Pierre du Pont built his first conservatory so he could have oranges in the winter. Although his experiment was not successful, it defines Longwood’s horticultural spirit even today--to make the impossible possible.
Longwood’s team of researchers, growers, display specialists, gardeners, and pest control experts adhere to the highest standards and achieve horticultural feats every day. Today the oranges Mr. du Pont desired actually grow in the Estate Fruit House, chrysanthemums are trained to cascade down the walls, blue poppies adorn the Conservatory in the Spring, clematis bloom in March, and other impossibilities become a reality every day.
Each season, each display offers the visitors a different experience. If you haven’t seen Longwood at all different times of the year, come again. You’ll be surprised at how different the same place can be!
Explore Longwood Gardens with PlantExplorer, a searchable database that allows you to locate plants, gardens, and garden features as well as create a personalized tour.
Start exploring now!
Longwood Gardens takes you inside the unmapped universe of scent with Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance, an interactive exhibition that explores the art, science and mystery of fragrance.
Get ready for an evening of oohs and ahhs, as Longwood presents spectacular Fireworks & Fountains shows guaranteed to make your summer memorable.
Come to Longwood to see our newest outdoor Garden: The Student Exhibition Garden, where our Professional Gardener students showcase their landscape design and gardening skills.
This summer, experience the very best in performing arts at Longwood Gardens! Most performances are free with Gardens admission.