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Botanical garden · Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Longwood Gardens
A large garden created by Pierre S. du Pont, with glass conservatories, flower gardens, fountains featuring water-and-light shows, and a Christmas lights display.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens began in 1906, when Pierre S. du Pont bought an old farm with an arboretum to save it from being cut down. Over the following decades he transformed the property into a garden of more than 400 hectares, with formal areas, woodlands, lakes and meadows, open to the public.
The heart of the garden is the Conservatory, a complex of glass greenhouses with rooms of tropical plants, orchids, ferns, a bonsai garden and seasonal flower displays. A newer greenhouse wing, the West Conservatory, expanded the complex with new surrounding gardens.
The fountains are another hallmark of Longwood. The main fountain garden has hundreds of water jets that perform shows during the day and, on summer nights, presentations with lights and music. There is also the Italian water garden and a topiary garden.
At the end of the year, the holiday season decorates the garden with thousands of lights and decorated trees, and the greenhouses receive themed arrangements. Tickets have a date and entry time.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day.
Best time
From April to June for the flowers; summer evenings for the fountains with lights; and from late November to early January for the holiday season. Weekdays are quieter.
How to get there
By car, via US-1, about 5 km from Kennett Square and 55 km from Philadelphia. Parking is next to the entrance.
Tip
Buy a timed ticket in advance: at the holidays and on fountain nights dates often sell out. The greenhouses allow visiting even in rain or cold.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Longwood Gardens
Do I need to buy a ticket in advance for Longwood Gardens?
Yes, it’s recommended: tickets have a date and entry time and sell out at the holidays and on fountain nights.
When should I see the Longwood Gardens fountains?
The water shows run at various times during the warm season; on summer nights there are presentations with lights and music. Check the schedule.
How long does a visit to Longwood Gardens take?
From half a day to a full day, depending on your interest in the greenhouses and the outdoor gardens.