Road Trip Gardens

Road Trip Garden-Longwood Gardens

Kennett Square, PA

Longwood is one of THE best gardens in the U.S. and is known for displays that are over the top year-round. There is something for everyone, no matter your garden/nature tastes; formal displays, topiary, specimen trees, woodsy walks, meadow, natives, or child friendly.

Pierre S. du Pont began Longwood Gardens by adding a 600′ long flower walk on his property. The Flower Walk is unique; one side holds warm-colored blooms, and the opposite side cool-colored.

The stunning conservatory that is the trademark for Longwood opened in 1921. The 4.5 acres conservatory showcases seasonal shows like the Chrysanthemum show.

Staff and docents will recommend using the restrooms “along the green wall” in the conservatory complex.

There are multiple tree houses throughout the garden!

Du Pont’s home.

What I love about this garden; 

-Top Notch Garden on many levels-Plant collection specimens, Bellagio-like fountains, floral displays, events, and art installations.

Three Tsuga canadensis ‘Pendula’ grown together at Longwood into a magnificent specimen.

What you need to know before you go;

-As of this post, Longwood is closed on Tuesdays. Check the website for special events, hours, and admission.

Parking-FREE on all lots, and shuttle service from the overflow lots.

-Longwood is HUGE. Comfy walking shoes are a must. If there is the slightest chance of rain, take an umbrella-it’s a long walk back to the entrance.

Quick Facts;

Year created-1946

Size; Over 1077 acres.

Distance from St. Louis-867 miles/13 hours

Website; Longwood Gardens

Other nearby plant-geek attractions within an hour’s drive-Philadelphia is considered “America’s Garden Capitol” Check out the link below to discover more places to explore.

Philadelphia is America’s Garden Capital (americasgardencapital.org)

New Leaf Sensory Garden,

Fred Bryan Memorial Garden,

Valley Garden Park

Chanticleer Pleasure Garden Road Trip Garden-Chanticleer (garden-lou.com)

Morris Arboretum Road Trip Garden-Morris Arboretum (garden-lou.com)

Italian Water Garden

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2023, All rights reserved.