Enjoying horticulture and history do not have to be separate experiences in the Brandywine Valley, writes Jeff Yeates for Richmond Magazine.

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square was started by Pierre du Pont, whose family fled revolutionary France in 1799 and established a gunpowder mill on the banks of the Brandywine Creek.

More than two centuries later, their gardens and former homes are open for visitors to take in and enjoy.

Longwood Gardens was purchased by du Ponte in 1906 to save surrounding trees from local timber mills. Since then, the once-rural country estate has become one of the most spectacular and significant horticulture display gardens in the nation.

The garden boasts over 4,000 plants and trees, and as such can be intimidating. However, with plenty of stops, the entire property can be covered in one day.

Near Longwood is Hank’s Place, a perfect spot to have lunch. The Wyeth family used to bring eggs to the eatery to be prepared for breakfast and took the shells back with them for use in tempera paint.

After lunch, a stop at La Chispa Creamery in West Grove for glorious ice cream is a great way to end the day.

Read more about the places to visit in the Brandywine Valley in Richmond Magazine.

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