Longwood Gardens -- the Grande Dame of U.S. Botanical Gardens

Longwood Gardens is technically in Kennett Square, PA. But to give you an idea of where it is, lets just say it is in a suburb of Philadelphia. It was formerly the private estate of Pierre DuPont, who made his fortune in gunpowder and chemical manufacture. In 1906 he bought the original 202 acres of the land that is now Longwood Gardens and soon began planting decorative trees and flowers. He also built impressive fountains.

Eventually Longwood Gardens grew to encompass 926 acres. Pierre DuPont had no children and was concerned about keeping Longwood Gardens preserved as a garden, so in 1946 he sought and received government approval for the gardens to become a Foundation operated for the sole use of the public. 

This massive estate was created piecemeal, with work on one particular type of garden at a time. For those looking for interesting trees you should check out the original arboretum (Pierce's Park) as well as the seven acre pleasure park (Peirce's Wood). Having said that, however, there are plenty of large old trees to draw your admiration from wherever you are ambling.  Below is a photograph of a Copper Beech

In the Japanese Garden section you will be enchanted by the many varieties of Japanese Maples that are on display. 

I don't generally visit greenhouses unless the weather is very cold, rainy and/or windy. But you should make an exception for the Longwood Gardens Conservatory. First, it is so huge you will almost feel like you are outdoors. Second, they have stunning displays of lots of flowers -- not only the tropical ones we have come to associate with conservatories. Third -- this is where they have their water lily ponds. If you are a photographer you should know that they will not allow tripods inside the Conservatory after noon, so if you want to photograph the water lilies go in the morning!

If you go -- address is 1001 Longwood Road, Kennette Square, PA 19348. Cost of admission is $23 for an adult. They have a fabulous gift shop. They have two types of dining facilites. Restrooms are at the main entrance and also in the Conservatory. There are wheelchairs available for rent. There are drinking fountains and water is also available for purchase. Plan to spend the entire day -- you won't want to leave.