Perhaps the English have had it right all along. There is no finer pastime than a stroll through beautiful gardens.
And where Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa., is concerned, there is no finer venue for families wishing to experience activities, events and programs for all generations.
In 1906, Pierre S. du Pont purchased the Pierce Arboretum in a rescue mission to save its beautiful trees from being cut for lumber. Over the next 50 years, du Pont developed Longwood Gardens into a magnificent horticultural showplace, which now covers 1,050 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows. Here, in an Eden that would put the Land of Oz to shame, more than 11,000 types of plants and flower varieties are grown to be viewed and enjoyed.
And where fountains predominate in a bucolic setting, Longwood boasts more than any other garden in the country ? seven to be exact. The main fountain garden consists of a five-acre French and Italian-designed structure, the highest jet rising 130-feet into the air. Three evenings a week during the Festival of Fountains, the water is illuminated by colored lights in a computer-controlled extravaganza set to music.
“With more than 325 acres for our visitors to explore, Longwood is a wonderful place to spend the day,” said Patricia Evans, communications manager at Longwood Gardens. “Families can enjoy both full-service and café-style dining in the Terrace Restaurant. [There is] also a picnic grove to relax and enjoy food brought from home.”
Additionally, Longwood?s indoor Conservatory is one of the world’s great greenhouse structures, sheltering 20 indoor gardens and 5,500 types of plants.
“Both young and old are really enjoying our latest exhibit, Nature’s Castles, which features three grand tree houses for guests to explore and enjoy,” Evans said.
Longwood Gardens Director Paul Redman agrees.
“Nature’s Castles is designed to celebrate trees and engage our guests in an exciting and unique way about the beauty and importance of trees,” he said. “You will never think of tree houses in the same way after seeing these creations.”
Fireworks displays, festivals and live entertainment keep Longwood hopping all summer long.
“Behind-the-scenes tours and demonstrations offered on everything from lawn care to water lilies are favorites of our ‘grown’ visitors,” Evans added. “Of course, everyone enjoys the many concerts and performances we have every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer and the magnificent fountain shows.”
Can the Brits possibly top all that?
IF YOU GO
- What: Longwood Gardens
- Where: 1001 Longwood Rd. in Kennett Square, Pa.
- Distance: 72 miles from Baltimore; 110 miles from D.C.
- Must-see: Nature’s Castles? Tree Houses Exhibit
- Upcoming event: “Fireworks and Fountains,” July 4
- Park hours: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Tickets: Adults $16; seniors (over 62) $14; students (ages 5-22) $6; and children (4 and under) free
- Information: 610-388-1000; www.longwoodgardens.org
