Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA) was originally purchased by the Peirce Family in 1700 by the Peirce family. In the early 19th century two brothers - Samuel and Johnson, began to collect trees as an arboretum that became well known locally. Largely discontinued by their heirs, it was saved at the last minute from lumbering by Pierre Du Pont (yes, of that Du Pont Family) in 1906. Originally he intended it as a personal retreat but over time it was opened to the public and expanded from its original 402 acres to its current 1077 acres. It includes a number of different fountain displays and currently a nightly show with just fountains and lights that rivals any fireworks display one might see.
We spent 6 hours there wandering the grounds and did not see everything; I could have easily spent another four hours.
There are very few things I would label as "must see" in the Continental U.S. (although there are many fine things "to see"), but I would put Longwood Gardens there. Simply, this nothing like anything I have ever seen.
Now, you're sharing places I've never been before. This place looks especially spectacular. We owe much thanks for those who decided to preserve it. Too bad my traveling days are over!
ReplyDeleteLeigh, I thought of you you as I walked around here - you would have loved it! So much variety of plants and gardening.
DeleteVery beautiful. Those groundskeepers are sure busy !
ReplyDeleteIt was impeccable, so I am sure they are!
DeleteThanks for the photos TB, over a thousand acres, that would be fun to go through.
ReplyDeleteNylon12, we did not walk all of it, but we walked a lot of it. There are a great many varieties of scenery, so it is not like it is a bland 1,000 acres.
DeleteWe aren't all that far from Longwood and your photos and description reminds us that we are very overdue for another visit.
ReplyDeleteJohn, you probably know this, but our Air BNB host said that they also do seasonal themes. I cannot imagine how wonderful this place must be in Spring or at Christmas.
DeleteWow, and not too far from our kin in Maryland.
ReplyDeleteSarge, Longwood Gardens is near Kennett Square. When we got out of BMI and through Baltimore, it was about an hour at the most. If you have never been, well worth going.
DeleteThanks for sharing those wonderful and amazing pictures, TB.
ReplyDeleteYou all be safe and God bless.
You are more than welcome Linda. It is a joy to do so.
DeleteGravy sakes. I grew up across the road from a full section my neighbor farmed. Exploring TWO of those just sets my mind spinning. THAT is a lot of area.
ReplyDeleteStxAR, it is. We spent five to six hours there. I easily could have spent all day.
DeleteVery nice!
ReplyDeleteThank you John! Highly recommended if you find yourself in the area.
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