#LongwoodLove

Since 1906, our Gardens have been a source of joy, a place of community, and a way to connect with one another through shared experiences. We are honored to be a part of so many of your memories … memories that we are excited to highlight through our new #LongwoodLove initiative.

Through the years, our Members have built a community and through #LongwoodLove we hope to connect with one another more deeply. As a Member, we encourage you to share your Longwood memories with us, as well as explore the stories of others.

This photo is of my mother, Dolores, and my sister, Robin, and brother, Jeff. It is from 1965. I am the one in the stroller at 1-year old. I have been coming here with my family since then. My fondest memory as a toddler and youngster is Christmas. We lived in Delaware and the trek to Longwood was an adventure for us. We didn't have much, but at Christmas, we would drive all the way to Longwood Gardens and drive through the parking lot to see the "honey bee hive trees" decorated with lights. These were trees with the old "Noma" lights wrapped is a horizontal spiral pattern and looked like a honey bee hive at night. We would drive the perimeter of the parking lot and then go home. It was a highlight of Christmas. Since then, I am now 56 and have moved to Kennett Square six minutes from Longwood and am a Member. Glad to have it open again to enjoy its beauty. Thank you! ~Keith H.

Longwood Gardens has been the site of family memories since I was 12 years old. My parents would take me and my three younger siblings to Longwood to see the fountains. We were so excited to be up past bedtime and watching the main fountain show. We would run around on the grass, playing, and then we would sit on blankets for the show.

Longwood became my happy place once I became a mother. My daughter and I would wander through the wonders in spring, summer, fall and always for Christmas. My husband even comes at Christmas now because he knows how special the lights are me. 

As my daughter grew, it became a special place for my Mom, my daughter and me to visit together. Our son-in-law proposed to our daughter during the Valentine Gala in February 2010, and he knew early on how special the place is to us.

In September 2013, our daughter was due with her first child. My mom and I asked if she would like to walk the gardens and she agreed. We walked for hours and then ended the evening watching the show at the Main Fountain Show. During the Sousa, the baby began kicking up a storm. Alexis went into labor that night and our grandson was born the next day. 

Since then, another grandson and another lover of Longwood. Needless to say, we are missing Longwood, but we are safe and healthy. My mom, my daughter and I visit every September to commemorate the visit that walked our grandson out. ~Lynn M.

person smelling a yellow flower

My daughter Ashley has Down syndrome and has very little speech so it hard for her to do many things She and I love to go to the gardens especially in the spring and summer. It brings us joy as we share the beauty together! ~Mary S.

I have so many family memories at Longwood Gardens that I wouldn’t be able to talk about all of them in one sitting. Christmas was the start of our adventures at Longwood Gardens and we’ve been coming for orchids in March, tulips in spring and for the summer children’s gardens. My children (now adults in college) now have a deep love for plants and flowers as it is a hobby. I grow orchids, my son is growing fruits and veggies and my daughter loves and grow succulents. The photo is particularly special because both of my daughters are with me. It makes me so happy because I’m missing them so much right now. Thank you Longwood Gardens for being a precious part of my family memories. ~Angela D.

green grass with fountains in background

I've been enjoying Longwood for 50 years - so many memories! Some highlights: I was fascinated by the Eye of Water, loved visiting the Chime Tower and the waterfall, had fun cooling off in Peirce's Wood, enjoyed the walk through the Conservatory no matter what time of year (each room was a different world), searched for the metal herons in the Exhibition Hall Pool and bananas in the Banana House, was impressed by the Topiary Garden (I remember being the only kid I knew who knew what topiary was!), attended a show in the Open Air Theater and fell in love with the Italian Water Garden. In later years, I moved into a house with some friends, and found out that they had been enjoying the Gardens for years as well. Now we all have memberships and make frequent trips. It's been fun revisiting all my favorites. And now I have a whole new set of memories to enjoy, like exploring the Meadow, walking around the new Main Fountain Garden, discovering the Grotto and the Pump Room, visiting Nelson Treehouse's treehouses and finally getting to walk around inside my favorite outdoor garden - the Italian Water Garden - on a behind the scenes tour. The picture is from that tour. And I have to close by thanking you for finding new and creative ways to keep us all part of the Gardens at this time. I love scrolling through social media and seeing all the lovely pictures and videos from you. I can't wait to get back! ~Karen K.

4 people standing in a garden in front of fountains

This picture was taken July 1995. Four generations in front of the Italian Water Garden. ~Sandra H. 

