Longwood Gardens

Pennsylvania, United States

---

Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania began as a 402-acre farm purchased in 1700 by the Peirce family, who planted an extensive arboretum starting in 1798 with native and exotic trees, making it a popular outdoor gathering place.

By 1906, when industrialist Pierre S. du Pont bought the property to protect its botanical richness, it was at risk of being cleared for timber. Du Pont transformed the land into an extraordinary horticultural garden, creating iconic features like the 600-foot Flower Garden Walk and vast conservatories, and hosting elaborate garden events.

Opened to the public in 1921, Longwood Gardens evolved into a world-renowned display garden with fountains, theaters, and diverse plant collections, maintained by the Longwood Foundation established by du Pont in 1937 to ensure its preservation and public enjoyment.​