Explore Longwood Gardens

Closeup of fountains splashing in the foreground, against the backdrop of a large conservatory complex.
Becca Mathias

From our humble beginnings as a Quaker farmstead and arboretum, to Pierre S. du Pont’s forward-thinking stewardship, to today’s collection of renowned landscape designers, horticulturists, and architects, our great garden of the world evolves and emerges again and again.

Through Longwood Gardens and its program of outstanding horticultural display, every visitor to the Gardens has the opportunity to gain, culturally and spiritually, a better peace of mind.

Russell J. Seibert, Longwood’s first director

Explore nearly 200 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths to breathtaking Brandywine Valley vistas. Together, mesmerizing displays, feats of engineering, and science-based research and conservation work harmoniously toward the overarching goal to unite and inspire our guests in appreciation of beauty—as only Longwood can. 

Explore Our Gardens

  • Our Districts
    A stone path winds through a lush room of colorful plants with a hanging light above

    Our Districts

    Explore nearly 200 acres of lush, formal gardens, open meadows, and winding paths.

  • Our Seasons
    An old stone farmhouse with red shutters sits in the left background, fronted by yellow meadow flowers and foliage.

    Our Seasons

    We honor the four seasons with five unique Longwood seasons, celebrating the bounty of our gardens throughout the cycles of renewal, growth, and ever-evolving splendor. 

  • Our Plants
    close up of orange Clivia Miniata with green and yellow center

    Our Plants

    Explore over 10,000 species and varieties of plants, representing 200 different plant families. 

  • Our Science
    A person holds a small vial with plant material inside in a lab

    Our Science

    Our scientific work lays the groundwork for discoveries that expand our understanding of the natural world and help perpetuate and celebrate its beauty for generations to come.

  • Chrysanthemum Festival 2026

    Chrysanthemum Festival fills our historic conservatories with color and artistry October 16–November 15, 2026. In the Exhibition Hall, a vibrant mum curtain provides a backdrop for tiered pagodas and living viewing stones, chrysanthemums trained into shapes inspired by natural rock formations and landscapes. These imaginative displays are just the beginning: explore the many chrysanthemum varieties, colors, and forms throughout the conservatories, from spirals and cascading baskets to clouds and towering columns. 
  • Sugar Maple

    The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) a majestic tree native to eastern North America, bursts into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold each fall, making it a seasonal showstopper. Its sap is used to make maple syrup, and its dense wood is valued for furniture and flooring. In forests, it supports biodiversity by providing food and shelter for birds, insects, and mammals, while its deep roots help prevent soil erosion.