Longwood Gardens near Philadelphia, PA is a nonprofit organization as well as a horticultural showcase for all the world to see. Longwood Gardens was started by Pierre du Pont. Pierre was the grandson of Eleuthère Irénée du Pont, the founder of the famous DuPont chemical company. Years later, Pierre turned the business into a dynasty and used his profit to build the Longwood property.
Pierre purchased the land for Joshua and Samuel Pierce, who already had the beginning of a tree farm. Pierre continued to add his horticulture expertise to the land to give the world the wonderful showplace it is today. In 1946, he developed a foundation to run the farm. It was not just a tree farm, however, but also one of the first public parks. It consists of more than 11,00 different plants today. There is always something in bloom, depending on the season. People travel for miles to see these gorgeous displays. Today there are many parts to Longwood Gardens.
The Conservatory is a major part Longwood with the Aeolian pipe organ that was installed in the Exhibition Hall. This extraordinary organ with its 3,650 pipes could be heard in all the greenhouses as well as the Music Room.
The Gardens truly come alive at Christmas time with the trees decorated with half a million lights. This can all be seen from November 22 to January 6, during their Outdoor Light Festival. During this festival, they also have their Open Air Theatre Holiday Fountain Shows. Fountain shows are set to holiday music every hour with snowflakes in the background. The Estate Fruit House Display is a joy to every child as they watch the frolicking penguins, icebegs and more.
