The Peirce’s Trees Collection includes trees originally found in Peirce’s Park when Pierre S. du Pont purchased Longwood Gardens, trees found in or near Peirce’s Park that can be accurately dated to the time of the Peirce Family, and trees cultivated in the Philadelphia region during the Victorian and Federal eras.
In 1798, Samuel and Joshua Peirce began planting an arboretum that eventually covered 15 acres. The collection included specimens from up and down the Eastern seaboard and overseas. As the first of its kind, this collection achieved Plant Collections Network accreditation from the American Public Gardens Association in 2017. The collection fulfills heritage, display, educational, germplasm preservation, and conservation functions.
Curators: Tony Aiello, MS, & Kari Getchonis
Featured Gardens
-
Peirce’s Park
Garden
Peirce’s Park
Home to two notable allées of stately and spectacular trees, this area is where Longwood’s story begins. Enjoy woodland wildflowers and soaring tree specimens, many of which are more than 100 years old.
-
Peirce’s Woods
Garden
Peirce’s Woods
This award-winning woodland garden, designed by W.Gary Smith, showcases mighty oaks, ashes, maples, and tulip-trees that tower over 200 species of native plants and cultivars, offering seasonal interest from spring through fall.
