On a hot summer day there’s nothing more refreshing than finding a shady spot to sit and absorb the wonder of your surroundings. Longwood has a remarkable number of places within the garden for you to escape the heat and put your life into chill-mode. With so many choices, we’re sharing our favorite unique places worthy to be called destination shade. We asked our teammates in Guest Engagement for their favorite cool and shady recommendations for hot summer days. The team knows nearly every shady niche in the Gardens and loves it when guests take the time to sit and reflect. Here are a few of the team’s choices for destination shade, and the scenes you’ll give a sitting ovation.
Above the Italian Water Garden in Peirce’s Woods
Shared by Guest Services Associate Steve Van Valin
“At the northeast corner of Peirce’s Woods beyond the Beech Grove, a curvy path disappears around the bend to reveal a special surprise,” shares Van Valin. The path ends with a bench set within a private cul-de-sac. The bench is backdropped by oak leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) and shaded by massive tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulipfera) and American holly (Ilex opaca). The trees that tower majestically overhead are so tall you can’t see the tops.”
This Peirce’s Woods bench sits in its own private cul-de-sac, serenaded by the soft whisper of the Italian Water Garden. Photo by Carol Gross.
“The scene from the bench frames a rare side view of the elegant Italian Water Garden. The soothing sounds of the fountains softly resonate within the hollow and add to the sensory experience. It’s your own private niche that feels completely off the grid and so uniquely Longwood.”
A rare, private view of the Italian Water Garden awaits. Photo by Carol Gross.
Peirce’s Park
Shared by Guest Engagement Supervisor Pat Scott and Guest Services Associate Mary Rittenhouse
The variety of benches throughout Peirce’s Park overlooking the Meadow Garden resonate with Guest Engagement Supervisor Pat Scott and Guest Services Associate Mary Rittenhouse.
“I find the best shade can be found along the northernmost mulch trail through Peirce's Park. Looking out at the Meadow Garden with the cool breeze and shade trees overhead? The best!” shares Scott. “One can look out at the flat emerald expanse of the Orchard lawn, framing the acres of the Meadow in the distance. There is no denying the solitude of the path, except for the chirping birds, chittering squirrels, and splashing Sylvan Fountain. Depending on the time, the sun will let you decide which bench is the shadiest.”
A particularly gorgeous view of our Orchard, as experienced from one of our many Peirce’s Park benches. Photo by Carol Gross.
“I especially like the benches along the north mulch path in Peirce’s Park, facing out toward the Meadow Garden,” shares Rittenhouse. “On a hot, summer day, I can shelter in the shade under towering hemlocks and tulip poplars with the sounds of birds and the Sylvan Fountain behind me, while I take in the breathtaking greens and blues of the sun-drenched lawn, meadow, and sky stretching out in front of me.”
Hourglass Lake Pavilion
Shared by Guest Engagement Lead Chris Fabiano
“The Hourglass Lake Pavilion is a wonderful place to relax in the shade,” shares Fabiano. “It overlooks Longwood's stunning 86-acre Meadow Garden, where you can view the picturesque landscape in its natural splendor. If you are a fan of observing native wildlife, you'll experience a host of beautiful butterflies, birds, and dazzling dragonflies! The juxtaposition of the deep protected shade of the pavilion against the relentless sunshine in the action-packed Meadow provides a dramatic contrast.”
Take in the sun-soaked expanse of the Meadow Garden from the shaded Hourglass Lake Pavilion. Photo by Carol Gross.
Chimes Tower Path
Shared by Tour Guide Michele Oakes
“Sometimes, a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty of Longwood is all we want on a hot, summer day. There is a perfect spot for such an activity on the picturesque path that traverses the Chimes Tower hillside,” shares Oakes. “A shady bench invites you to contemplate the hillside below filled with hundreds of hellebores and framed with a striking river birch (Betula nigra ‘Cully’). In fact, all the paths around the Chimes Tower offer some shady respite as well as some hidden floral treasures. Make sure to visit this area off the beaten path the next time you need a shady spot.”
One of our many shaded spots nestled throughout the Chimes Tower and Hillside Garden area. Photo by Becca Mathias.
The Grotto
Shared by Guest Engagement Lead Pat Sieber
“If you want extreme shade, then the cave-like atmosphere of the Grotto makes an ideal spot to chill out and enjoy a bit of tranquility. You forget you’re in a garden but it’s only steps away from the Conservatory District,” shares Sieber.
The Grotto offers a view—and shade—unlike any other spot in our Gardens. Photo by Cathy Matos.
“Enter through the historic loggia on the Main Fountain Garden facade to find the Grotto, a cavernous room formed from Avondale brownstone mica. Sit in a quiet corner to reflect and enjoy a brief respite while listening to the cascading water from the softly lit rain-curtain. Fortify your spirit by gazing upon the natural stone arches and rock wall crafted by local artisans before returning to the gardens which, for a moment, you forgot were there.”
Main Fountain Garden Allées
Shared by Tour Guide Dominika Savory
“When we think of benches in public spaces, we usually consider their simplest purpose— offering a place to sit and unwind. But how often do we pause to wonder where the view from a bench might transport us?” asks Savory. “What familiar or far-off places come to mind as we sit in stillness?”
