displays. Visitors wander through the Italian Water Garden, the Rose Garden, and the serene Meadow Garden, each offering unique scents, colors, and perspectives on plant artistry.

The Conservatory and Indoor Collections
The centerpiece of Longwood Gardens is its massive glass Conservatory, an architectural marvel spanning multiple climate-controlled rooms. Tropical palms, orchids, and exotic flora thrive alongside seasonal displays that change throughout the year. The Orchid Room alone presents hundreds of species, often in intricate arrangements that feel both natural and theatrical. The Conservatory’s warmth, combined with the scent of soil and blossoms, provides an immersive botanical experience that transports visitors to distant climates without leaving the garden.

Fountains, Music, and Nighttime Magic
Water is a defining element at Longwood. The Main Fountain Garden features over 1,700 jets synchronized with music and lights, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle that draws visitors at dusk. Smaller water features-reflecting pools, cascading fountains, and lily-filled basins-dot the grounds, providing moments of calm and reflection. Seasonal events, like summer fountain shows or holiday light displays, transform the gardens into an immersive visual and auditory experience, blending artistry with horticulture.

Education, Conservation, and Community
Beyond its beauty, Longwood Gardens is committed to education and conservation. The estate offers workshops, classes, and lectures on horticulture, landscape design, and environmental stewardship. Scholars and enthusiasts can study rare plant species, sustainable gardening practices, and historic landscape design techniques. Every path, fountain, and greenhouse reflects Pierre du Pont’s vision of sharing the transformative power of nature with the public. Longwood Gardens is not merely a collection of plants-it’s a living classroom, a sanctuary of beauty, and a celebration of humanity’s relationship with the natural world.