This Kennett Square, Pennsylvania attraction is one of the premier botanical gardens in the United States. Today the 1,077-plus acre property consists of 20 outdoor gardens and 20 indoor gardens within 4.5 acres of heated greenhouses. These structures contain 11,000 different varieties of plants and trees, as well as an extensive system of fountains. Besides its extensive plant displays, the conservatory contains a massive 10,010 pipe organ from the turn of the century. Most of these additions came from industrialist Pierre S. du Pont, who purchased the property from the Peirce family in 1906 to save the arboretum from being sold for lumber. This property was originally a working farm in 1798 when twin brothers Joshua and Samuel Peirce planted the first arboretum in what was originally named Peirce's Park. It has been open to the public almost continuously since that time, with one of the finest collections of trees in the nation.
Today the gardens offer extensive educational programs including a tuition-free two-year school of professional horticulture, a graduate program, and extensive internships. There are some 800 horticultural and performing arts events each year, from flower shows, gardening demonstrations and children's programs to concerts, organ and carillon recitals, musical theatre, fountain shows and fireworks displays. During the holiday season, the garden puts on a brilliant Christmas light display. If you are traveling with little ones, they will love the Indoor Children’s Garden which features tree-covered seating and numerous fun activities. There are 17 fountains in the Indoor Children’s Garden to enjoy that children are allowed to splash in. Also recommended are the Central Cove, the Rain Pavilion and the Bamboo Maze filled with jungle sized bamboo trees kids can wander through. There is also an awe-inspiring Bamboo Maze, filled with a jungle of tree-sized bamboos for children to explore. After celebrating this historic horticultural paradise, Choice Hotels near Longwood Gardens make it easy for you to rest in calm and peaceful accommodations. Book a room with us today.