Page 29 - Allison's Magazine ~ Issue #99

likes of which had never been seen in
America. Another notable cutting-edge
project was the Main Fountain Garden,
on which he began construction in
1928. Once this project was completed
in the 1930s, it instantly became a hit,
as it featured fountains that sprayed
10,000 gallons of illuminated water per
minute over one hundred feet in the air.

CULTIVATING GROWTH
Pierre du Pont was also a philanthropist,
so he put plans in place for Longwood
Gardens to continue being an
internationally recognized horticultural
epicenter after his time, and that’s
exactly what it’s become. Since du Pont’s
death in 1954, Longwood Gardens
has continued to grow and evolve,
with its founder’s vision—utmost
distinction paired with innovation and
imagination—always top of mind.
“People, both in the public and within
the garden industry, are impressed grounds each year. Du Pont’s original Main Fountain Garden. The two-and- Extravaganza, which features thousands
by the level of detail and the level of Music Room, built in 1923, is now an a-half-year, $90 million revitalization, of blooms both inside and outside,
excellence here. You’d be hard-pressed exhibit area, but the Ballroom’s original, completed in 2017, included replacing runs from January to March. The
to find a weed at Longwood,” Evans spectacular 10,010-pipe organ continues all the original pumps, adding new spring welcomes people outdoors to
states. “I think, horticulturally, we’re to entertain guests. Among the new fountains and lighting, and creating a the gardens’ millions of blooming
outstanding on all fronts, which is what exhibits created through the years have new landscape design. In all, Evans says, flowers, including a quarter-million
Mr. du Pont would have wanted.” been a visitor center, a restaurant, and a “We tried to maintain the beauty of tulips. The summer season features
trio of life-sized treehouses. Longwood’s the gardens and the feeling that, when Longwood’s fountains on full, colorful
Perhaps rare for a center of horticulture, bucolic Meadow Garden also doubled you come to Longwood, you’re really display, as well as fireworks and outdoor
performing arts have always been a in size in 2014, so eighty-six acres of experiencing a world apart and coming concerts. In the fall, guests can enjoy the
mainstay at Longwood Gardens, with pristine rolling countryside now provide to a place that is definitely different from annual Chrysanthemum Festival—the
hundreds of concerts taking place on the guests a wide-open expanse to enjoy. In your day-to-day experience.” largest chrysanthemum show in the
total, the property is almost 1,100 acres, country, which features a one-of-a-kind
with approximately four hundred being Once closed to the public, Longwood thousand-bloom flower.
open to the public. Gardens now delights about 1.5 million
guests per year. And Longwood has But the busiest time of year at
Longwood’s biggest project to date something for everyone, depending Longwood Gardens is during the
has been renovating du Pont’s beloved on when you visit. The Orchid holiday season.

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