The sprawling 1000+acres of "Longwood Gardens" (Pennsylvania) are known for their expertly manicured gardens, rare collection of plant life, majestic fountains and captivating seasonal displays of vibrant blooms. This Mother’s day my son and husband surprised me with a wonderful day at these magnificent gardens. Founded in 1906 by Pierre S. du Pont (an industrialist), the Longwood Gardens started as a small family farm with Pierre’s objective being to save a collection of historic trees. But since then it has matured into a horticultural showpiece that draws over a million visitors annually! This post is going to be a photo essay of sorts and that means I’m going to let the pictures do most of the talking for me.
With over 25 outdoor garden displays to explore and a 4 acre indoor conservatory, the botanical masterpiece takes over 5 hours to tour. If you are visiting these splendid gardens make sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes and load up on sunscreen and water. So let's get started, shall we?
"Idea Garden" - The whole purpose of the Idea garden is to encourage experimentation and sample artistic new combinations of flower pairings. At this time of the year, flower beds teeming with over 75,000 tulips made for some breathtaking scenes.
I thought I had seen it all when it came to tulips, apparently not! Look at the deep colors and do take notice of those frayed edges of the petals....aren't they exotic?
"Flower Garden Walk" - Sweeps of pretty sunshine hues along a brick walk guide you through one of the original gardens laid down by Pierre himself. I've been told that "The mix of flowering plants changes with the seasons and progresses from cool lavenders and blues to fresh pinks, reds, oranges, and warm yellows".
"Square Fountain" - Bursts of colorful Poppies cradle the square fountain and makes for a delightful setting.
"Forest Walk" - the meandering paths of the forest walk takes one back in time.....Experience Pennsylvania’s virgin forests like it was in the past! With spring being the season incharge, colorful carpets of blooms flank either side of the walkway making the experience at Longwood an unforgettable one.
"Large and small lake" - makes for an ideal resting spot to relax those tired legs. Look around and take in the beauty of the spring-fed lakes and the kaleidoscope of colors marking the banks of these water bodies. Another ideal season to explore Longwood gardens is Fall. With colorful foliage making for a scenic backdrop, the photo opportunities are endless.
"Topiary Garden" - is a work of art with sculptural shapes in verdant hues delighting visitors of all ages.
"Wisteria Garden" - The timing was perfect as these beauties bloom in the month of May. Knotty branches of these striking flowers are pruned and trained into three-tiered forms drawing bees and visitors alike with their gentle fragrance!
"Orangery" - Is the most impressive greenhouse that I've seen till date! Part of the 4 acre conservatory, it features an ever-changing display of flowers and foliage.
"Bonsia Display" - Trained meticulously, each bonsai is nothing less than a piece of art. Some of the bonsai's date back to the early 1900s!
Silver garden : houses plants mostly succulent variety from the Mediterranean and desert regions.
"Peirce-du Pont House" - Constructed in 1730, the house has experienced a sea of change over the centuries. The house now contains the Longwood Heritage Exhibit that showcases "a collection of historic photos, artifacts, home movies, and video that tells the story of the stewards of the land who preserved and developed the property".
I love how the Japanese Wisteria outlines the architecture of the Peirce-du Pont House!
With that we come to the end of the virtual tour of Longwood Gardens. I do hope you enjoyed the tour of these premier gardens and explosion of color through my lenses. If you live in driving distance to these magnificent gardens, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience them up close and personal.
Have a wonderful day!
Images: Clicked by Sruthi Singh. Please do not use without prior written permission.
Images are the property of Sruthi Singh and subject to copyright.
.jpg)
