ith its 1,050 acres of 11,000 exquisite plants and 1,700 spectacular fountains found in 20 indoor and 20 outdoor sub-gardens, Longwood has a world-famous reputation of a magnificent botanical garden and is a pride for the Americans. 

The history of the gardens goes back to the year 1700, when the Peirce family purchased a piece of land to build a farm. At the turn of the 18th century, Samuel and Joshua Peirce came up with the idea of planting an arboretum, called the Peirce Park, which eventually turned into home for the finest collection of trees in the United States. In 1906, the park was about to be sold to the timber industry and Pierre Samuel du Pont not only came to its rescue but also constructed a real work of art. Du Pont’s rich travel experience and ardent interest in garden designs influenced largely his vision of aesthetics and contributed to the building of the wonderful water effects and sparkling fountains we see today in Longwood Gardens. 

Among the most interesting ideas of the designer are the Flower Garden Walk, 600 feet long, the Main Fountain Garden in front of the Conservatory, the Rose Arbour with its beautiful winding roses and the Outdoor Theatre, built after an Italian villa’s theatre model. One of the latest creations is the Idea Garden, featuring fruits, vegetables, grasses, roses, herbs, everything to catch the attention of the home gardener. The Children’s Garden, located in the East Conservatory, is made for the youngest visitors where they can play in the maze or watch the fountain “shows.” Moreover, around 400 concerts, plays, firework displays, demonstrations in gardening and other events are presented annually in Longwood Gardens. 

In 1937 du Pont created the Longwood Foundation which was to take the responsibility of maintaining the Longwood Gardens after his death. A top item on the foundation’s agenda was the educational and instructional objectives which are still considered priorities by the current management of Longwood gardens. Internships, training programs in horticulture, graduate programs and courses, offered by Longwood, have produced some of the best experts in the art of gardening.