Description

Longwood Gardens is simply one of the world's great garden displays. Pierre S. du Pont devoted his life to horticulture. He bought a 19th-century arboretum and created the ultimate estate garden on 1,050 acres. You should plan at least half a day here.Following a multimedia briefing on the gardens in the Visitor Center, head left toward the Main Fountain Garden, which has special water shows on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from June to September, usually preceded by hour-long concerts. Spectacular fireworks and fountain displays are featured on select summer evenings. Wrought-iron chairs and clipped trees and shrubs overlook the jets of water that rise up to 130 feet from the fountains. Near here, a topiary garden of closely pruned shrubs surrounds a 37-foot sundial.The 4 acres of massive bronze-and-glass conservatories, renovated in 1996, 1997, and between 2000 and 2005 are among the finest and largest in the country. The Orangery displays are breathtaking. African violets, bonsai trees more than 100 years old, hibiscus, orchids, and tropical plants are among the specialties, but expect anything from Easter lilies to scarlet begonias. Special collections range from silver desert plants to roses. Exhibited only at their peak, plants are constantly replaced from the extensive growing houses.A parquet-floor ballroom was added later, connected to the greenhouses, along with a 10,000-pipe organ, a magnificent instrument that's under renovation until 2008. A new Indoor Children's Garden is slated to debut in fall 2007.Ahead and to the right of the Visitor Center, more gardens and fountains await, along with the Longwood Heritage Exhibit inside the Peirce-du Pont House, the founder's residence. This exhibit illustrates the history of the property with artifacts from 2,000-year-old Native American spear points to du Pont family movies. The restaurant offers cafeteria-style dining year-round and full-service dining from mid-April to December, both with surprisingly good meals. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.