Longwood Gardens’ Waterlily Court Returns After Three-year Hiatus May 9

Press Release

KENNETT SQUARE, PA –Longwood Gardens invites guests to experience a summer of shimmering beauty and unforgettable moments during its Festival of Fountains season, on view May 9 through September 28, 2025. At the heart of the season stands the long-awaited return of the newly restored Waterlily Court. 

On May 9, Longwood unveils the Waterlily Court following its thoughtful renovation as part of Longwood Reimagined, the Gardens’ most ambitious transformation in a century. More captivating than ever, its dark, reflective pools once again showcase elegant floating foliage and vivid blooms, including nearly 100 varieties of tropical and hardy waterlilies, towering aquatic cannas, and ethereal lotus. 

First opened in 1957 and redesigned in 1989 by renowned landscape architect Sir Peter Shepheard, the Waterlily Court has long served as a central gem outside of Longwood’s historic Main Conservatory. The Waterlily Court debuts a series of enhancements, including a graceful new covered arcade to the north and west, with the soaring West Conservatory visible just beyond.

“The Waterlily Court is one of Longwood’s most beloved spaces, cherished for its remarkable plant collection," says Paul B. Redman, President and CEO of Longwood Gardens. “Its return marks both a homecoming and a new chapter in our ongoing story of beauty, innovation, and global horticultural leadership.”

Longwood’s renowned waterlily and water platter collections reflect decades of horticultural excellence and collaboration. Among its jewels is the Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid’, a cross between Victoria cruziana and Victoria amazonica introduced in 1960. With its immense leaves and pineapple-scented blooms, this hybrid continues to captivate guests each summer. The Victoria platters will make their debut in the pools in late May when temperatures warm. Also making a splash this year is Nymphaea stuhlmannii, a rare yellow waterlily acquired during a recent Longwood plant exploration trip to Tanzania. Through Longwood’s research facilities and horticultural expertise, seeds of this waterlily will be carefully preserved and safeguarded in the Gardens’ conservation seedbank, ensuring its protection for generations to come.

The Waterlily Court remains in peak bloom through early October, weather permitting. 

Garden Wonders

Dive into a season of beauty as Longwood’s lush gardens overflow with brilliant summer blooms—from the bold color and scents of the Rose Garden to the radiant tones of Flower Garden Walk. Wander beneath the dappled canopy of Peirce’s Woods, where tall trees can be found along winding woodland paths. In the Meadow Garden, miles of trails cut through corridors of sunlit wildflowers and tall grasses. 

Outside of Longwood’s new 32,000 square-foot-glasshouse, the West Conservatory Plaza offers an unparalleled vantage point for taking in sweeping views—and breathtaking sunsets—of the Brandywine Valley’s natural lands. As the sun sets, the sky’s shifting hues of blush pink, golden yellow, and soft violet dance across the glass façade of the West Conservatory in a quiet, breathtaking display. 

Inside, the West Conservatory evokes a sense of calm and wonder with Mediterranean-inspired plantings and soothing water features. Fragrant Heliotrope arborescens ‘Aromagica Purple’ perfumes the air with its sweet floral scent, while night-blooming Nymphaea ‘Trudy Slocum’ waterlilies grace the interior pools. African lilies, Agapanthus africanus, add a sculptural element, and above, hanging baskets of white and purple trailing Lantana camera cascade gently. 

In May through mid-June, the Bonsai Courtyard features a captivating display of Satsuki azalea bonsai at the peak of their bloom. Known for their vibrant blossoms in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, these specimens embody the balance of beauty and discipline that defines the bonsai tradition. As the season unfolds, the Bonsai Courtyard welcomes a striking showcase of tropical bonsai, including Cassia fistula, Ficus macrocarpa, and a Bougainvillea glabra trained by noted bonsai photographer and artist, Joe Noga —each displaying graceful expressions of nature. 

Fireworks & Fountains Shows 

Longwood’s popular Fireworks & Fountains Shows return with six spectacular shows that fuse music, color, and water in brilliant spectacle. Each show pairs dazzling fireworks choreographed with fountains and music. Special Fireworks & Fountains tickets are required; prices range from $59-$79, with reduced pricing for Members and Innovators. This year’s lineup includes: 

•    Grand Fanfare, Thursday, July 3, 9:15 pm 
•    Brat Pack Soundtrack: Music from the 80s, Saturday, July 19, 9:15 pm
•    Boogie Wonderland: Earth Wind & Fire, Saturday, August 9, 9:15 pm
•    Reimagined Remixes, Sunday, August 31, 9:15 pm
•    Evening Masquerade, Saturday, September 13, 8:15 pm
•    Everybody Dance Now, Saturday, September 27, 8:15 pm 

For ticketing information and on sale dates, visit longwoodgardens.org.

Throughout the Festival of Fountains, Longwood’s popular Illuminated Fountain Performances will dance, soar, and delight in the Main Fountain Garden on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. 

