Lakes District

Aerial view of green areas with a small lake to the left and a larger lake to the right

The Lakes District, with its postcard-perfect scenery, is known to spark a distinct state of serenity. Open vistas, rolling green lawns, sparkling water, and splashing fountains recall a Victorian holiday from days gone by, reminding us of the joy of fresh air, a nice walk, and an exquisite view.

About This District

This area, which includes the Italian Water Garden and the Large and Small Lakes, reflects two of our founder Pierre S. du Pont’s passions: the beauty of water, and his delight in providing spaces for public enjoyment. Soon after he purchased the property in 1906 he began restorations to this area. The Large and Small Lakes provide open, spacious views, which serve as a welcome moment of decompression after leaving the more intimate pathways of Peirce’s Woods and Peirce’s Park. In 1925 Pierre embarked upon the construction of the Italian Water Garden, which added contrasting elements of formal design to the more naturalistic setting of the surrounding landscapes. In 2008, we added a new surprise for guests to enjoy–the Canopy Cathedral Treehouse.

Gardens in this District

  • Italian Water Garden
    A long rectangular water garden of five pools and multiple fountains extends out in a large area surrounded by green trees under a blue sky

    Italian Water Garden

    Enclosed by pristine allées of littleleaf lindens and mature evergreens, this formal space, with its symmetrical blue-tiled pools and splashing fountains, offers the allure of a secret garden.

  • Large & Small Lake
    A small stone decorative structure is seen across a large lake surrounded by green trees

    Large & Small Lake

    Take in the expansive views of rolling green lawns, midnight-blue water, and trees that reach for the sky. Nearby Cathedral Canopy Treehouse offers a chance for inspired exploration and new-found vistas.

District Highlights

A stone decorative gazebo stands tall under green trees
A wooden two-story treehouse sits among a large area of trees with green and orange leaves
Four rectangular pools of water with fountains in the middle surrounded a small circular fountain with green grass surrounding them all
Two people look out a large wooden with a wood lattice out at an area of green grass and trees
A row of green trees is reflected below in a large calm lake
A stone decorative structure stands on the edge of a large lake with dormant winter trees surrounding
Small water fountains arch over a larger pool of water in the ground surrounded by green grass

What’s in Bloom

  • Tall, thin spindles with tiny, white flowers and orange tipped stamens.

    Bottlebrush Buckeye

    Aesculus parviflora

    Bottlebrush buckeye is a native deciduous shrub of the eastern United States that grows to 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide. In early summer, it produces 12-inch, bottlebrush-like panicles of white flowers that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds and butterflies and contrast beautifully with its mounded habit. Its palmately compound leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn. A low-maintenance, suckering shrub it thrives in partial shade and moist, acidic soils and is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8.

From Our Blog

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walking trail path of the Forest Walk at Longwood Gardens with sun rays shining through the tall trees

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A Flourish of Fountains

By Lynn Schuessler, on June 9, 2017
Fountain Technology in the Jazz Age

Fountain Technology in the Jazz Age

By Colvin Randall, on December 9, 2015