Every year one of my favorite December traditions is to visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to their Christmas display. In 1906, Pierre du Pont purchased a farm in Kennett Square, in part to preserve the woods on the property. Within a few years, he planned and installed the first significant gardens on the property. Over the years, he added more acres, gardens and fountains. In 1916, du Pont began to plan for an indoor conservatory which today covers over 4 acres. From the beginning, the du Ponts opened the grounds to the public on occasion so they could enjoy his park, gardens and conservatory. After Pierre du Pont’s death in 1954, the property was transformed from a private estate to a horticultural display.
Continuing the tradition of the du Ponts, the property is extensively decorated for Christmas. Each year the staff selects a theme and plans amazing decorations, both indoors and outside. This year’s theme includes fountains and icicles, and thousands of blue and white ornaments and lights.
I thought I’d share some of my favorite photos from this year’s display with you.
In the Conservatory
Christmas in the Exhibition Hall, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
Christmas in the Exhibition Hall, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
Decorations in the Exhibition Hall, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
Christmas in the Music Room, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
East Conservatory Christmas Tree, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
Christmas in the Silver Garden, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
Marbella Poinsettias © 2015 Patty Hankins
Titan White Poinsettias © 2015 Patty Hankins
At the du Pont House
du Pont House Christmas Tree © 2015 Patty Hankins
Decorations on the du Pont House Christmas Tree © 2015 Patty Hankins
Around the grounds
Christmas Decorations Outside the du Pont House, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
Christmas Lights in the Woods, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
Gardener’s Tree in the Cow Lot, Longwood Gardens © 2015 Patty Hankins
I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing a bit of this year’s Longwood Gardens Christmas display. While you’re reading this, I’m up at Longwood Gardens for one more pre-holiday visit. I’ll start sharing more photos from this year’s display on my blog in the coming days. If you’d like to see photos of previous Longwood Christmas displays, be sure to check out my Christmas at Longwood Gardens board on Pinterest.
If you’d like to see the 2015 A Longwood Christmas display for yourself, it’s open until January 10, 2016. Longwood Gardens is always a wonderful place to visit. At Christmas it’s extra special.