Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square offers world-class horticulture, architecture, and natural beauty spread across more than 1,000 acres, writes Bridget Gleeson for the Islands.
The largest botanical garden in the United States features over 10,000 species of plants and flowers and is home to the nation’s biggest green wall with a total surface area of more than 4,000 square feet.
Longwood hosts more than a million guests every year.
The land where the garden is located was once home to the native Lenni Lenape tribe. It was purchased by a Quaker farmer in the late 17th century. His descendants built some of the historic elements that still stand today, such as a brick farmhouse and a vast arboretum.
The farm was acquired by Pierre du Pont in 1906, who transformed Longwood into the stuuning place it is today. He drew inspiration from his travels around the world, especially from French châteaux and Italian country villas. Longwood’s first garden, the 100,000-bloom Flower Garden Walk, was personally designed by him.
Some modern highlights include the Main Conservatory with its Orchid House, the state-of-the-art West Conservatory, and a Japanese-inspired Bonsai Courtyard.
Read more about Longwood Gardens being one of the most revered botanical gardens to visit in the nation at the Islands.
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