Longwood Gardens and Waterfalls
It’s hard to say which is the best season to visit Longwood Gardens near Kenneth Square in southeastern, Pennsylvania. Obviously, spring has its bounty of colorful blooming flowers. Christmas has thousands of lights strung in every conceivable corner. Each season brings its own special visual reward at Longwood Gardens but the magnificent fountains are a treat to see anytime of the year.
Longwood Gardens is the former estate of Pierre S. Dupont and covers 1,050 of woodlands, dazzling fountains with lighted water shows, water gardens, ponds, formal flower gardens, vegetable gardens and topiary lawns. There is also a giant conservatory with over four acres of plants under roof.
Waterfalls are a favorite attraction at Longwood Gardens
Water seems to be one of the favorite attractions at Longwood Gardens. There is a spectacular waterfall next to the bell tower. Another waterfall is fed by a natural underground spring. There are several ponds with some of the largest lily pads one is likely to ever see.
One of the most enjoyable attractions at Longwood Gardens is the outdoor theater complete with its very own curtain of waterfalls. The shows are actually good quality productions performed by local thespian groups. This is a nice way to spend a summer evening under the stars, perhaps with a picnic dinner.
The famous fountains at Longwood Gardens are a complete water show within their own right and are a great way to spend a warm summer afternoon. Skylights of varying colors and music, all designed to delight every visitor to Longwood Gardens.
Other notable features at Longwood Gardens
- Rhododendron gardens
- Orchid gardens under roof
- Desert gardens
- Insect eating gardens
- Bonsai gardens
- Seasonal displays
The Rhododendron gardens that bloom in June offer every shade of purple, pink and white and the path pleasantly leads the visitor through a woodland environment. Few flowers exhibit the sheer ability of Mother Nature’s talent in creating an orchid. The delicate pinks and yellows, along with bold purples are beauty incarnate. Longwood Gardens assists nature by providing the correct temperatures, moisture and light. Completely opposite to the sensitive nature of orchids is the desert environment where cactus and succulents flourish. At certain times of the year, you can get lucky and see the delicate flowers produced by the cactus and succulents at Longwood Gardens. A favorite spot at Longwood Gardens for children and teens to visit is the insect eating plants. Youngsters are fascinated with these plants. The ancient art of bonsai plants at Longwood gardens has several very old specimens and are a great examples of the patience necessary for the time involved in training a tree.
Longwood Gardens is a wonderful place to visit anytime, although the Gardens can be crowded at Christmas and Easter.