The elderly couple from Philadelphia at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport implored, “Be sure to visit Longwood Gardens.” Oh, I had Longwood Gardens on my “Want to Do” list since this arboretum is highly recommended in a bazillion travel guides, but it was encouraging to have a personal recommendation. Be still my heart! Longwood Gardens more than lived up to its hype.
This was just the beginning of the many beautiful views.
On land Quaker settler George Peirce purchased from William Penn, Peirce’s grandsons planted an impressive arboretum. The presence of a sawmill on the property prompted industrialist Pierre Samuel du Pont to buy the land in 1906 to save the trees. (visitphilly.com) The du Pont family is also responsible for the Longwood Gardens. It seems that everything in the Brandywine area is tied to the du Ponts.
Beds of tulips lined the pathways.
There were so many different types of tulips, and they were beautiful. In one area 7,000 bulbs were blooming. It was amazing.
(You can click on the individual images to see larger pictures, and then you can get back to the post by clicking the back button on your computer. You probably already knew that, but….)
Strolling through the gardens at Longwood took my breath away. There are so many different types of gardens on display.
One 6 acre section of Longwood Gardens are the Peirce’s Woods.
In this area of the garden, eight outdoor “rooms” showcase distinct woodland habitats.
Dogwoods were in bloom. Need I say more?
“Do not miss the Conservatory,” a garden volunteer urged. “It is magnificent,” she added. Sweet Mother of Pearl! Was she ever right. The Conservatory is huge – it would take up at least one city block. The variety of exotic plants in the Conservatory is astounding.
All of the above are views from the Conservatory. Believe me. I have more, but I am beginning to feel that I am boring you with vacation photos. I do apologize, but it was so beautiful, and I want to share.
Down below the Conservatory were fountains and manicured lawns.
Then there were the 7,000 tulip bulbs in bloom. Unbelievable.
In the Italian Water Gardens, there were so many architectural elements, we felt we were visiting Italy.
Ponds and lakes were abundant. I liked them. I loved them.
Just look at the trunk of this tree. I would love to know its story.
One of the greatest pleasures in life is to be able to be blessed in a garden. Longwood Gardens is a multitude of blessings.
Blessings to you and yours,