Main Fountain Garden District

Aerial view of a large fountain garden to the upper right, a topiary garden at the top, and a lined flower bed garden at the bottom

The Main Fountain Garden District represents the culmination of founder Pierre S. du Pont’s vision for Longwood: the garden as grand theater. In addition to stunning European-inspired architecture and mesmerizing fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden, the Rose Garden stuns with four seasons of expression, in view of the expertly clipped Topiary Garden and its geometric shapes. To the east of the fountains, the Idea Garden echoes the orderly spirit of formal design with its Carpinus hedge and rectangular beds—defining a space that celebrates the creative process of gardening.

About This District

The classical gardens of this area have captivated guests for more than 90 years. Inspired by Pierre’s travels to Europe’s great water gardens and his seminal visits to several world’s fairs and expositions, the Main Fountain Garden highlights his lifelong passion for horticulture, engineering marvels, and the beauty of exceptional design.

Gardens in this District

  • Idea Garden
    A brick walkway with a wooden bench winds through green garden beds with fountains in the distance

    Idea Garden

    Horticultural inspiration comes closer to home in this inspired and beloved garden, where educational, experimental approaches to gardening and design are explored using plant varieties that can be reliably grown by home gardeners in the mid-Atlantic region.

  • Main Fountain Garden
    A large display of fountains shoots skyward above a stone facade, with green gardens and smaller fountains in the foreground.

    Main Fountain Garden

    Splendor awaits in this European-inspired, world-class destination: think classic garden design, extravagant theater, astounding choreography, a spectrum of color, musical accompaniment, and, on special occasions, fireworks!

  • Rose Garden
    A stone walkway leades to a small bench among garden beds of yellow, pink, and green plants with large water fountain streams seen in the background

    Rose Garden

    Striking colors, heady fragrances, and soft textures bud, bloom, and sway harmoniously from spring through fall, providing countless ways to celebrate the rose—and her many beautiful friends.

  • Topiary Garden
    A couple sits on the ground surrounded by shaped topiary with a child running in the distance during sunset

    Topiary Garden

    From playful bunnies to fanciful spirals, you’ll find more than 35 specimens of meticulously maintained, highly cultivated yews (as well as spirited games of hide and seek)  in our Topiary Garden.

What’s in Bloom

  • Daylily

    Hemerocallis ′Autumn Minaret′
  • Sweet Coneflower

    Rudbeckia subtomentosa ′Henry Eilers′
  • Great Lobelia

    Lobelia siphilitica
  • Mistflower

    Conoclinium coelestinum

    Mistflower is a vigorous grower, native to the eastern and central United States, which grows from rhizomes reaching a height of three feet.  It is found naturally growing in moist soils located in bogs, ravines, banks of streams and lakes, in low woods, floodplains, along roads, and in ditches. The best conditions for this plant are full sun with moist soils; however, it can tolerate some occasional drought. Blue-violet disc flowers are arranged in dense racemes. This plant attracts scores of butterflies and also makes good long-lasting cut flowers.

  • Gordlinia

    x Gordlinia grandiflora

    × Gordlinia grandiflora is a rare and striking hybrid flowering tree or large shrub, created by crossing two members of the tea family (Theaceae) - Franklinia alatamaha and Gordonia lasianthus. This intergeneric hybrid was developed in the southeastern United States to combine the best traits of its parent plants. It features large, fragrant, white camellia-like flowers with golden centers that bloom in late summer to early fall, often when few other trees are in flower. × Gordlinia grandiflora is valued for its fast growth, attractive glossy foliage, and extended blooming period. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and performs best in full sun to partial shade.

  • Racemes of purple pea-like flowers with pinnate compound leaves.
  • Purple flower inflorescences against green foliage

    Narrowleaf Ironweed

    Vernonia lettermannii
  • Large, cone-shaped flower clusters that transition from an elegant celadon lime green to creamy white, then pink, and finally burgundy as they mature.

    Panicle Hydrangea

    Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

    Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' is a well-known cultivar selected by Proven Winners for its reliable performance and striking blooms. Originally developed in the Netherlands, it features large, upright panicles of flowers that open a distinctive pale green in midsummer before gradually shifting to creamy white, pink, and rose tones as the season progresses. This deciduous shrub is adaptable to a variety of soil types and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Growing 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, 'Limelight' is appreciated for its strong stems, long bloom period, and suitability for both garden use and cut flower arrangements.

  • Orange-pink, multipetaled rose flower

    Floribunda Rose

    Rosa ′Harpageant′ Easy Does It™