Plants, lots of them. Ornate plants. Rare plants. Exotic plants.
All beautiful plants. All organized beautifully.
And then there’s the fountains. With a spectacular displays of water, lights, with music and even fire (check it out for yourself here). This could indeed be considered one of the best suburban hikes ever.
Background
Longwood Gardens is an internationally renowned, public, United States botanical garden with some of the most exquisite plants in the world. Adding to that their newly renovated fountains, and displays that change throughout the year, make it excellent bucket list item on top of being the place to go when you’re in the area. There are special events like concerts throughout the summer, as well as classes, workshops, and tours. It’s no wonder people love to spend time enjoying whatever the current season offers!
Originally created by Pierre S. du Pont, the private garden expanded to what we now know as Longwood Gardens today. His original house on the estate remains on the property and is open to the public. The house is set up as an educational museum, displaying artifacts from du Pont, as well as du Pont’s historic perspective.
The entire site comprises 1077 acres which include a conservatory, historic homes, dozens of plant gardens, four fountain areas, ponds, a meadow, three tree forts, miles of walking paths, seasonal exhibits, and plenty of parking (see below). You can easily walk all day and not see everything. Some go just to sit on one of the many benches and seating areas provided to enjoy the fountain show or nature. Or sometimes to talk.
During the colder months, they have fire pits in several locations.
The over 100 year history is quite fascinating to read about how the garden was originally imagined by its creator Pierre du Pont. There have been many phases throughout the years. Perhaps the most important was the mechanism put in place to secure the garden’s perpetual future. Upon his death, he provided more than adequate funding for both maintenance and growth of the gardens. Coupled with endowments and entrance fees, guarantees a wonderful experience!
Something for Everyone
Without question, everyone can enjoy what Longwood Gardens has to offer. The gardens themselves are almost overwhelming to see. There are seasonal exhibits through the year. It could be orchids in the conservatory, tulips in the gardens, the pumpkin patch, and poinsettia during the holiday season. And don’t worry about finding something. Between the signage, Longwood Garden’s advertising and the wonderful staff that are everywhere, you’ll be constantly, but nicely, reminded where everything is.
There is so much to see at Longwood Gardens. Having 13 indoor gardens, and 25 outdoor gardens, each offers their own natural beauty. This does not include special exhibits that are displayed from time to time.
During the holiday season the outside is a sight that people come from miles around to see. Near the Italian Gardens Fountain, you’ll find snowflake type lights mixed in, that follow the pattern of the Snowflake Christmas Lights in Landenberg, PA.
In 2021, they had a bird feeder decorated tree, both very beautiful and encouraging small birds at the same time!
Most of the grounds are walkable and mostly wheel chair accessible.
They have maps stationed around the gardens, in paper form (available just beyond at the door entering the gardens), or you can download one on your smart phone. If you have “location” access turned on, it will even put a blue dot as to your location on the map. Note the map provided on the trail and the live application available online where the blue dot is. It’s that easy!
The Conservatory
The Conservatory is a must see experience, not simply for when the weather is inclement. The thoughtfully planned and perfectly manicured plant life boggles the mind. No matter what the season, there is an amazing blend of plants and colors. The texture between the lawn, ponds, rocks, and plants is eye-popping.
There are a plethora of rooms throughout the Conservatory with different functions. As in nature, there are water features almost everywhere. It’s easy to spend several hours strolling through.
Similar to the outdoors lighting and decorations, when when they add the Christmas theme, it comes alive even more.
Throughout the year, the focus and environment can change significantly. This creates a different experience altogether depending on when you go. The Chrysanthemum Exhibit is just one of several you can enjoy.
The Bonsai exhibit is astounding. Some of the collection are several hundred years old. Even deciduous trees during the winter months are captivating.
The music room houses a wonderful, antique pipe organ whose sound is extraordinary. The organ is used for both performances and educating visitors about pump organs. In one of the later upgrades it can even play on its own, sort of like the old player piano.
There are handicap and family changing rooms in the northeast section of the conservatory, with plenty of space in each room. The hallway is large and the “plant wall” is pretty impressive.
While writing this article, they are working on the West Conservatory for the first time in over 50 years. The future plans are available for view in various locations (onsite and online), and is scheduled to reopen in the winter of 2022.
