Longwood Gardens’ Spring Blooms on View March 27–May 3, 2026

Press Release

KENNETT SQUARE, PA – Spring returns in brilliant color at Longwood Gardens during Spring Blooms, on view March 27 through May 3. The season begins in late March with emerging blooms from hardy bulbs, crocus, and forsythia, followed by the arrival of soft pink cherry blossoms in early April. By mid-April, more than 150,000 tulips and other spring bulbs are expected to reach peak bloom along the iconic 600-foot-long Flower Garden Walk (weather permitting). Throughout the season, flowering magnolias and dogwoods paint the landscape with spring pastels for a breathtaking seasonal display. 

The season features extended hours to enjoy the beauty of spring on special “Tulip Tuesdays,” April 21, 28, and May 5, from 10 am –6 pm, and extended evening hours until 9 pm April 18, 19 ,24-26, and May 1-3.

Wander into Spring 

In Longwood’s Meadow Garden, Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), Carolina silverbell (Halesia carolina), and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) bloom in harmony with nature. Elsewhere, guests can stroll past whimsical topiaries, climb grand treehouses, and wander serene woodlands as spring quietly emerges.

“Spring is one of the most beautiful and fleeting seasons at Longwood Gardens,” says Dan Sekowski, associate director of outdoor landscapes. “Our horticulturists are exploring creative ways to showcase bulbs and other spring blooms, from naturalizing species tulips across a sweeping lawn in the Idea Garden to vibrant layered displays of color and texture. Each area presents a different idea that changes as the season progresses.”

In the Idea Garden, innovative plantings offer fresh inspiration and beautiful backdrops for spring. Experimental combinations, a sweeping bulb lawn, and vibrant containers filled with flowering bulbs create a dynamic landscape that evolves throughout the season. In the Hydrangea Room garden a sea of alliums and daffodils (narcissus) are interrupted by clusters of dark-leaved ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), towering eremus (Eremus), and snapdragons (Antirrhnum). 

Adding to the seasonal experience, Longwood’s fountains return in the Open Air Theatre beginning April 18, followed by the Italian Water Garden on April 25. The Main Fountain Garden shows return May 8. 

Spring Under Glass

Inside the Conservatories, spring unfolds in vibrant color and fragrance. In the West Conservatory, extraordinary plants captivate with bold forms, brilliant hues, and unexpected textures. Guests can see the striking variety of giant kangaroo-paws (Anigozanthos) and the dramatic blooms of Tower-of-Jewels (Echium wildpretii). Delicate South African bulbs, including Cape Cowslip (Lachenalia) add moments of botanical beauty. Colorful new additions to the West Conservatory this season include stock Matthiola  (Mathiola ‘Katz Apricot’), Wart-stemmed Pincushion (Leucospermum ‘Goldie’), and foxglove (Digiplexis ‘Illumination Flame’).

Inside the East and Main Conservatories, springs’ classic fragrances fill the air as freesia (Freesia) and campanula (Campanula) bloom. Hanging baskets of honeybells (Hermannia pinnata)  perfume the space, while hydrangeas (Hydrangea) and foxgloves (Digitalis), bring vibrant color to walkways and displays above. Timeless fuchsia (Fuchsia) varieties such as ‘Mrs. Marshall’ and 'Traudchen Bonstedt' grace walkways, while cascading baskets of ‘Lord Beaconsfield’ draw the eye upward. 

Bonsai in Bloom

Outside of Longwood’s spectacular conservatories, spring unfolds. The Bonsai Courtyard displays a masterful selection of 50-60 deciduous trees leafing out in perfect scale and proportion alongside flowering cherry trees. From the end of March through April 27, a vibrant selection of blooming Kurume azalea bonsai will be on display.

Seasonal Flavors at 1906

After exploring the gardens, guests can extend the experience with seasonal dining at 1906, Longwood’s signature restaurant. At 1906, beautifully crafted dishes celebrate the flavors of the season. Guests can enjoy an elegant lunch when the Gardens are open, along with spring dinner service during extended hours Friday through Sunday evenings beginning April 18. 

Reservations are required and can be made at longwoodgardens.org/dine. 

On Thursday, April 23, there will be a special Duckhorn Vineyards 50th Anniversary Wine Dinner. The experience begins with a cocktail reception of small bites and featured wines. Following special remarks and insights from P.J. Alviso, Vice President of Winegrowing at Duckhorn, the evening includes a beautifully curated four-course menu from Longwood’s culinary team that’s thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from the Duckhorn portfolio.

