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A Farmhouse, A Story
The Webb Farmhouse’s history spans a long time before Longwood Gardens existed, and the evolution of the land helps tell its story.
Moving, By the Book
Whether we’re transplanting our plant collections or moving our precious, one-of-kind library and archives (right down to our oldest book, dated 1635), we must practice a high level of care along the way.
The Tale of Bayard Taylor
There are many stories to be told about the lives of the residents of the Longwood Cemetery, located just outside of the Longwood Gardens entrance.
Home for the Holidays
Our Christmas display is one rooted not only in beauty, but also in a spirit of giving that has resonated here at Longwood for the last century … and, to us, that spirit can be warmly felt in each lovingly placed ornament to each impeccably grown flower showcased throughout this year’s display.
A Very Lucky Rabbit’s-Foot
This hard-to-miss green giant hangs in the center of the Tropical Terrace and measures a sprawling 9.5 feet in diameter.
Glorious Groves and Glades: Oak and Conifer Knoll
Towering, century-old trees, winding pathways, and hidden benches await guests any time of year in Oak and Conifer Knoll. It is an all-season destination with a rich history and serene beauty.
The Drama and Appeal of Our Theatre Garden
Designed by noted landscape architect Thomas Church, the Theatre Garden features drought-tolerant plants that can survive tough conditions … and gives a textural, star-studded performance each year during the summer’s heat and bright sunlight.
Our Evolving Rose Garden
When you return to visit us again, we hope you’ll make the Rose Garden one of your first stops … there is something new to see!
The Mystery of Longwood’s Iris Garden
Very little trace of this iris garden survives today (we don’t even know where it was located!), and only by delving deep into the archives are we able to piece together the story of this long-vanished garden.
Hungry for History: Our Carnivorous Collection
With their visual appeal and botanical interest, it is little wonder that carnivorous plants have long had a place on display in our Gardens.
Farewell to an Iconic Tree
This magnificent tree, thought to be nearly 200 years old, was the first tree at Longwood to be designated a state champion tree, meaning it was deemed the largest of its kind of Pennsylvania—and then went on to be deemed the largest in the nation.
Farewell to a Beloved Beech
Measuring about 90 feet in height, this particular copper beech is among those ordered in either 1928 or 1933 by Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont, as well as one of Longwood’s champion trees.
A Sea of Asters
While many cultivated plants in the Asteraceae are found throughout Longwood’s display gardens—from daisy-like gerbera and dahlias, summer favorites marigolds and zinnias, and fall’s spectacular asters and chrysanthemums—it’s in the Meadow Garden where you can truly appreciate the breadth of this plant family in a natural setting.
By Leaps and Bounds: Dance Under the Stars
BalletX will take the Open Air Theatre stage with an exemplary program inspired by the culture of Spanish Harlem, film noir, and street dance … a program worthy of the ages and perfect for the starry-skied setting of our Open Air Theatre.
A Tree with a Story to Tell
When it’s time to plant a tree at Longwood, I look to plant one with a story. … Our new sycamore originates from the incredibly massive tree just a few miles down the road at Brandywine Battlefield State Park in Chadds Ford.
Making Our Fountains Dance
Our imaginative fountain choreographers utilize cutting-edge technology and artistic finesse to create astonishing performances.
Designing Longwood’s Fireworks & Fountains Shows
When it comes to fireworks at Longwood, our legacy runs deep—or, rather, sky high.
Celebrating Our Founder, Fountains, and Flowing Water
In July 1906, Pierre S. du Pont purchased the rights to the historic Peirce’s Park and surrounding lands, thereby establishing Longwood Gardens. One hundred and eleven years after Mr. du Pont’s purchase, we commemorate this historic act with our Founder’s Day weekend of festivities.
A Flourish of Fountains
Longwood is home to the most significant fountain collection in North America and in June we celebrate all the fountains in our Gardens. From Pierre S. du Pont’s first single-jet fountain on the Flower Garden Walk to the 1,719-jet Main Fountain Garden, guests can learn more about Longwood’s fountains with tours and two new exhibits...
Maintaining Tradition: A Boxwood Story
The pinnacle of Pierre S. du Pont’s love for gardening is set to reopen next summer to the delight of thousands of eager guests. Meticulous planning went into the revitalization of the Main Fountain Garden, with much consideration given to preserving the legacy of Mr. du Pont and the property he purchased in 1906. In addition to saving the arboretum that the Peirce brothers started in 1798, Pierre became the steward of a large collection of boxwood that was planted among the trees leading to the Peirce home.