Day Trip to Longwood Gardens

When most people think of a visit to a garden, they plan to go during spring or summer daytime hours to take in the colorful displays of flowers and greenery. At this time of year, however, you may want to extend one special “day trip” to an “evening trip,” as you explore the seasonal wonders of Longwood Gardens.

Located in Kennett Square, PA, Longwood Gardens is considered one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the nation and holds a spot on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Open all year, it hosts indoor and outdoor displays, events, concerts, lectures, courses, workshops, and more. Its long and storied history began with the Lenni Lenape tribe that settled there, continuing through the purchase of the land in 1700 by Quaker farmer George Peirce, the establishment of an arboretum and park by the Peirce family in the 1800s, the deterioration of the property as it passed through a succession of owners, and its preservation, in 1906, when it was purchased by prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist Pierre S. du Pont, who transformed the property and allowed it to thrive for generations to come. Today, the site covers more than 1,000 acres, with over 11,000 varieties of plants, 20 outdoor gardens and an additional 20 indoor gardens, woodlands, meadows, a historic farmhouse from the early 1700s that has been restored, art galleries, the Peirce-du Pont House and museum, fountains, and much more.

In fall and winter, Longwood Gardens showcases several magnificent themed events that are not to be missed. “Autumn’s Colors” began in early September and will continue through November 18, 2018, showcasing the fall’s golden hues and culminating with the Chrysanthemum Festival, which began in late October. This is the country’s largest exhibit of marvelous mums – more than 17,000 in all – that have been trained into artistic displays of spirals, pagodas, columns, fans, and orbs. The astounding Thousand Bloom Mum is a single plant, nearly 12 feet in diameter, boasting more than 1,000 perfect yellow blooms and is the biggest in North America. October also marked the launch of the “Garden Railway,” which runs through January 6 and never fails to delight young visitors. It is a scenic miniature railway, with pint-sized locomotives traveling along nearly 400 feet of track past mini-models of Longwood Gardens buildings and picturesque landscaping. Through November 18, before freezing temperatures set in, you may view the popular Italian-style Open Air Theatre Fountain Shows, where 750 jets of water come alive in five-minute colorful displays that take place five times a day. (These are not to be confused with the even larger Main Foundation Garden Performances that are held earlier in the year.)

The most dazzling event of the season begins on November 22 and continues through January 6, 2019 with “A Longwood Christmas.” This year, the focus is to pay homage to the Christmas tree in both traditional and unique ways – including trees suspended in the air and others created from books, stained glass, and other materials. The conservatory will be bursting with poinsettias, berries, and fragrant flowers. Outside, meander through the gardens to take in a glorious display of trees illuminated by a half million twinkling lights while sipping hot cocoa and listening to the songs of carolers and strolling musicians. Tickets for “A Longwood Christmas” usually sell out, so book yours as soon as possible.

General admission to Longwood Gardens is $23 on non-peak days and $30 on peak (Christmas season) days for adults. Seniors (age 62+) and college students (with valid ID) save $3 on each price. Youth (ages 5-18) are $12 non-peak and $16 peak. Children age 4 and under are free. Tickets are purchased online, where you may select the date and arrival time of your visit. Once you enter the gardens, you may stay as long as they are open. Through November 21, garden hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. (Please note that the conservatory will be closed November 19-21 as new displays are being prepared; outdoor gardens remain open.) From November 22 through January 6, hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check the website for hours for other seasons beginning in January, as well as a wealth of other details and helpful information such as maps, calendar of events, visitor tips, dining, and more.

Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road (on US Route 1) near Kennett Square, PA. To learn more and to plan your visit, go to www.longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-1000.