LONGWOOD GARDENS

In 1700, a quakers family, the Peirce, bought a property from William Penn and made it a farm. They planted a wide variety of trees that became in 1850 one of the most important collections in the United States. A rich French entrepreneur, Pierre du Pont, bought the property back in 1906 to save the trees of the sawmill. This horticultural enthusiast begins to create the gardens of Longwood to which he dedicates his life. Today, the gardens of Longwood include 40 different gardens with over 11,000 varieties of plants, impressive fountains where concerts take place in summer, grasslands, a wood over 400 hectares. An unavoidable walk at any time of the year (decorations for Christmas are magical) which are the main points of interest:

Italian Water Garden. These ceramic basins with sparkling fountains (600 jets) were built by Pont himself in the 1930 s. These are replicas of the fountains of Villa Gamberaia in Florence in Italy.

Peirce-du Pont House. Built in 1730, the house now houses an exhibition detailing the history of the gardens and allowing to better understand the character of Pierre du Pont. It had also established a horticulture school.

Flower Garden Walk. This brick road created in 1907 is surrounded by lush seasonal flowers from spring to autumn. A confidence to do? Sit down on the stone bench at the beginning of the aisle and whisk your secret into the stone at the right corner of the bench. The other person, sitting on the other side opposite, will be surprised to hear it so well.

Main Fountain Garden. A dazzling spectacle not to be missed: 380 fountains of water jets spring to 40 meters from the ground circulating 38,000 liters per minute. Some evenings, concerts (notably Philadelphia Philharmonic) and sound and light shows are organized around. Serving spring in autumn.

The Conservatory. Two hectares of exotic flowers and plants are highlighted in this incredible indoor garden: Bonsaïs, 200 different orchids, a patio of orange trees, palms and sumptuous lilies. A journey of odor and color.