2 people in white shirts smiling at the camera

My Mom’s birthday was on September 13 in honor of her we were requested by my sister and my niece to give her the gift of time. I asked her if she would like to take a ride and see the leaves, they had just started in Western Pa.. She asked where would you like to go and I suggested Pa..she replied with “let’s go to Longwood Gardens.” I grew up in a family business so we weren’t able to travel a lot together as one of us would stay and run the business so this was a special time for me . Over the years my Mom has frequented the Gardens with her friend Cheryl her fiancée Bud as well as other family members. We would drive to Pa. every summer in August to visit my Aunt Margaret and she would share her slides from Longwood Gardens. My first experience to visit with my Mom was this past October what a beautiful and breathtaking experience! My Mom was the tour guide and she didn’t need the map she navigated us through quite well like a professional! I can’t wait to go back for the Christmas lights, decorations and flower presentation. She will be receiving a Membership gift for Christmas! So happy I finally was able to visit! ~Babette B.

pink, cup-shaped flowers

My family joined Longwood Gardens when my children were very young. I wanted them to experience the year round beauty of this magical place. In the winter time we would come often because the children could come into the conservatory, take off their winter hats, gloves and coats and it was like a like being on vacation in a tropical island! They loved the children's gardens and seeing familiar and new displays especially at Christmas time. My daughter's favorite flowers are orchids and so we spent a great deal of time in that room. The enormous lily pads in the outside gardens were a fascination along with the fountain displays. The train display at the holidays transfixed my son. Over the years as they have grown up, moved away, and moved back again, but Longwood is always part of our coming together celebrations. We have enjoyed how the gardens have grown and changed over the years. The special lunches in the dining room have provided great memories. We even bought a kit of small clay pots in the Longwood Gift Shop so we could make the much loved potted bread at home! When you feel physically and emotionally transported by such an amazing place it becomes part of you and now part of our family. ~Jan Z.

Fountains shoot into the air from a stage during a daytime fountain show

Our family moved from the Chicago area to the Lehigh Valley in 1995 and that December, my parents came out to visit. I was so missing the special places our family always visited every Christmas in Chicago and wondered what I could do to make Mom's and Dad's stay special. I had heard of Longwood Gardens, so one day while the kids were in school and my husband at work, I took my parents to Longwood. We arrived late afternoon , toured the Conservatory, and stayed for an early dinner while watching the lights come on. Dad was a wheelchair, but everything was so accessible and we had a great visit - my musician father especially enjoyed the dancing fountains. When I got home, I told my husband and sons, I've found our new special place for Christmas - you guys won't believe Longwood Gardens! ~Cynthia S.

A bright orange clivia blooms among green leaves

My girlfriend and I had our first date and our first kiss at Longwood Gardens.  It was a magical day that I will never forget.  We have since become members and celebrate our anniversary every year with a visit.  Thank you Longwood for playing a part in our love story. ~Elaine W.

purple flowers close up

Since I was a kid, Longwood has been like a second home for me. There's always something new to explore in the gardens, which makes it the perfect place for me to hone my skills as a (very) amateur, phone camera only, photographer. This year's spring blooms were so bright and cheery, especially up close! ~Alison S.

photo collage of a family

It really wasn't Christmas until it was Longwood. After weeks of holiday preparation and expectation, the Big Night finally arrived. After early church, we made our annual visit to the grounds and of course to the organ sing-a-long. We then went to The Chairs. The Chairs were three chairs in the Conservatory that the three kids would sit in each year to have their Christmas Eve picture snapped. At first, there were two kids, then three. And soon, too soon, they weren't toddlers anymore, but elementary schoolers, then middle school, high school, and before you know it they're coming home from college. And they always found their way to those three chairs, on the same night, for almost thirty years. Life is a lot of events and some of that stuff separates us from those we love. And you try to smile at the empty seat for the one that couldn't, after three decades, be there. For the first time, someone is missing. Then just one makes the trip home, and then none. Our Longwood tradition was a long and wonderful one; we had great times, and even have the pictures to prove it. Thanks, Longwood. Thanks for being part of our family and our joy. ~Chris S.

In January ,2013, when I was age 61 and my now partner was 71, our first date was at Longwood Gardens. It was the first time we met face to face, held hands, had lunch and had our first kiss. For us Senior Citizens, it is a lovely first date. I have been a member since around 1995. I try and come each season. Last year I was in the hospital for a month and I missed my favorite-Christmas and the Winter orchids. This year I attended Christmas twice bringing up new visitors. That day in January 2013 that I met my partner Bruce is forever in my memory. I am excited about the upcoming new gardens and changes. Although we are now age 69 and 79, we look forward to our times at our favorite place-Longwood Gardens! ~Bonnie K.

person in a wheelchair with flowers behind them

I grew up being able to visit Longwood Gardens. My grandfather's brother-in-law helped with much of the stonework throughout the gardens and properties. My daughter enjoyed being able to navigate her wheelchair easily throughout the gardens and loved attending the programs presented. Her favorite happened to be the performance by the Korean Drum Troupe. My favorite spot has always been the eye of water and listening to the chimes of the bell tower. Thank you for your continued efforts to maintain such "a family treasure." ~Peggy W.

