To comprehend the wonderful richness of these lands we have to go back far through history (and pre-history). In the Peirce-du Pont house, Longwood Gardens displays several quartz spear points found around the grounds. These are evidence of primitive tribes who enjoyed Longwood thousands of years ago.
The Indian tribe associated with Longwood were the Lenni Lenapes. They fished its streams, hunted its forests and even planted crops in its fields. Walking through Longwood you can really picture the mysterious, timeless life that went on here. The Lenape were quite different from us. For instance, they were organized into matrilineal clans – meaning the mother was more important than the father. In fact, it was the uncle who was the most significant male in the family, the father belonging to a different clan than his children.
English Quaker, William Penn, who founded the state of Pennsylvania, dealt with the Lenni tribes, purchasing much of the land they used. Penn’s commissioners sold Longwood to Quaker farmer George Peirce in 1700. His son, Joshua Peirce, in 1730, cleared and farmed the land and built the farmhouse that remains today.
Joshua’s twin grandsons, Joshua and Samuel started the arboretum (tree place) due to their burgeoning interest in natural history. They went looking for specimens themselves around the wild places of Pennsylvania and they also purchased exotic plants from leading botanists. By 1850 the arboretum had a terrific tree collection, attracting many locals for enjoyable picnics and outdoor frolics.
A series of heirs lost interest in Longwood and the trees became threatened by a lumber mill operator gaining local political power. Then luckily Pierre S. du Pont, a rich philanthropist, purchased the grounds in 1906 in order to protect the trees. Du Pont was proud of Longwood and spent much money restoring and developing it, chiefly to impress his high society friends. Yet we today are the beneficiaries of this chance turn of events.
Today this premier horticultural oasis consists of a vast 1000-acre tract of gardens, woodlands and meadows with an incredible plant collection of 10,000 taxa. Half of which reside in one of the world’s greatest greenhouse structures, Longwood Conservatory.
Longwood hosts literally hundreds of events every year, from horticultural shows to performing arts displays. You are welcome to come along to enjoy flower shows, concerts, fountain and firework displays. Since 2012 an incredible one million people have been making annual visits to Longwood.
The Flowers & Blossoms of Fruit Trees Are Achingly Pretty
There are few things in this world that are quite as magical as a flowering or blossoming fruit tree. Take a look at 15 stunning images of fruit tree flowers.
12 Beautiful Gardens That Show Another Side of Europe
Europe is a favorite for people from all over the world, but apart from the ancient buildings and historical sites, it also has some of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
The Strange World of Succulents in 21 Photos
For your viewing pleasure, we have collected 21 of the most beautiful and extraordinary succulent plants in the world.
The Oldest Cat in the World Lived Nearly 40 Years!
These creatures and organisms from all around the world are the oldest of their kind, and may even be the oldest living things on Earth!
This Plant's Sting Lasts YEARS After the Initial Impact
In this article, we will share six of mother nature’s plants you literally wouldn’t want to run into ever in your life.
These 10 New Species Were Only Discovered in 2018!
From creatures the size of office blocks to those that are only visible when viewed under a microscope, the 10 newly-discovered species are wonderful!
Swimming Lessons Cannot Get Cuter Than This!
Watch mother otter teach her pup to swim, it's adorable!
Photographer Captures the Ethereal Beauty of the Sea World
Check out some truly stunning photographs of the animals of the sea world by noted photographer Greg Lecoeur.
I Never Knew Bosnia Could Be So Breathtaking!
An incredible video of Bosnia & Herzegovina filmed for six months, displaying the natural beauty of this gorgeous country.
You Won't Find More Beautiful Parrots in the World...
There are around 350 different species of parrots in the world. Here you will find 10 of the most beautiful!
Black Sand & Blue Seas Make These Beaches Spectacular
As beautiful as the beaches may be, there is something alluring and mysteriously beautiful about black sand beaches. Take a look.
The Beautiful Wildlife of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderful place that has a large number of wild animals.
I Can't Believe a Dull Fish Can Make Such Beautiful Art!
You've heard that birds exhibit magnificent courting rituals, but none of them compare to what the puffer fish gets up to. What an artist!
I Bet You've Never Seen Animals Like These Before!
From a pink dolphin to a brown panda, you have probably never seen these weird and rare variations of animals.
