"Exquisite flowers, majestic trees, dazzling fountains, extravagant conservatory, starlit theatre, thunderous organ—all describe the magic of Longwood Gardens, a horticultural showstopper where the gardening arts are encased in classic forms and enhanced by modern technology. Many generations helped create Longwood Gardens, but one individual—Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954), industrialist, conservationist, farmer, designer, impresario, and philanthropist—made the most enduring contribution.
More than 200 years earlier, the land had been inhabited by the native Lenni Lenape tribe who hunted, fished, and farmed the productive wilderness. In 1700, a Quaker family named Peirce purchased the property from William Penn and soon established a working farm. Joshua and Samuel Peirce began planting an arboretum on the farm in 1798. The farm was purchased in 1906 by Pierre du Pont so he could preserve the trees, and from 1907 until the 1930s Mr. du Pont created most of what is enjoyed today. In 1946, the Gardens were turned over to a foundation set up by Mr. du Pont. After his death in 1954 Longwood's first director was hired. Since that time Longwood Gardens has matured into a magnificent horticultural showplace filled with countless opportunities for enjoyment and learning." (excerpt from Longwood website)
All photographs were taken by me and can be viewed larger by placing your mouse cursor directly over the image and clicking. My Longwood Gardens Christmas gallery can be viewed here. All photographs are available for purchase.
Looking up through the roof of the gazebo pictured in the next photograph.
Gazebo and lake in a light snow
Walkways
Lamp posts and tiers
Orange tree
A variety of Jasmine
In the Conservatory
Wreath of ferns
Conservatory
Hibiscus
Lines, circles, and curves
Bird of Paradise
