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

  • Tree with green leaves and white flowers.

    Japanese Flowering Dogwood

    Cornus kousa

    Cornus kousa, commonly known as Japanese flowering dogwood, is native to eastern Asia. This tree delights in all four seasons. In late spring, after the foliage has emerged, it has an abundance of creamy white bracts which are long lasting.  Flowers are followed by bright, red fruit that is a compound berry about one inch in diameter and resembles a raspberry.  These fruits are edible and a sweet and delicious addition to the tree's ornamental value.  The deep red fall foliage and the stunning exfoliated bark give fall and winter interest.  Cornus kousa is slower growing and later blooming than other dogwood trees. With age it reaches 30 feet high and can look quite stately.

  • Small blue star-shaped flowers on two foot plant with narrow leaves

    Arkansas Amsonia

    Amsonia hubrichtii

    Amsonia hubrichtii was named  “Perennial Plant of the Year” by the Perennial Plant Association in 2011. This species is truly distinctive and extraordinary, with clusters of powder-blue flowers in April and May. It grows to a height and width of 2 to 3 feet. In the fall, its golden-orange color rivals the best trees and shrubs. This clump-forming herbaceous perennial prefers full sun to partial shade and is native to the central and northeastern United States. Additionally, it is deer and disease resistant.

  • Hairy Lilac

    Syringa pubescens ssp. patula ′Miss Kim′
  • Vibrant semi-double coral-peach colored flowers that gradually fade to softer shades of apricot and cream as they age.

    Hybrid Herbaceous Peony

    Paeonia ′Coral Sunset′

    Paeonia 'Coral Sunset' is known for its splendid color transformation. The blooms open in a vibrant coral-peach tone and gradually fade to softer shades of apricot and cream as they age.  This variety is among the earlier herbaceous peonies to bloom in late spring to early summer, making it a great choice for extending the peony flowering season in your garden. 'Coral Sunset' has received the American Peony Society Gold Medal, a testament to its exceptional beauty, and garden performance.

  • A hardy, aromatic perennial known for its soft, gray-green foliage and abundant spikes of small, tubular flowers, typically in shades of lavender-blue. red and orange bracts against green leaves.

    Blue Catmint

    Nepeta racemosa ′Walker's Low'
  • Golden-star

    Chrysogonum virginianum
  • Small, button-shaped blue flower

    Bachelor's-button

    Centaurea cyanus
  • A plant with bright purple and leaves

    Bitter Pea-vine

    Lathyrus vernus
  • Small purple flower with rounded petals and a small yellow center.

    Cranesbill

    Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan’s Variety'
  • Wild-indigo

    Baptisia sphaerocarpa ′Screamin′ Yellow