We love the New York Botanical Garden and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, but if you want to visit somewhere with more than 1,000 acres of whimsical gardens, meadows and woodlands, we recommend you head to Longwood Gardens in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The entire property features some of the most beautiful plants on the planet, with over 10,000 species and varieties. Right now, visitors can see the stunning Virginia Bluebells and Yoshino Cherry trees. Spring blooms are available to see between 10am to 6pm on Mondays through Wednesdays.
Longwood Gardens expansive lands once were home to the native Lenni Lenape tribe, who used the streams and forests to fish and hunt. Then, in 1870, Pierre du Pont was born. He came from a family of gardener’s and opened what’s one of Longwood’s most popular gardens today, the Flower Garden Walk, in 1907.
Over the years, Pierre continued to expand the property, adding everything from the Conservatory to the “Italian” Water Garden. Now, the garden carries on Pierre’s legacy, envisioning a future full of programs and accomplishments.
Since the garden is so large, you can be sure you’re going the right way by exploring the Longwood Gardens mobile map. In total, visitors can explore six districts in the garden. Each district displays specific regions of the property, all uniquely different.
Guests are welcome all-year round as each season brings about different plants and sights to see. Although the garden is typically closed on Tuesdays, guests will have even more opportunities to roam the property April 15th and 22nd, opening for two special Tuesdays this spring.
The gardens host plenty of events and performances like musical guests and writer discussions. During the spring, Longwood Gardens even hosts 1906 Nights, where guests can step back in time to indulge in a dining experience inspired by the gardens.
Those interested in learning about horticulture, creative arts, gardening and floral design can check out Longwood Gardens Studios in The Grove for special classes.
Explore everything Longwood Gardens has to offer on its website, in addition to its membership program.
📍1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA