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.
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!
Stunning Flowers and Inspiring Quotes to Brighten Your Day
Take a moment to enjoy the colorful beauty of astonishing flowers and the inspiring words of those who love them.
A Rainbow Made Only From Mushrooms If You Look Right
Mushrooms and other fungi aren't usually the most interesting, but if you find the right ones, they can fill your day with color!
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.
Discover 18 Edible Plants That Grow in Bizarre Ways
Check out these 18 edible plants that grow in some pretty neat and unusual ways.
16 Stunning Gardens I'd Be Delighted to Stroll Through...
A stunning collection of 16 different landscape designs that will excite every nature lover out there.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
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.
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.
These Beautiful Bird Photos Are Beyond Incredible
The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards receives some of the most stunning examples of bird photography. Here are some of those.
Sloths: Masters of Slow-Motion Evolution
The sloth is much more interesting than you ever realized.
Beautiful: How Your Dog Sees You Vs. How You See Yourself
Although we can feel down in the dumps about ourselves sometimes, our dogs will always keep their faith in us and see us as their heroes.
Who Said Minerals Can't Be As Beautiful As Gems?
The most beautiful minerals in the world show themselves in these stunning photos.
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 Ferocious Animals Are Making Some Unlikely Friends!
This zoo decided to start keeping labradors in its cheetah exhibit. Find out why here!
Have You Ever Seen Birds More Stunning than These?
Among all species, birds are perhaps the prettiest. Take a look at the world's most beautiful birds:
20 Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes That Grip Your Soul
It's impossible to put words to these glorious pictures. We just can't.
10 Amazing Facts of Nature that Are Too Weird to Believe
Bizarre natural phenomena, creatures, plants and minerals. Here are some amazing and interesting things courtesy of nature to astound you
Defying the Natural Order - When Fish Eat Birds
Watch this giant trevally leap out of the water to catch unsuspecting birds in the most sensational fashion.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dogs!
How much do you know about our furry friends?
Cute Animal of the Week: The Little-Known Cuscus
Today, let us introduce you to a little-known, unusual but adorable animal – the cuscus.
Weird Science: 12 Phenomena That Scientists Can’t Explain
Scientists think they're got the world covered but so many mysteries remain. Here are 12 bizarre phenomena that even scientists can't explain.
21 Gorgeous Reasons Nature Needs No Photoshop
You'll be impressed by 21 nature pictures that prove the world is beautiful the way it is if you only know where to look.
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!
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.
Best of Animal Photography: 17 Stunning Images
Check out the most amazing shots of animals caught on camera from “The Decisive Moments Magazine”.
How Do Animals Communicate with Each Other? Fascinating!
Discover how some animals communicate with one another... fascinating!
Why the Army Ant is the Most Terrifying Animal in Nature
Many species of ant are larger than the army ant, but none are as fierce. Why is that?
10 Vegetables and Plants You Can Grow in the Fall
Just because we're approaching fall it doesn't mean you should hang up your gardening gloves. There's still plenty of things you can plant in your garden.
These Photographs Beautifully Capture Stunning Sunsets
Enjoy this stunning series of orange, red and golden sunsets, and share with those who have beauty in their heart.
The Family Canine: Get to Know All 15 Species of Wild Dogs
Watch as the extended family of the dog unfolds before your eyes.
The Internet's Burning Questions About Biology, Answered
Watch biologist Thor Hanson answer some fascinating questions about biology in this video.
Photographer Captures Myriad Moods of Stunning Big Cats
Observing big cats from up close is rare. Here are some brilliant big cat portraits that take you real close to these magnificent animals.
This is How Mountain Goats Defy Physics and Gravity
They're known to be able to defy the laws of physics, and today we'll discover exactly how they do that.
Imagine Sharing Living Space with These Watery Weirdos!
The ocean is an even greater unknown than outer space, and some of the life forms you find in it are incredibly bizarre. Take a look at these odd sea creatures.
Watch 1 Little Seed Become a Tree With NO Soil
From seed to fruit in 1 minute - watch this process unfold in a particularly satisfying time lapse.
The Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions in Human History
Volcanoes are one of Mother Nature's deadliest phenomena. Here are the 5 most deadliest volcanic eruptions in human history.
The Beautiful Wildlife of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderful place that has a large number of wild animals.
These Animals Can Teach Us a Thing or Two About Love
Love. It's not only an emotion expressed by humans. Here are 15 beautifully captured photos of animals that can't help but showcase their love to one another.
Meet Wisdom, the World's Oldest Known Wild Bird
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has survived tsunamis and raised over 40 chicks. And she’s still not done!
These Cute Animal Encounters Took People by Surprise
Enjoy these touching images of harmony between animals and humans.
These Rare Mushrooms Can Glow In the Dark
Only about 70 mushroom species out of 14,000 have this beautiful and rare ability.
This is the Smallest Wild Dog You've Likely Seen
This little wild dog was recently thought to be extinct.
Marvel at This Year’s Best Wildlife Photos – 15 Pics
The winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 were recently announced. Check out the best images from the contest.
These Siberian Cats Are Truly Stunning!
Alla Lebedeva has turned her homestead into a "Catland" and she has now gone viral thanks to some incredible photographs of her glorious Siberian cats.
Experience Pinnacles National Park in Crisp 4K Resolution
Check out this incredible time lapse video of California's Pinnacles National Park, which was filmed in crisp 4K resolution.