The Fountains
There are not one, but four different fountains. Most attendees are familiar with the Main Fountain Garden, but there is also the Italian Water Garden, the Open Air Theatre, and the Square Fountain. All have an innate beauty and can be inspiring.
Built in 1908, the Square Fountain was originally built as a reflecting pool, but a single jet fountain was added later. It may be small, but it’s perfect for a peaceful, relaxing moment. As with all the fountains, during the winter it is shut down to avoid freezing weather damage.
The Open Air Theatre made its Garden Party debut in 1914. Nestled in between beautiful plantings, this fountain offers a different perspective.
The Italian Gardens were completed in 1927. Fashioned after the gardens at Villa Gamberaia near Florence, Italy. As you can see, while it may appear somewhat simplistic, it is quite colorful.
Built in 1931, the Main Fountain Garden is also the largest. This fountain was also modeled based on gardens Pierre du Pont saw in Italy. It took nearly a decade to complete. In 2017, a massive renovation on the fountains was completed. This is when fire was added. It is still run during the winter as a light show that simulates the water movement in the lighted fountain show. It’s impressive during the day, but at night it’s amazing. Viewing from up above while construction on the Conservatory is still process isn’t available, but it’s still breathtaking.
The Meadow Garden
To the east of the Italian Garden, there’s another garden altogether, the 86-acre Meadow Garden.
It’s a created meadow that is quiet and has a few miles of trails. You can spend hours in virtual solitude enjoying nature. As is everywhere in Longwood Gardens, there are benches that offer beautiful meadow views throughout the trail system.
At the far northeast of the trails there’s an historic house called the Webb Farmhouse. It’s usually open during the day and the first floor has two exhibit rooms that depict life in the day when the house was occupied, and showcase local artists. There’s even inside restrooms.
Sometimes during the fall at The Meadow’s entrance, there is an outdoor firepit providing warmth. People have even brought chairs in with them to sit by the fire.
The Holidays
The Christmas display attracts so many visitors, that you will need to schedule ahead of time to visit. It’s actually pretty easy to do. Expect to be awed, as the lights are breathtaking at night.
The strolling musicians and carolers add an old time flavor, as does the baileys and hot chocolate (for the adults).
There’s even a restaurant, café, and seasonal beer garden on the grounds. Don’t let the cafeteria style fool you, the food is really good there.
When it’s busy (like during Christmas), you may end up in a remote parking area, but don’t fret, they’ve got that covered. They have parking assistants to help direct you to the right place. Shuttles are available that run regularly, making it an almost seamless experience.
For the Kids
Longwood Gardens has gone to great lengths to create “kid-friendly” places and exhibits, and done so quite successfully. It’s not unusual to see parents and even grandparents bringing children with them. There are three treehouses that kids (and adults) can play in.
The Birdhouse Treehouse is sort of in between the beer garden and the Peirce du Pont Dupont House.
Close by the Birdhouse Treehouse is the Garden Railway. It’s warming to see a child’s face light up when they see the train exhibit. The there are several tracks that run through the created landscape making it captivating to watch for adults as well as children. Take special note, there’s even a Holiday train.
The Lookout Loft is at the break between the woods and the meadow. From that treehouse, you can see almost the entire meadow. The light displays on the way are fun to watch.
The Canopy Cathedral Treehouse is near the large lake just past the Italian Gardens. During the summer, this one typically has an observation bee hive that kids can see honey bees in their hive buzzing about!
It’s almost encouraged to hear the squeal of children at the Indoor Children’s Garden in the conservatory. While the water part has been shut down during COVID, there’s a specific area that’s built just for them (watch your head!). It is interactive and made to be hands on. As you can see by the pictures, there’s plenty of water that kids can participate in. Bathing suits are not allowed, but you should bring a change of clothes in case they get too wet.
Open Air Theatre
Also where the fountains are, the stage is used throughout the summer season for outdoor concerts. There are a variety of performers who have graced the stage and provided beautiful music for those who purchased tickets.
Usually chairs are set up for larger events. Otherwise you’re welcome to bring a blanket and sit on the grass.
As mentioned above, when not being used for performances, you enjoy the area for the fountain show.
Dining
Longwood Gardens has three places that provide food, the Beer Garden, The Café, and the 1906 restaurant. Each offer their own flavor and atmosphere.
