Our scientific work lays the groundwork for discoveries that expand our understanding of the natural world and help perpetuate and celebrate its beauty for generations to come.
Our vision is to use our scientific expertise and strategic partnerships to sustainably cultivate, conserve, and steward our natural world.
Our science team consists of more than 50 individuals dedicated to advancing our work in the key areas of conservation horticulture and collections, floriculture production, land stewardship and ecology, and soils and composting. Our research efforts extend beyond our own inhouse state-of-the-art facilities to include field work in our region and with partners around the globe.
Our Expertise
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Orchid Conservation
Orchid Conservation
Our Conservation Horticulture program is making great strides in researching and discovering the horticultural requirements for orchids—both locally and globally.
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Greenhouses & Crop Production
Greenhouses & Crop Production
Longwood is known for growing plants in extraordinary ways to produce spectacular displays. This requires expertise in both the art and science of growing plants, relying on skilled professionals who have mastered horticultural techniques from around the world.
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Land Stewardship & Management
Land Stewardship & Management
We ensure the long-term health of the beautiful Brandywine Valley region by helping native diversity flourish and protecting, stewarding, and caring for our natural resources.
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Plant Exploration
Plant Exploration
We have traveled the globe with international and domestic partners to make new plant discoveries.
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Plant Trials
Plant Trials
Before being used in our displays, some plant specimens or seeds new to Longwood will undergo a rigorous review process to decide if they meet our quality standards.
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Recycling and Composting
Recycling and Composting
We are leaders in material circularity, creating high-quality soils and compost for our Gardens, from our Gardens.
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Current Research Projects
Current Research Projects
From plant breeding to trialing to propagation, our research programs and partnerships focus on not only enhancing the quality of our displays, but advancing horticultural science.
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Our Publications
Our Publications
Read about our scientific work that is changing and advancing horticultural science.