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A Farmhouse, A Story
a stone farmhouse with red shutters and a large tree behind it

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.

By Madison Thibodeau, on October 6, 2021
Moving, By the Book
a row of books in various sizes and colors placed on a library shelf

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.

By Gillian Hayward, on July 21, 2021
The Tale of Bayard Taylor
a scanned photograph of a large victorian home surrounded by evergreen trees

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.

By Gillian Hayward, on March 31, 2021
Home for the Holidays
a pink tricycle with a green bowl on it and wrapped presents in the background

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.

By Gillian Hayward, on December 23, 2020
A Very Lucky Rabbit’s-Foot
a large hanging fern basket suspends from the ceiling of a greenhouse

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.

By Gillian Hayward, on September 2, 2020
Glorious Groves and Glades: Oak and Conifer Knoll
landscape of knoll trees with a bench in spring

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.

By Gillian Hayward, on July 22, 2020
The Drama and Appeal of Our Theatre Garden
garden path on a misty day

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.

By Gillian Hayward, on July 1, 2020
Our Evolving Rose Garden
plants in black containers on a bed of soil

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!

By Judy Stevenson, on June 22, 2020
The Mystery of Longwood’s Iris Garden

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.

By Judy Stevenson, on May 27, 2020
Hungry for History: Our Carnivorous Collection
close up image of a carnivorous plant

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.

By Gillian Hayward, on May 14, 2020
Farewell to an Iconic Tree

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.

By Katie Mobley, on May 11, 2020
Farewell to a Beloved Beech
branch with bright orange and red leaves

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.

By Katie Mobley, on December 3, 2019
A Sea of Asters
a field of flowers

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 Mary Jane Pahls, on August 9, 2019
By Leaps and Bounds: Dance Under the Stars

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.

By Colvin Randall with Katie Mobley, on June 4, 2019
A Tree with a Story to Tell
young sycamore plants in pots

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.

By Scott Wade, on May 17, 2019
Making Our Fountains Dance

Making Our Fountains Dance

Our imaginative fountain choreographers utilize cutting-edge technology and artistic finesse to create astonishing performances.

By Katie Mobley, on August 17, 2018
Designing Longwood’s Fireworks & Fountains Shows
landscape image of the Main Fountain Garden performance with fireworks above

Designing Longwood’s Fireworks & Fountains Shows

When it comes to fireworks at Longwood, our legacy runs deep—or, rather, sky high.

By Katie Mobley, on July 16, 2018
Celebrating Our Founder, Fountains, and Flowing Water

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.

By Jennifer Fazekas, on July 7, 2017
A Flourish of Fountains

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...

By Lynn Schuessler, on June 9, 2017
Maintaining Tradition: A Boxwood Story
An old photograph of the Main Fountain Garden from 1950

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.

By Shem Ruszczyk, on September 16, 2016