Longwood Gardens

Yesterday Randy, Lindsay, Reagan and I went to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA which is about an hour and a half from us. Longwood Gardens is a beautiful horticultural experience. Yes, experience - you can spend days exploring all the gardens, waterfalls and fountains before you see everything.




Longwood Gardens has a rich history - more than 300 years old! Of course it began as the rest of our country did - cared for and lived in by a tribe of Native Americans, the Lenni Lanape tribe. This area was eventually taken over by William Penn who then sold it in 1700 to a Quaker farming family. Samuel & Joshua Peirce planted an aboretum on the property in 1798 and the trees they started are still standing today. Pierre duPont, of the duPont Chemical family, purchased the property from the Pierce family in 1906 because he wanted to ensure the preservation of the those trees. Mr. duPont then began planting the flower gardens, fountains, and conservatory we enjoy today. He worked on his "design" from 1907 through the 1930s. And what he did then is pretty much what we saw yesterday. His home on the grounds is very imposing.





There are many different temporary exhibits that are shown in the Gardens. This summer there is a Tree House exhbit. We explore two of them, the Bird House and the Lookout Loft. Reagan had a blast climbing the Bird House with her Pop.



She wanted to see the birds' bedroom and where they sleep. :) The Lookout Loft overlooks a streambed and gives you info on the ecological conditions of the area. Reagan had fun looking through the periscope.


We also explored part of The Conservatory where there are so many different plants, flowers and grassy areas - even one just for children! Reagan enjoyed that a lot. Pop did too - we lost him in there!!






One of the last things we did was walk through the Flower Garden. Such a gorgeous array of flowers - the colors just blew me away. Many, many reds, which is my favorite color. I was never one for landscaping our home, but I've always loved beautiful landscaping. I was just too lazy to do it. :) Imagine that!



We had a lovely day. Reagan was great. I think she enjoyed the flowers as much as we did. As always, seeing things through her eyes makes life that much sweeter. :)

I've only shared a few pictures here, be sure to check out our Webshots site for even more.

Until the next time . . .