Conservatories of Longwood Gardens Inspire Awe

You may think about carpeting cleaners when you listen to the title du Pont. If you are a garden lover, though, you’ll see dreams of lush plantings, grand greenhouses and arboretums. The du Pont family created some of the greatest gardens in American history, and thankfully Longwood, Winterthur and Nemours are still readily available to tour.

Read on to get a glimpse into possibly the finest of the du Pont gardens: Longwood Gardens of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. With indoor collections that will blow your brain to beautiful outdoor pathways created for strolling, Longwood is an experience. Join me as we have a peek at some of the structures and plantings of Longwood.

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In case you have only five minutes in Longwood, your first stop should be the main conservatory. Stepping into the main gallery can take your breath away. Emerging from the cold spring winds into the midst of warm, humid rooms filled to the brim with blooming plants is an experience. I heard that a guest remark, “This is only one of the few areas in the world that never disappoints,” and now I must agree with her. Regardless of what season you visit Longwood in, the conservatory is magnificent.

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Take a walk up the mountain and you will be greeted by the side entrance of the du Pont mansion. Humble in comparison to houses of different magnates at the exact same age, the residence is composed of two wings connected by still another conservatory. Six community cats who search the property are often discovered lounging here, and visitors can tour lots of the lower-story rooms. Peek inside here.

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The house itself is a conventional bricked and shuttered two-story structure with wraparound porches from which to see the gardens.

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While the family house might not be over the surface, the conservatories located across the gardens are. Aside from the best materials available, the greenhouses are imposing and magnificent.

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The greenhouses have acres of indoor plants and boast grandiose entrances on either side. They’re the core of the gardens and rather simply a plant lover’s dream.

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In addition to the glass roofs located across the conservatories, there are also giant floor-to-ceiling multipaned windows and doorways. The look is nothing short of fabulous and also makes me want to cut giant windows into all my home’s walls.

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Take a step out and this is the view that greets you across the grand promenade. Annual fireworks shows are put off from this area, adding excitement and celebration to an already elaborate scene.

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Situated behind this grand backyard is also the reservoir device. Powerful jets and a series of lights create stunning displays in the summertime.

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No matter how grand the constructions are, though, it’s truly the plants that make Longwood sing. Having a choreographed dancing, the plants move by using their flowering and fruiting cycles. There is never a down month in Longwood, because the designers put on a grand series of successive blooms.

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In winter the evergreens wear a grand display, and also the poinsettias at the main conservatory should not be missed.

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Spring, however, is possibly the grandest seasons of most, with woods of trees in bloom and tulips lining the walkways for miles.

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Longwood is not only a showcase backyard; it’s also a research garden. See the cutout boxes of grass in the foreground of this picture. The researchers in Longwood are conducting tests on various varieties of grass.

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A sign explains the research to determine which kinds of grass survive drought conditions and infrequent mowings.

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Longwood has a history of creating beauty from dwelling plants, and the anglers continue to make strides in the backyard design world. The gardens hold a magical that is best savored on weekdays, and there is always inspiration to be discovered, in winter, spring, summer or fall. If you’re traveling during Pennsylvania this summer, make sure you stop in.

More:
Vegetable Garden Lessons from Longwood Gardens
Garden Tour: Edith Wharton’s The Mount

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