The Main Fountain Garden underwent a massive restoration completed in 2017, installing over 1,700 jets and nozzles.
The garden's organ is one of the largest garden-based pipe organs ever constructed.
The site hosts a Research Department that focuses on plant breeding, invasive species management, and irrigation techniques.
Longwood manages an extensive collection of bonsai, some of which have been in training for over a century.
The Conservatory was built with a floor designed to be heated, allowing for tropical plant cultivation in a cold climate.
Longwood is home to a massive treehouse structure designed as an interactive architectural installation.
The property contains a historic Peirce’s Park, featuring trees planted as early as 1800 by the original landowners.
The gardens are maintained by a team of professional horticulturists, many of whom participate in a long-standing international internship program.
Longwood Gardens is a 1,100-acre botanical attraction located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, featuring a mix of formal gardens, meadows, and woodlands. The centerpiece is the Conservatory, a massive 4.5-acre building housing exotic plants, indoor water features, and seasonal floral displays. The grounds include an Italian Water Garden inspired by the Villa Gamberaia in Florence. Pierre S. du Pont purchased the property in 1906 to preserve the trees, subsequently expanding it into a public display garden. The site features an extensive system of fountains, including the Main Fountain Garden, which hosts choreographed shows with water, light, and music. The property includes a historic 1920s pipe organ with over 10,000 pipes located in the Ballroom. Beyond the formal gardens, the estate manages significant acreage dedicated to wildflower meadows and forest conservation. The landscape design incorporates various styles, including French, Italian, and English traditions.
The elevated view from the Conservatory overlooking the Main Fountain Garden.
Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes, as the paved and gravel paths span hundreds of acres.
Check the daily fountain show schedule upon arrival, as these events change based on the season and weather.
Bring a portable battery pack if you plan to take photos, as the large layout makes it difficult to recharge devices.
Trying to see every corner of the property in a single visit; focus on a specific sector like the Conservatory or the Main Fountains.
Timed tickets are typically required for entry, especially on weekends and during peak holiday seasons; check the official website for closure dates during major transition periods between seasonal displays.
Shirts and shoes are required at all times; professional photography requires advance authorization.