“For me, any of the shady benches in the Main Fountain Garden instantly take me to Europe. The gentle sound of cascading water, the intricate stonework of the fountains, and the grandeur of the formal landscape all evoke the feeling of being somewhere far from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The thoughtful design and meticulous care of the garden create a setting that feels worlds away.”
A refreshing view from one of the many benches in the Main Fountain Garden. Photo by Carol Gross.
“When the bells of the Chimes Tower ring out, they deepen that European atmosphere. And as the sweet fragrance of the linden trees (Tilia cordata) drifts by, it brings a smile to my face—reminding me of carefree childhood summers and cherished memories.”
Chimes Tower Waterfall
Shared by Guest Services Associates Sylvie Atkinson and Elizabeth Henry
The chairs and bench at the bottom of the Pear-Shaped Basin near the Chimes Tower are regarded as a favorite shaded spot by many — including Guest Services Associates Sylvie Atkinson and Elizabeth Henry.
“There are few places you can call quintessential, but one such treasured spot is between the Chimes Tower and the waterfall,” shares Atkinson. “Sitting on the rocking chairs or the bench in the deep shade invites you to take in the full experience of the carillon. Imagine blending the melodies of the bells with the mesmerizing falling water, just as Pierre and Alice du Pont experienced it on their 1925 trip to France, which served as inspiration for what’s here today at Longwood.”
This shaded spot near the Chimes Tower Waterfall features its own, serene soundtrack. Photo by Carol Gross.
“There’s nothing like the sound of rushing water,” shares Henry. “Just entering the space is instant stress relief. You can feel yourself closing your eyes, taking a deep breath and just letting go. The natural air conditioning from the waterfall mist is a cooling, spa-like experience. You may never want to leave.”
Perennial Border in the Idea Garden
Shared by Guest Engagement Supervisor Kathy Buonanno and Guest Services Associate Rachael Ward
Everyone needs to experience the benches in deep shade at the end of the Perennial Border. It’s a favorite of Kathy Buonanno and Rachael Ward.
There’s always something new to see amid the shade in the Perennial Border. Photo by Carol Gross.
“Finding shade in the midst of the summer heat is one thing, but finding a spot that consistently welcomes a nice breeze is nothing short of a treasure,” shares Ward. “There is a little hideaway underneath the shade canopy of Katsura trees (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) nestled between the Perennial Border and the Ornamental Kitchen Garden. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and reflect on yourself and the beauty around you. You may even find companionship conversing with other guests or Longwood staff while the bronze sculpture of goats Chloe and Lucinda looks on in immortalized contentment.”
Chloe and Lucinda, a life-size bronze sculpture by André Harvey, graces the Idea Garden. Photo by Carol Gross.
“The beautifully sculpted goats were designed by local artist André Harvey, who is quoted as saying, ‘There’s something humbling about being alone with nature… those private moments when, surrounded by nature, we think of our own destinies’,” shares Buonanno. “We love when our guests do exactly that, and this special space is their open invitation to be captivated by the wonders of the Idea Garden.”
Under the Willow Oaks in the Idea Garden
Shared by Guest Engagement Supervisor Melanie Martin
“The Idea Garden is so appropriately named. It provides a full dose of creative stimuli for guests every time. The best place to absorb it all is under the majestic willow oaks (Quercus phellos) on perfectly positioned benches in the shade,” shares Martin.
Shaded seating options wait under the willow oaks in the Idea Garden. Photo by Carol Gross.
“The panorama is so diverse. To your right is the beautiful Ornamental Kitchen Garden with creative fashionings of bamboo trellises to ponder. On your left are countless numbers of rectangular beds—each containing their own unique vignette of plants with texture and color. And, looking straight ahead you’ll be amazed by the color palette explosion with annuals and innovative container compositions. Being able to sit down and take it all in lets you experience the creative art of ‘mind gardening’.”
Under the London-plane trees at the West Conservatory Plaza
Shared by Tour Guide Sandy Retzlaff
“From sunup to sundown there’s one special vista in the garden that has guaranteed destination shade,” shares Retzlaff. “If you venture far west into the Gardens beyond the new West Conservatory, then you’ll discover the breathtaking London Plane-tree grove of eight mature specimens (Platanus × hispanica) casting enormous swaths of shade on the grass knoll.”
Spectacular shade—and a spectacular view—can be found just west of the West Conservatory. Photo by Carol Gross.
“The seating here is truly modular. No matter the time of day, you can arrange the many soft-green metal chairs for shady conversations and a great view in all directions. Looking east, the dramatic structure of the West Conservatory is reflected softly in its large pools. In the opposite direction, the sunsets are often spectacular. The colors radiate across the adjacent meadow, creating golden sunshine and long shadows. The sanctuary under the trees has become a guest favorite and a community gathering of happy, cooled-off people.”
Experience this selection of favorited shaded sitting spots during your next visit to the Gardens; their locations can be found on this map.
With so many favorites to choose from, we hope you make shade your destination on your next visit—and find a new favorite of your own. Perhaps you too can experience being in the moment and slowing your world down. After all, we’re certain that shady scenes are good for the soul, and one of the many cool experiences waiting to be discovered at Longwood.