The Meadow has always been a place of solitude and self-reflection during my long walks. I was drawn to these butterflies which reminded me of my three sons who grew up enjoying the beauty of Longwood Gardens. They recently sent a video thanking me for encouraging them to pursue their passions and dreams which lead them to Los Angeles and Montreal ... so far from Kennett Square. I miss them very much, but am grateful that they have learned to fly with courage and self-confidence. ~ Kathy H. 

Back in the days of 1968-1971 we were living in Chadds Ford. My folks used to have friends and relatives come visit and they would all go to Longwood Gardens. As always, I was asked to join them but what did a high school boy want to do with a bunch of adults walking around gardens? I'd rather stay home and watch football or go out and hang out with my friends. Fast forward to the 90's and I come back an visit and decide to go see what this Longwood place was all about. Well, needless to say, I was happily surprised. Anytime that I came back up this way with friends or a relationship we would go to Longwood. Back in 2016, I moved back to the general area at the ripe age of 63. With camera in hand and a great knowledge of photography, I have been a Longwood member going on my 5th year and thanks to the wonders of Longwood, I managed to see a photographic opportunity 3 years ago that won a first place finish with a Lancaster PA magazine. I now go back every season, seeking the wonderment of the season and and the bountiful photo opportunities that the gardens offer. ~Joseph G.

people walking in outdoor gardens

We moved to the Kennett Square/Unionville area in 1986 and had our children in the early 90s. There were no parks in the area at that time, and Longwood Gardens became our “park”. Our children experienced the wonders of Longwood from the time they were little, and we have many fond memories of exploring the original Children’s Garden. My children wanted me to follow them thru the Children’s garden, and I wondered whether I would fit under some of the very low arches. We quickly learned to bring raincoats every time we came – rain or shine – because our children had way too much fun splashing in the children’s fountains. We also visited one snowy Christmas Eve. It was before Longwood Gardens started advertising, so there were few visitors that evening. The snow dancing off the colorful lights was absolutely magical, and the near-solitude felt like it was our own special place. Several years later, one of the summer Fireworks & Fountains events featured a Big Bands theme. My elderly mother was in the early stages of dementia, but she reveled in the memories rejuvenated by the many Big Band songs. Longwood Gardens has always been a magical, special places for us. ~Barbara S.

a small pond surrounded by large green trees, a waterfall, and a stone tower in the distance

We brought our children to Longwood for the first time this past month. A few days after the trip my girls called me to come see what they had built out of Duplo Lego's. After observing their creation and a few hints from them I realized they had built their favorite parts of Longwood. It was the first time they tried to recreate a place they had been with Legos. I wish I had a picture but sadly the toddler destroyed it before I could snap one. Now when my 5 year old plays Lego she usually plays "Longwood". ~Carrie J.

indoor christmas tree with white and red lights

Many people have some place where he or she would like to go and view a beautiful Christmas display. A drive through the neighborhood, a relatives house or even a store. The colors, light arrangements and ornaments become mesmerizing . Some go back to that memory as a child where you and your mom or family decorated your first tree before you go to sleep and wake up to your gifts. The Longwood television commercials just tweaked our imagination by displaying the beautiful decorations, and lights. My wife and I were blessed to spend time in the Gardens and gaze at the most beautiful displays we have ever seen. ~LaMar R.

bugs on sunflowers in a meadow

Longwood has been a favorite place to visit for me since the 1970's when the admission was free! The gardens always refresh us and bring a calmness when the world is tilting in strange ways everywhere else. Attached is a September photo that shows that even the bugs enjoy the Gardens and the meadows. ~Kathy B.

person in a yellow coat smiling for the camera

I have many fond memories of visiting Longwood with my Mom. My Mom was a member for many years, and introduced me to the beauty of Longwood Gardens. My Mom had many physical limitations; but felt free to explore the gardens, using one of your available scooters. They went fast! I think she used to have fun making me run to catch up to her 😊 Sadly, my dear Mom Alice passed away April 12, 2019. I continued with my own membership. I did not want to give up visiting the place Mom and I enjoyed so much. When I walk the grounds; I feel she is still by my side. Now however, she has no need for a scooter. She walks with me, enjoying the beauty and peacefulness that is Longwood Gardens. ~Beth E.

Tell us your story and you'll receive a special Longwood sticker. We can't wait to share the love!