Longwood Gardens in West Chester, Pennsylvania: Plan a Fall Visit for All Ages and Abilities

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square in West Chester, Pennsylvania, at over 1100 acres, is one of the largest in America. Although the gardens are renowned for their Christmas light shows, the best time to visit is in the Fall around the first week of October.

A grove of choice rare trees known as Pierce's woods, dating back to the days of William Penn, is the core of the garden. It was the threat of destruction to this irreplaceable grove that moved the brilliant chemist and industrialist, Pierre DuPont, great grandson of DuPont Chemical founder Eleuthère Irénée du Pont (1771-1834) to acquire the property.

Unlike many millionaires, Pierre was not a fan of real estate, but he lovingly bestowed his scientific intelligence and excellent taste creating the most impressive estate in this country. Although these are very historic grounds, they are laid out in with such care that visitors on canes or walkers, the handicapped or infirm and teachers with large classes or parents with teens, children and toddlers are equally able to view its riches.

Pause briefly at the visitor center as you enter for a map of the grounds and schedule of shows, tours and seasonal events. You may to view the short film in the visitor center before proceeding. Longwood is amazingly handicapped accessible. Scooters are available for rental at modest cost so that aging and disabled visitors can enjoy the grounds with the rest of the family. Elevators, ramps, wide walk-ways and gently sloped grounds are a godsend for the wheelchair bound and their companions, and they are also easy on little ones with short legs and the parents who have to carry them when they tucker out.

As you enter, you will see the largest of the two conservatories directly in front of you. Longwood Gardens is graced with two impressive conservatories, the largest of which features 21 rooms under glass whose fountains, waterfalls and paths easily require an hour or more to negotiate. Fortunately, chairs, rest areas and bathrooms are inside as well. The main conservatory is the central point of the modern garden.

A pipe organ museum is contained within this building. Mr. Du Pont owned one of the largest pipe organs in America and organ music is a Longwood tradition. During Christmas, visitors are thoughtfully provided with lyrics so they can sing. You may want to check the schedule to see if there will be a performance during your visit.

Magnificent at any time, with an ever-changing array of botanical treasures, including beautiful dwarf grapefruits, bonsais, Mediterranean Garden, Palm Garden, Children's Garden and judged shows featuring the finest work of horticultural students throughout the state, the conservatory plays second fiddle to the spectacular grounds during the Fall Foliage season.

During your Fall visit, veer off to your right as you enter. Begin by visiting Pierce's woods and the Italian Water garden and lake at the far end of the property. Rarely are trees of this size seen. They will be ablaze in the most magnificent reds, yellows and oranges.

An impressive meadow of native grasses is also located at that end of the property and is simply gorgeous when kissed by the first Fall frost.

Making your way back towards the center of the garden, you will pass through enormous display gardens featuring roses in their second season of bloom. Many of the summer flowers will still be going strong if you visit early enough. Come a little later and you will see beautiful Chinese, Japanese or Korean Chrysanthemums, sedums and other Fall flowers.

You will pass Pierres' original mansion. Step inside to visit the founder's library, view rare books and learn more about his varied interests. This smaller conservatory is filled with beautiful botanical specimens, and provides a baseline of comparison with today's main conservatory. The trees surrounding this area are filled with migrating birds during the Fall. Especially since the staff always adds a few extra goodies for them.

As you re-trace your steps back toward the center of the garden, you will pass a theater where waltzing waters are a beloved tradition. Pay attention to the time so that you can view one. Mr. DuPont was an avid fan of musical theater. Gilbert and Sullivan was a special favorite. Performances still take place in the theater to this day. The garden has added a new, "Behind the Scenes" tour that allows you to view the dressing rooms and backstage.

Continuing back towards the center of the garden, you will pass a discreetly camouflaged dining area that contains the Terrace Dining Room. West Chester, PA is the mushroom growing capital of the United States and a visit would wasted without tasting their delicious mushroom soup. The Terrace restaurant is accessible by a gentle ramp and includes a very reasonable prix fixe menu with appetizer, main course, beverage and dessert. Take a break and fortify yourself.

A beautiful topiary garden is located in the center right area of Longwood, not far from the Terrace Dining Room and main conservatory. Topiary are perhaps best known for their sinister supporting role in Stephan King's, The Shining, but these topiary, decorated whimsically in colored lights during the Christmas season, are a lot easier on the nerves. Expect to see dogs, reindeer, and geometric shapes--none of which move.

As you move back into the center of the garden, admire the view from the front of the main conservatory. From there, take in the vista of fountains and surrounding hills ablaze in Fall color.

In front of you, and just off to the left will be the Eye of Water, a Carillion that also controls fountains and waterfalls throughout the many acres of grounds. You may want to drop by for a closer look.

Longwood's demonstration gardens are off to the left side of the garden and are well worth a visit during the Spring and Summer seasons, but they are a lower priority during the Fall.

Seeing the entire grounds will take more than a full day. If you are pressed for time, visit the main conservatory and Pierce's woods and the display gardens on the right side of the grounds. Don't forget to view one of the synchronized light and water shows in the theater

Longwood Gardens is not far from New York City, Philadelphia or Wilmington, DE. If you are visiting from New York City, consider Crosby Tours, http://www.crosbytours.com/ or L & M Tours, http://www.lmtours.net/. Both companies include bus transportation, dining and guided tours for under $100.00. You will be thankful for a professional driver when returning at night from an unfamiliar area after having walked for several exhausting hours. L & M is more convenient from Brooklyn, Crosby from Queens.

Longwood Gardens provides ample, obstacle-free parking for cars, vans and school buses and is easily accessible by families with small children, teachers leading school trips, and the elderly or differently-abled.

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Sources:
www.longwoodgardens.org/TheStoryofLongwood_1_3_2_1_1.html