Spring Learning and Performances  

The season of growth also brings new programs and learning opportunities from classes for gardening enthusiasts, to lectures, interesting reads, and more. See all events and programs at longwoodgardens.org. 

Fresh Floral Bulb Wreath     
Saturday, April 18, 2026 
2:00–4:00 pm
Fee: $179
Create a gorgeous spring bulb wreath that celebrates the energy and renewal of the season. Using moss as a base, build out your design with spring bulbs and festive embellishments such as faux flowering branches and dried elements. Along the way focus on balance, texture, and seasonal color while exploring wreath-making techniques.

Spring Foraging
Saturday, April 18, 2026
1:30–4:00 pm
Fee: $75
Join wild foods author Debbie Naha-Koretzky (also called ‘The Wild Edibles Lady’) to learn about the edible plants of our area. Naha-Koretzky will cover plant identification, safety, look-alike plants, sustainable harvesting, nature appreciation, nutrition, and cooking with wild plants.     

Springtime Sound Bathing
Thursday, April 23, 2026
8:30–10:00 am
Fee: $59     
Begin your day in a unique and transformative way—with a deeply restorative sound bath experience in a serene garden setting.
As you lie back and unwind, you’ll be gently guided into the present moment through breathwork and the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes. This immersive experience is designed to calm the mind, relax the body, and awaken the senses. After the session, enjoy the Gardens at your leisure, as registration for this experience includes all-day Gardens Admission.

Damin Spritzer
Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Reserved Seating: $35
Enjoy an evening of works by J.S. Bach, Charles Tournemire, and Searle Wright, and transcriptions of works by Beethoven and Debussy performed by Dr. Damin Spritzer. Area Chair and Associate Professor of Organ at the University of Oklahoma, Interim Director of Music and Organist for St. Thomas More University Parish in Norman, and Artist-in-Residence for Cathedral Arts at the Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew in Dallas, Spritzer is the first American and the first woman to record at historic Hereford Cathedral on the landmark Fr. Willis organ.

Decorative Floral Design
Saturdays, April 25–May 23, 2026
1:30–4:30 pm
Fee: $549
Step into the technical side of floral arrangements during this hands-on course designed to grow your understanding of five different decorative design styles: Mass Design; Design in Sand—a Banded Dish; Floral Topiary; Dutch Garden—All-around Parallel Design; and Cascade Design. 
Explore the elements and principles of design and how they apply to the five designs covered; the characteristics and techniques that are necessary to complete each design; and which plant materials are suitable for each.

Science Series 
Learn more about Longwood’s scientific work throughout the year during the monthly Science Series, featuring Longwood staff. The informative talks are free with Gardens Admission. 

The Stories Behind our Plants
Sunday, April 19, 2026 
1:00 pm
Every plant has a story to tell—from its discovery in the wild to the research, trials, and care that allow it to thrive in the garden. Join Longwood Research Specialist Caroline Kim for an insightful look at remarkable plants now flourishing in Longwood's displays that began as research projects or exploration discoveries. Through their stories, discover how curiosity, collaboration, and experimentation transform promising seedlings into horticultural showpieces. From trial beds to display-ready collections, see how the legacy of plant discovery continues to bring new beauty, diversity, and inspiration to our Gardens.
Advance registration required. Free with Gardens Admission. 

Hours & Admission

The Gardens are open Wednesday-Monday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from March 27 through April 17. From April 18 through May 7, the Gardens are open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am through 6:00 pm, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Although typically closed on Tuesdays, the Gardens will be open on April 21, 28, and May 5 to allow guests additional opportunities to enjoy Spring Blooms. Timed admission tickets are required, and Members require timed reservations every day throughout Spring Blooms. Tickets and reservations are available now at longwoodgardens.org.  

Visiting Longwood Gardens

General admission tickets for Spring Blooms are $35 for adults, $31 for seniors (ages 65+), $26 for Active US Military & Veteran (with valid ID), $20 for Youth (ages 5 to 15). Children ages four and under are free. Visit longwoodgardens.org for more information.

About Longwood Gardens

In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, welcoming 1.6 million guests annually and encompassing 1,100 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and grand conservatory. Expanding on its commitment to conservation, in 2024 Longwood Gardens acquired the 505-acre Longwood at Granogue, a cultural landscape in nearby Wilmington, Delaware. Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Open daily, Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.