Blue Dasher
ParkPennsylvania, US
Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is one of the world's premier horticultural display gardens.
About
Longwood Gardens is one of the world's premier horticultural display gardens.
Nestled in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens spans over 1,100 acres, offering a breathtaking blend of horticultural splendor, architectural grandeur, and intricate fountain systems. This renowned destination attracts millions annually, showcasing a diverse collection of native and exotic plants across its extensive indoor and outdoor displays, making it a truly special experience year-round.
The gardens boast a spectacular array of features, including the sprawling Conservatory District with its 4.5 acres of indoor gardens, featuring the Historic Main Conservatory, a stunning Orchid House with 5,000 orchids, and the newly expanded West Conservatory inspired by Mediterranean landscapes. Outdoors, visitors can marvel at the iconic Main Fountain Garden, where over 1,700 jets choreograph water to music, often reaching heights of 175 feet. Explore the tranquil 86-acre Meadow Garden showcasing native plantings, the vibrant Flower Garden Walk, the historic Peirce's Park, and enchanting treehouses like the Lookout Loft.
Longwood Gardens is a captivating escape, constantly evolving with the seasons to offer unique experiences, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the spectacular holiday lights of "A Longwood Christmas." Its commitment to conservation, education, and the harmonious blend of art and science makes every visit memorable, whether you're enjoying a dazzling fountain show, exploring diverse plant collections, or simply finding serenity amidst its beautiful landscapes. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
The land that is now Longwood Gardens has a rich history dating back thousands of years to the native Lenni Lenape tribe, who fished and hunted its forests. In 1700, Quaker farmer George Peirce purchased 402 acres of this land from William Penn's commissioners. His son, Joshua Peirce, built the brick farmhouse that still stands today in 1730. The property began its transformation into a botanical haven in 1798 when George's twin great-grandsons, Samuel and Joshua Peirce, established an arboretum known as "Peirce's Park." By the mid-19th century, it was celebrated for one of the nation's finest tree collections. However, by the early 1900s, the arboretum faced neglect and the threat of logging. In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont intervened, purchasing the property primarily to preserve its historic trees. This act initiated his lifelong passion project, leading to the development of extensive gardens, conservatories (with the largest opening in 1921), and elaborate fountain systems, ultimately transforming it into the public garden known today. After his death in 1954, the Longwood Foundation, established by du Pont in 1937, continued to steward the gardens, focusing on education and scientific research.
What to do here
Walk through the extensive indoor and outdoor gardens, witness the grand fountain performances, attend seasonal events and special exhibitions, dine at the 1906 restaurant or the more casual Cafe/Beer Garden, explore the historic Peirce-du Pont House, and relax in the various garden rooms.
Seasonal info
Winter (Jan-March): Escape the cold in the warm conservatories showcasing camellias, orchids, and primroses, while outdoor areas feature witch hazel and winter grasses.
Spring (March-May): The gardens burst into life with vibrant "Spring Blooms" featuring magnolias, dogwoods, and over 150,000 tulips along the Flower Garden Walk. Fountain shows begin in April and May.
Summer (May-October): The "Festival of Fountains" is in full swing, with roses, water lilies, and tropical foliage dominating the outdoor displays. Enjoy spectacular daytime, illuminated, and fireworks fountain shows, along with live music in the Beer Garden.
Autumn (October-November): Experience "Autumn's Colors" with stunning fall foliage, especially in the Meadow Garden and around the treehouses, culminating in the vibrant Chrysanthemum Festival.
Holiday (November-January): "A Longwood Christmas" transforms the gardens with millions of twinkling lights, festive plant displays, and holiday-themed attractions like the festive outdoor railway.
Accessibility
Longwood Gardens is highly accessible. Most garden paths are wide and paved, making them suitable for wheelchairs and electric scooters. Complimentary wheelchairs and for-rent electric scooters and strollers are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center. Accessible parking and passenger drop-off areas are provided. Elevators are available in key areas like the Main Fountain Garden Overlook, Conservatory, and The Terrace. The Lookout Loft Treehouse is also accessible. ASL interpretation and amplified listening devices can be arranged for guided tours with advance notice.
Don't miss
1
Main Fountain Garden
Features elaborate daytime and illuminated performances with music.
2
Conservatory District
Explore diverse indoor gardens including the Historic Main Conservatory, Orchid House, new West Conservatory, Silver Garden, and the engaging Indoor Children's Garden.
3
Meadow Garden
Discover 86 acres of native plants and wildflowers.
4
Flower Garden Walk
A colorful promenade with over 100,000 seasonal flowers.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable shoes
The gardens span over 1,100 acres (with nearly 200 open to the public), so you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can vary between the warm indoor conservatories and the cooler outdoor areas.
Check the website before your visit
Always review the Longwood Gardens website for current hours, daily events, fountain show schedules, and any temporary closures.
Buy tickets online in advance
Secure your timed entry tickets beforehand, especially for popular seasons, weekends, and special events, to guarantee admission and save time.
Arrive early
Visiting early in the day, particularly on weekends or during peak seasons, can help you avoid the heaviest crowds and traffic.
Stay hydrated and bring snacks
You can bring a water bottle to refill at designated stations. Small snacks are permitted, but full picnic meals are not.
Frequently asked questions
- It is recommended to plan for at least three to four hours to explore the majority of the gardens, including the Conservatory District. However, many visitors choose to spend a full day, especially if they enjoy a leisurely pace, dining, or attending specific fountain shows and events.
- Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase timed admission tickets online in advance, particularly during peak seasons like "A Longwood Christmas," weekends, or for special events like fountain shows. Tickets can sell out, and advance purchase guarantees your entry and helps avoid queues.
- Yes, parking at Longwood Gardens is always free. Accessible parking spaces are located in the front rows of the main lot near the Visitor Center. During periods of high visitation, remote parking lots may be used, with complimentary shuttle transportation provided to the gardens entrance.
Recent snaps at this place
Dec 6, 2025
i
Photo attribution
(c) Benjamin Burgunder, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Oct 25, 2025
i
Photo attribution
(c) Benjamin Burgunder, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Oct 25, 2025
i
Photo attribution
(c) Benjamin Burgunder, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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May 24, 2026
Apr 28, 2026
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