Nestled near Pennsylvania's eastern shore, magnificent Longwood Gardens

A feast for the senses, the spectacular vistas of Longwood Gardens are one of our favorite discoveries in our Gardens of the Web series. These lovely gardens have a storied history dating as far back as 1700 when the property was a working farm for the Peirce family, who purchased the property from William Penn. In 1798, Joshua and Samuel Peirce began developing an arboretum on the farm. In 1906, Pierre du Pont purchased the property in order to preserve the trees. Du Pont continued to develop the property through the 1930s into much of what is seen there today. Inspired by fountains he had seen at world expositions as a child, he developed the technology to incorporate fountains into the landscape at Longwood.

Having no grand scheme, he developed these gardens one by one. The first to be completed was the 600 foot long Flower Garden Walk in 1907. Five years later the Open Air Theater was presented. In 1921, the beautiful and expansive Conservatory was opened. He continued to develop the gardens with flowers and fountains using various styles and engineering. Before his death in 1954, Pierre du Pont had made arrangements for the gardens to be used for the sole purpose of the public's "exhibition, instruction, education, and enjoyment." What a wonderful legacy he left for all of us!

You can find this lovely spot inPennsylvania just a few miles from Philadelphia, Valley Forge and Lancaster. It is 12 miles from Wilmington, Delaware, and just 72 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. For internet directions, you will need to use 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square , PA 19348. Longwood Gardens is located on US Route 1, about 3 miles northeast of Kennett Square, PA. Currently hosting "Everything Autumn" from September 8th through November 18th, visit their wonderfully extensive website for information about their gardens, history, current events, educational resources, and so much more at LongwoodGardens.org.