Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Heading North: Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania

Southeastern Pennsylvania seemed like a convenient place to stop on the road north. 


One hundred years ago, Pierre DuPont bought 1,000 acres in Kennett Square.


He installed many acres of gardens and other features, including an outside
theater complete with fountains programmed to put on shows.


The conservatory itself covers four acres with tropical plantings.
It also houses a massive organ with more than 10,000 pipes.


In many polls, Longwood Gardens is the best public garden in the USA.
Some rank it best in the world.


Priscilla is a cancer survivor.  She was resting on a bench when I walked past.  She led me on a
tour of some of her favorite parts of the park, including a series of waterfalls and a bell tower.


How many times have I allocated two or three hours to tour a new place and learned that I should have taken at least a day or maybe an entire weekend?  Yup.  Did it again!

26 comments:

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Longwood Gardens look like they well deserve that title Jack.. how nice to have a lovely lady to show you around, why doesn't that surprise me :)

Andy said...

Jack I am glad you are taking your time heading north. You are coming up with some great photography.

Kate said...

Priscilla is a very good guide. This medley of photos makes me appreciate not only natural beauty but the largess of thoughtful benefactors. What a wonderful gift to a community!

SRQ said...

Beautiful! It definitely looks like it would deserve a full day of exploring. Waterfalls…and a bell tower? Sounds like you found a terrific unexpected guide.

EG CameraGirl said...

I visited Longwood Gardens when I was in my 20s. I was way too young to appreciate its beauty, I fear. I'd love to go back.

Tanya Breese said...

i love that you are taking your time heading home and stopping at these gems along the way! wow, this place is super, and your photos are wonderful...love the portrait of priscilla as well! safe travels!

Malyss said...

Nothing more french than "Pierre Dupont" !
What lovely and rich gardens!

Lois said...

I spent a day at Longwood Gardens a few years ago and it certainly is the best public garden I have ever seen. These pictures are beautiful Jack!

Luis Gomez said...

These are lovely. Beautiful portrait of Priscilla.

Halcyon said...

I can see why people like these gardens. They're beautiful!

Sylvia K said...

What incredibly beautiful gardens, Jack!! I am SO glad you're taking your time traveling north!! Superb captures! Great pic of a brave lady, too!! Thanks as always for sharing the beauty!

Susie said...

Wow, what a place! Looks amazing dad - can't wait to hear more about it:)

Sue said...

Nice pictures! So I gather you found it a worthwhile place to stop?

VP said...

Nice to meet Priscilla, I imagine that for a tour of a place like this you really need a guide: it is huge, beautiful and amazingly well kept! Love the topiary!

RedPat said...

What a fabulous place, Jack! I love those trimmed bushes!

Sharon said...

It would be impossible not to take thousands of photos in a place this beautiful.

Lowell said...

This is a wonderful series - so colorful and springy! We lived in West Chester, PA at one time and I think that's close to this place, but we never visited Longwood Gardens. Looks like there were some Amish visitors there also.

William Kendall said...

An exquisite and beautiful place, Jack. I think my parents were there once.

Kay said...

This looks like it may best Butchart Gardens. Your shots are stunning and the place looks outstanding.

Virginia said...

What a great series here Jack but Priscilla is my favorite!
V

Randy said...

That's a beautiful place.

Bob Crowe said...

Never heard of it. Very impressive. I have an old friend who lives in West Chester and I'll have to ask him about it.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

I see what you mean, Jack, the opposite end of the gardening spectrum to where I was yesterday! Both beautiful in their own way though.

CaT said...

this is so pretty... would be nice to walk there around

LOLfromPasa said...

I am enjoying your photos of your journey heading north. The scenery is beautiful. Your portrait of Priscilla is special. Lovely!

Unknown said...

I'm falling in love with this place, it's incredibly beautiful!