These Landscape Photos Won Awards for a Good Reason
The winners of The International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest have been announced, and it’s the perfect excuse to gaze at their stunning pictures.
These Are the Most Expensive Gems and Minerals on Earth
There are millions of stunning gems in this world that decorate our jewelry, but you won't find these super rare rocks in any jewelry store!
These Are the Best Photos of Horses That You'll Ever See!
Iceland is a place that is full of beauty...even the horses are absolutely majestic. Take a look!
Spore to Fungi: The Lifecycle of Mushrooms in Fast-Forward
Enjoy this look into one of nature's most incredible shows: the lifecycle of the mushroom in time-lapse over 2 years.
22 of Nature Photography's Most Exquisite Moments!
The NG website has a daily photo of the day page, from which we've selected 22 incredible examples of nature's undeniable and breathtaking beauty. Undoubtedly, you also deserve to enjoy these amazing pictures from the last few months.
Human Cultivation Changed These Plants Beyond Recognition!
These 8 familiar fruits and vegetables changed so much when people started cultivating them, you won't be able to recognize them!
The Oldest Cat in the World Lived Nearly 40 Years!
These creatures and organisms from all around the world are the oldest of their kind, and may even be the oldest living things on Earth!
These Rapid Blooming Flowers Will Brighten Your Day
This video of flowers blooming will brighten your day. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a few minutes of beauty and relaxation.
These 14 Cute Panda Bears Will Make you Laugh Out Loud!
There is no cuter and funnier animal than a panda bear, and if you don't believe me, these 14 examples will certainly prove it!
Bird Watchers’ Paradise: 7 Stunning Bird Sanctuaries
If you love birds, then pack your bags and take a trip to these wondrous bird sanctuaries.
20 Beautiful and Exotic Dog Breeds I'd Love to Get to Know!
Here you can enjoy our collection of 20 beautiful photos of exotic and very rare dogs you won't find at your local park.
Marvel at the Stunning Winners of Ocean Art Awards!
Marvel at the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
This Horse Breed is One of the Most Royally Graceful...
These horses truly display the traits and gracefulness that have caused man to fall in love with this animal, so long ago.
The Owl: True and Funny Facts!
This hilarious video explores the natural world, this time - the owl, a magnificent creature that still sounds really funny in this true facts video
This Incredible Bird Can Make Any Sound it Likes!
This classic Attenborough scene is of the most amazing bird in the world. Just listen to the sound(s) it makes! Cover image by Vern / flickr
Discover the World of Powerful Big Cat Hybrids
There are types of big cats you've never heard about, and they're big. beautiful and powerful! Below are photos along some information about these big cat hybrids.
Best of Animal Photography: 17 Stunning Images
Check out the most amazing shots of animals caught on camera from “The Decisive Moments Magazine”.
8 Animals That Hibernate During Winter
We have all heard how bears hibernate during the winters. Here are 8 more animals that protect themselves from the cold by hibernating.
If You Want to See Some Breathtaking Beauty, Come In Here...
Check out the astonishing winning panoramic images from the 2023 EPSON International Pano Awards.
You’ll Never Guess the Price Tags on These Luxury Plants!
Believe it or not, each of these houseplants costs thousands of dollars. Find out why.
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!
Save Money on Watering with These Drought Tolerant Plants
Here are 10 low maintenance perennials that will grow year after year.
Slovakia is Nature’s Masterpiece! (12 Gorgeous Photos)
Photographer captures breathtaking nature photographs from Slovakia. Take a look at some of his best ones.
This Video Opens Up a World of Flowers, Beauty and Color
A beautiful video of young flowers opening in stunning colors.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
9 Fragrant Roses to Fill Your Garden with Pleasing Aromas
Check out this list of some intensely aromatic roses that will flood your garden area with delightful smells.
In Pictures: Bird Photographer of the Year 2023 Winners
Check out the stunning winners of the 2023 Bird Photographer of the Year contest.
These Intimate Animal Portraits Will Leave You Stunned
Photographer Pedro Jarque Krebs takes intimate close-ups of wild animals. Here are some if his best shots.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
World's Biggest Snake: This Massive Anaconda Is 26ft-Long!
Scientists have just discovered the world’s biggest snake in Amazon rainforest.
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
The Animal Kingdom Now Has the Photographer it Deserves
Sergey Polyushko could be one of the world's finest animal photographers in history. Just look at these 17 fantastic snaps.