Fountain Fest Weekends Offer Family Fun 

Fountain Fest Weekends feature themed fountain shows, special concessions, live entertainment, and more—all included with Gardens admission. Guests can climb to the top of the Chimes Tower for panoramic views of the gardens and Longwood’s 62-bell carillon. Fountain Fest Weekend themes include: 

• Enchanted Weekend, May 23-25, celebrating the music of Taylor Swift. 
• Once Upon a Dream Weekend, June 27-29, featuring favorite songs from animated movies.
• Dancing Queen Weekend, August 15-17, highlighting everything ABBA 

Garden Dining and Evenings in Bloom

Before the fountains soar, guests can enjoy live music from regional artists in the open-air Beer Garden Friday through Sunday. Savor elevated pub fare, seasonal dishes from The Café, or enjoy a refined dining experience in 1906, Longwood’s signature fine dining restaurant.

At 1906, an evolving seasonal menu celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase fresh ingredients sourced from Longwood’s Idea Garden and trusted local purveyors. Dinner service, offered Friday through Sunday, features an eclectic menu to enjoy accompanied by enchanting views of glowing fountains—framed perfectly through the restaurant’s elegantly arched windows. 

The Arts

Festival of Fountains also features acclaimed performances across music, dance, and theater throughout the Gardens. The Summer Performance Series kicks off with The Savoy Company’s performance of The Mikado on May 30 and 31, BalletX on June 5, and two-time Grammy award nominee Cody Fry on June 18.  

Presented in partnership with Voices Underground as part of their Chester County-wide commemoration of Juneteenth, enjoy an evening with stand-up comedian Preacher Lawson on Friday, June 20.

From July 23-26, The Brandywiners present the crowd-pleasing musical farce Something Rotten, a hilarious mash-up of 16th century Shakespeare and 21st century Broadway. On Wednesday, August 13, two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter Gregory Porter takes the stage with his bone-deep baritone voice, and stirring mix of jazz, soul, blues, and gospel music.  

On August 22, 23, and 24—just in time for the Beatlemania Fountain Fest Weekend—experience the energy of Britain’s Finest, a Beatles tribute band.

For a complete lineup and to purchase tickets, visit longwoodgardens.org.

Summer Classes & Events

Throughout the Festival of Fountains season, Longwood offers immersive events and classes that celebrate plants, art, and nature. From morning yoga to expert-led lectures and hands-on on workshops, each experience invites deeper connection with the natural world. Designed for those who seek inspiration through horticulture, art, and wellness, summer programs reflect the rich, immersive experiences found in nature.

Highlights include: 

Gentle Yoga and Meditation
Thursday, May 22
8:30–10:00 am
Fee: $59
Join instructor Alison Donley to begin the day bright and early with a gentle yoga and meditation practice in the Gardens that will leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and ready for the day ahead. All levels are welcome.

Wine Tasting: Rosé Around the World
Thursday, May 29
6:30–8:00 pm
Fee: $89
Learn about the history of rosé and different rosé varieties from around the world, while exploring (and tasting) how a wine’s region of origin can influence its style, production, and taste.

Succulent Vacation Terrarium
June 3 or 17
6:00–8:00 pm
Fee: $128
In this hands-on experience, design your own low-maintenance succulent terrarium—perfect for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their home with the peace of mind that it will thrive even when they are away on vacation.

Timeless Tussie-Mussie Workshop
Tuesday, June 3
5:00–8:00 pm
Fee: $69
Start with an introduction to scented plants and then continue with a magical hour-long stroll through Longwood’s scented gardens and conclude with a design session where you’ll craft two posy-scale bouquets, one to keep and one to give as a gift.

Hummingbirds: Habitat and Habits
Wednesday, June 4
6:00–7:00 pm
Fee: $39
Led by Longwood volunteer photographer and hummingbird enthusiast Hank Davis, take a fascinating look at the migration patterns and life cycle of this beloved bird, as well as which plants attract them.

Roses in the Garden Author Event and Book Signing
Thursday, June 12
6:30–8:30 pm
Fee: $39
Join Longwood Gardens and acclaimed photographer and author Ngoc Minh Ngo for an evening celebrating the beauty and extraordinary history of the rose.

Vines and Groundcovers
July 8-29
Fee: $169
Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Andrew Bunting shares his “best-of-the-best” species and cultivars of vines and groundcovers for the Mid-Atlantic region.

In Focus: Water Gardens 
July 31–August 6
Fee: $199
During this hands-on digital photography workshop, focus on Longwood’s abundant water features. An online introduction to composition and water shooting techniques is followed by a photography session in the Gardens. Afterward, reconvene online for review and light critique with your instructor and peers.

Hours & Admission 
Festival of Fountains hours are 10 am–6 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and 10 am–10 pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May 9 through August 31. From September 1 through September 28, Friday, Saturday, Sunday hours are 10 am-9 pm. The Gardens are closed on Tuesdays. Timed Admission Tickets required and should be purchased in advance. Timed Reservations required for Members Friday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to close.

Two-Day Passes are available Wednesdays through Sundays from May 9 through October 26. Enjoy 10 percent off the price of two tickets and discover everything Longwood has to offer over two consecutive days. 

Gardens By Day and Night tickets are available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 9 through October 26, 2025. For an additional $6 per ticket, guests can enjoy the flexibility of date-specific, un-timed entries, to explore the Gardens twice in one day. 

Visit Longwoodgardens.org/visit 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, 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.