A Day at Longwood Gardens: A Gardener's Paradise

On a perfect May day in 2008, a group of Dave's Garden Mid-Atlantic members toured Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. This premier horticultural destination offers something for every gardener—formal gardens, water features, woodlands, specialty collections, and a world-class conservatory.

History Highlights

The Pierce family began an arboretum in 1798. In 1908, Pierre S. du Pont purchased the property, transforming it into his personal horticultural playground. Open daily year-round.

Tour Highlights

• Flower Garden Walk: Ancient wisterias pruned like giant bonsai—first photo stop.
• Nature's Castles: Treehouses like "Canopy Cathedral" (reclaimed lumber, meditative feel) with views over Large Lake.
• Italian Water Garden: One of four major fountain features, evoking Rome.
• Meadow & Tulip Trees: Towering Liriodendron tulipifera—only for the largest backyards.
• Pierce-du Pont House: Historic home with silver safe, 1911 electric towel dryer, and a remarkably relaxed house cat.
• Terrace Restaurant: Cafeteria and sit-down options, outdoor grilling.
• Conservatory: Vast indoor complex with emerald lawn surrounded by floor-to-ceiling flowers, plus wings for orchids, succulents, tropicals, roses, ferns, water features.
• Main Fountain Display: Hourly show watched from the terrace.
• Idea Garden: Demonstration beds for home gardeners—flowers, herbs, fruits, vegetables.
• Woodland Route: Chimes Tower and Waterfall—European stone tower ambiance.

The Pierce-du Pont house cat—utterly relaxed amid tourists.

Visitor Information

• Admission: Adult $16, Senior $14, Student (5–22) $6, Child ≤4 free. Group discounts (15+), season passes.
• Hours: Generally 9–5 daily; extended in spring/summer/Christmas.
• Time needed: Conservatory 1.5 hrs; grounds 2–3 hrs minimum; house 0.5–1 hr.
• Food: Excellent on-site (cafeteria/sit-down); no outside food.
• Accessibility: Excellent wheelchair access; free wheelchairs, $10 scooters; no trams.
• Photography: Allowed; tripods 9am–noon with permit.
• Contact: 610-388-1000; longwoodgardens.org

We couldn't see it all in one day—Pierce's Woods, a third treehouse, summer water lilies, fall chrysanthemums, and special events await return visits. Check Dave's Garden "Go Gardening" database for more info.

Photo credits: flowerjen, Gitagal, ladygardener1, Shirley1_MD, wind (Mid-Atlantic Forum members).