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
    Fountains shoot water high into the air during the day over carved white stone structure and green boxwoods

    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 grey stone foo dog sculpture sits in front green topiary covered in white snow

    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

  • Small, purple tipped flower petals fading to light blue with yellow centers

    Glory-of-the-snow

    Chionodoxa forbesii

    Chionodoxa forbesii is in its glory in late March to early April as its upward facing, sky blue flowers begin to appear. It should be placed in a partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Because it seeds freely, glory-of-the-snow, is an excellent choice for naturalizing. Reaching 6 inches these flowers are growing on Oak Knoll, in the Hillside Garden, outside the Peirce-du Pont House and under the beeches south of the Main Fountain Garden.

  • Border Forsythia

    Forsythia × intermedia ′Spring Glory′
  • Small tree with clusters of small yellow flowers along the limbs

    Cornelian-cherry

    Cornus mas