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

  • Garlic Chives

    Allium tuberosum

    Allium tuberosum, commonly known as garlic chives, is a hardy perennial herb in the onion family prized for its flat, grass-like leaves and mild garlicky flavor. Native to East Asia, it is widely used in Chinese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines, where both its leaves and edible white flower buds are valued. Unlike common chives, it blooms later in the summer and has a stronger, more savory taste. Easy to grow and attractive to pollinators, garlic chives also make a striking addition to herb gardens with their star-shaped blossoms and clumping growth habit. However, they can spread easily through self-seeding and underground rhizomes, so regular maintenance is recommended to keep them in check.

  • Bright red okra fruit on a green plant with a yellow flower.

    Okra

    Abelmoschus esculentus ′Carmine Splendor′

    Abelmoschus esculentus ‘Carmine Splendor’ is a striking hybrid okra variety prized for its deep red, glossy pods and vigorous growth. It matures in just over 50 days, and produces tender, flavorful pods best harvested when young, along with beautiful pink-tinged flowers that make it ornamental as well as edible. It thrives in full sun and warm climates, and is a favorite in home gardens for both its appearance and productivity. Okra has been a staple in many cultures, especially in African, Indian, and Southern U.S. cuisines, used in dishes like gumbo, curries, and stir-fries for its unique texture and thickening properties. ‘Carmine Splendor’ has all the attributes of traditional okra with the added visual appeal of richly colored pods! 

  • House Sparrow eating seeds off of a seed stalk

    Sweet Sorghum

    Sorghum bicolor 'Texicoa'
  • Yellow flower inflorescences of the Aster family

    Sunflower

    Helianthus 'Lemon Queen'
  • Green spherical or broad pear-shaped capsule fruits

    Balloon-vine; Love-in-a-puff

    Cardiospermum halicacabum
  • 12-foot-long spikes of fuzzy, lavender-white flowers enclosed in deep purple calyces, creating a two-toned effect.

    Salvia

    Salvia x 'Phyllis Fancy'
  • Two white roses and one insect

    Hybrid Tea Rose

    Rosa 'KORbatam' Winter Sun
  • A compact, disease-resistant climbing rose known for its continuously blooming, shell-pink flowers with a golden center and a fruity fragrance.

    Climbing Rose

    Rosa 'Radmor' Morning Magic
  • Dense clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late summer early fall.

    Heptacodium

    Heptacodium miconioides 'Minhep' Tianshan