There’s a vast history behind Philadelphia’s Longwood Gardens. In the heart of Brandywine Valley, Longwood Gardens is what completes a visit to historic Philadelphia. With such a vast world at our disposal, we often times forget what is right in our backyard. Don’t make the mistake here!
With a rich history that dates back almost 200 years, Longwood Gardens is a place that’s always been able to combine the arts and horticulture. Initially inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Native American tribe and then Quaker farmers; by the time Pierre S. du Pont bought the land, the history on it was rich. With a family love of gardening, Pierre S. du Pont was able to immensely increase the property by adding on 25 contiguous properties over the years and a wonderful Conservatory which opened in 1921.
The Azalea House was one of the biggest additions in the following generation (1973) and now 1,300 employees spend their days making Longwood Gardens beautiful on a daily basis.
But the most exciting news has to do with the Main Fountain! Scheduled to be finished in May of 2017, Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden is being revitalized. Initially built in 1921-1936, the simple fountain was meant to be highlighted by the beautifully landscape surrounding it as homage to the European gardens du Pont was familiar with. Such a feat was quite complicated back in the early 1900’s with a control system that needed to do so very much. Now, the Main Fountain is set to make a splash as final preparations are underway to showcase it in a new, more modern light!
The Main Fountain’s restoration will begin this month and last for the following seven month with an unveiling on May 27th!
Image courtesy of: Longwood Gardens
During the summer, the fountain’s light show run every 5 minutes. What a wonderful way to spend a day!
Image courtesy of: uwishunu, photographed by: Daniel Traub
The East Conservatory is a lovely place to relax.
Image courtesy of: 3 Fromme Design
A historical photograph of Longwood Garden’s Main Fountain. We must be thankful to Pierre S. du Pont for his decisiveness in purchasing the beautiful 202 acres!
Image courtesy of: Longwood Gardens