Longwood
Gardens
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
May 2008
Longwood
was the private home and garden of Pierre du Pont, purchased in
1906. He purchased the site because it was already rich in trees.
The previous owners, Joshua and Samuel Pierce, had begun planting
an arboretum on the property in 1798, but it was du Ponts love of
trees and horticulture that created Longwood. In 1946 he turned the
land over to a foundation and Longwood opened to the public.
Today it is one of the world's foremost gardens, visited by
millions. This is obvious from the acres of parking and the grand
entrance.
Longwood encompasses more than 1000 acres with many magnificent
mature trees.
The 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk was built in 1907 and is still
a highlight of the garden.
One of the most surprising things at Longwood is the modesty of the
Main House. Mr. du Pont lived in the Pierce farmhouse and chose to
enlarge it rather than tear it down.
Of course, it's not quite as modest as it appears. When du Pont
enlarged it in 1914 he doubled its size and added such amenities as
a bowling alley. He also added a conservatory connecting the two
sections of the house.
He built a much more massive Conservatory that opened in
1921.
This conservatory is unlike any other I have seen. It is 4-acres of
garden under glass, complete with lawns, flower beds, and
espaliered fruit.
There are spectacular water features throughout the grounds,
including ponds, a lake, fountains and
waterfalls.
A large topiary garden was a major hit with schoolchildren when we
were there. I'm not a big topiary fan myself, but it's hard not to
be impressed with this collection.
It is an amazing garden to visit. There is truly something for
everyone. We spent 4 hours and didn't see it all. It's not my
favorite garden but I can certainly understand why it is the
favorite of many people.
Click here to see more photos from Longwood Gardens.
To visit the official website of Longwood Gardens, click
here.