In 1789, landowners Joshua and Samuel Pierce planted the first specimens of what would eventually become the beautiful and elegant Longwood Gardens, located in the Brandywine Valley of Pennsylvania. Industrialist Pierre S. du Pont purchased the property from the Pierce family in 1906, and made many contributions that dramatically transformed the gardens, among them being an extensive system of fountains and a conservatory, which was added to the original Pierre mansion. Today, Longwood consists of 1,050 acres of flowerbeds, woodlands, and meadows and is considered one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States.
A sure delight for nature-lovers of any kind, the Longwood Gardens showcases ornate architecture, unique trees such as the Japanese flowering dogwood, and an array of flowers that emit vibrant colors and exquisite fragrances in 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens. The most impressive indoor garden display, the Orangery, displays a multitude of unique flowers, bulbs, and foliage, such as the creeping fig, which grows up the columns of the greenhouse. Among the 20 outdoor displays are a rose garden exuding overwhelming fragrance and beauty, majestic topiaries clipped into cones, cubes, spirals, and birds, and the Bee-aMazed Children's Garden, offering attractions such as the Honeycomb Maze and the Flower Fountain. Still retaining their original magnificence are du Pont's many fountains and water gardens scattered throughout the land, and the Pierce du Pont House offers an extensive collection of photos, artifacts, and videos that tells the story of Longwood's history.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- January 12th through March 31st: 9am to 5pm
- April 1st through May 22nd: 9am to 6pm
- May 23rd through September 6th: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am to 6pm, Thursday through Friday, Saturday: 9am to 10pm
- September 7th through November 22nd: 9am to 5pm
- November 26rd through January 10th: 9am to 9pm
- Admission:
- Adults: $16
- Seniors ages 62+: $14
- Students ages 5-18, or any age with valid student ID: $6
- Children ages 4 and under: Free
- Contact:
- Location: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
- Phone: 610-388-1000
- Website: www.longwoodgardens.org
