Less than an hour’s drive from Philadelphia, the Brandywine Valley is home to one of the most spectacular horticultural destinations in the United States – and it has recently undergone its most ambitious transformation in a century.
Longwood Gardens' ‘Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience’ is now open and welcoming visitors to experience its dramatically expanded Conservatory and 17 acres of newly designed gardens.
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Open since late 2024, this sweeping redevelopment marks a new era for the historic gardens and continues to wow visitors with its blend of sustainability, artistry, and seasonal spectacle. It’s an easy day trip or a perfect addition to a wider fly-drive itinerary exploring the countryside beyond Philadelphia.
What to Expect
🌼 The new West Conservatory, a shimmering glasshouse designed by WEISS/MANFREDI, sits atop a network of reflective pools and houses a Mediterranean-inspired garden with canals, flowering islands and sculptural plantings.
🌼 The Cascade Garden, a rare Roberto Burle Marx design, has been relocated to a dedicated glasshouse, preserving this modernist masterpiece.
🌼 Outdoor highlights include a Bonsai Courtyard and a reimagined Waterlily Court, showcasing centuries-old traditions and seasonal floral beauty.
🌼 The new 1906 restaurant offers views over the iconic Main Fountain Garden and serves refined dishes in a spectacular architectural setting.
Why It’s Worth the Journey
For visitors who love Kew Gardens or RHS Chelsea, Longwood offers a completely different scale and landscape, where American garden design, innovation and nature combine. The entire experience unfolds like a living gallery, from formal allées to wild meadows, all rooted in the legacy of founder Pierre S. du Pont.
With walking trails, seasonal displays, live fountain performances and one of the world’s premier conservatories, Longwood Gardens is a standout stop for lovers of nature, design, and cultural storytelling.
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Plan Your Visit
🚗 Located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania – about a 50-minute drive from Philadelphia.
🌳 Open year-round (closed Tuesdays). Seasonal events and garden displays evolve monthly.
🍷 Easily combinable with Brandywine Valley wineries, historic homes, and charming small towns.
🎟️ Advance booking recommended, especially for holidays and weekends.
Posted by: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Posted on: 27/06/2025