For the holiday season, there’s a secret. Most people want to dine just before dark (around 3:30pm EST), so both the Beer Garden and The Café are jammed. That makes it longer to stand in line and more difficult to find a table. If you’re willing to wait until 5:00pm, you can walk right up and order, and there are more than enough tables to choose from.
Beer Garden – this is strictly outside, however, some areas have heating in tents. Other areas have typical tables and picnic type tables. All you have to do is find your seat and get in line to order! They offer a nice selection of upscale bar foods which are perfect to eat outside. Of course, a beer garden wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t have beer (and wine). And local beer and wine at that. You can also get one of those nice Bailey’s Hot Chocolates there.
The Café – although it’s set up like one, it’s really unfair to call this a cafeteria. Their café menu definitely reflects significant time and effort that your taste buds will experience when enjoying the food you selected. And if you like, there’s bottled wine and beer available, along with juices, sodas, and water.
1906 – named for the year that Pierre du Pont purchased to the property, be prepared to be “wowed”. Executive Chef William Brown has provided some excellent culinary delights on the 1906 menu for those who want to enjoy a “sit down” and more upscale restaurant experience while inside Longwood Gardens.
The Gift Shop
What outstanding place like Longwood would be without a gift shop? There’s is not only filled with Longwood memorabilia, but also includes local artisan work. It’s a great place to find a gift for someone!
Events, Performances, Private Events
Longwood Gardens Events and Performances occur throughout the year. This is how you find out when the Orchids will be on display, or the Garden Railway is set up.
There is no lack of excellence in every performance, no matter where in Longwood Gardens it is held. Whether at the Open Air Theatre, the Conservatory Ballroom, outside in the Beer Garden, or those performing Christmas Carols, those listening will hear the quality of music Longwood Gardens demands along with their garden displays.
Some people don’t realize you can’t rent out portions of Longwood Gardens for a special event. Obviously weddings come to mind. But also photo shoots (like we saw when we were at The Ancient Spanish Monastery in Miami, FL), and parties. The Longwood Rotary Club has a standing engagement at 7am on Thursday mornings, and often has events after the holidays as fundraisers.
Educational Classes
Like many similar foundations (Mt Cuba, Delaware Natural History Museum, etc.), Longwood Gardens offers educational classes. Whether botany, bonsai, photography, art, or the like, you can count on first-class treatment with their classes.
Be forewarned though. Getting enrolled into their classes could be tougher than getting tickets for Elton John’s 2019 final tour called “Farewell Yellow Brick Road”. They open up slots at a certain time, and it’s first come, first served. So if you’re ready to sign up, be sure you’ve got a solid and fast internet connection.
How you can enjoy Longwood Gardens
Plan ahead. Go online and reserve your tickets before you get there. That way you won’t have the unpleasant surprise of showing up and them being sold out. During the holiday season, they are often sold out of the afternoon and evening time slots. On the weekends it’s not unusual they are completely sold out starting before Thanksgiving until a week after New Year’s.
It’s also good to check to see if anything is closed, either for the season (like the fountains), or if they are changing out a display exhibit (like the Pierce du Pont House).
If you’re only planning on going once, then a day pass is all you need. As of this article’s publication they are $30 for the day ($27 for seniors, $23 for military, $16 for 5-18 yrs old). If you’re going more often, they also have yearly memberships available with plenty of options. The yearly memberships are great for those in the area who intend to visit several times a year. In addition, a portion of a yearly membership can be considered a charitable gift, they even tell you when you purchase.
All the staff is overly accommodating. They work hard to make your experience the best it can be, and they do it well. The inside is structured to deliver their services as quickly as possible.
For those who may not want to walk as much, they have electric carts you can ride for donation. There’s a quick 5 minute instruction video to get you acclimated to the cart before driving. You can even drop your cart off out front where the pick up zone is.
Finally, don’t be surprised if you see a cat or two. They are not lost, they are part of the Longwood Gardens family!
Final Note
As you might have figured out from reading this article, this is by no means a comprehensive view of Longwood Gardens, neither in word or pictures. We at Journey Moore Often have thousands of pictures that we had to choose from. One could easily write several chapters and still not include everything there is to know.