The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum are pleased to announce that Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Penn. has been awarded a Level IV Accreditation.
Longwood Gardens was established in 1906 when industrialist Pierre S. du Pont purchased a small farm to save a collection of historic trees from the lumber trade. Throughout his life, du Pont enjoyed a passion for gardening, turning his farm into a horticultural showplace.
Today, Longwood Gardens encompasses 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, a meadow, fountains, and a four-acre conservatory showcasing more than 11,000 types of plants, including 77 state champion trees. The Garden’s horticultural endeavors extend beyond the boundaries of the indoor and outdoor gardens to include a research and production program that furthers its reputation as an innovator among public gardens. Research at Longwood Gardens has continued a long history of improving crops through breeding and selection, naming and distributing more than 130 new cultivars.
“When Pierre S. du Pont purchased Longwood, it was to save the trees from destruction and we continue that tradition with careful stewardship not only of our historic trees, but all of Longwood’s acres from the soil to the sky,” said Paul B. Redman, Longwood Gardens Executive Director. “This recognition by ArbNet is an important testament to our efforts.”
Longwood is the most visited public garden in America with more than 1,100,000 guests annually and was voted America’s Best Public Garden in 2014 in a poll conducted by USA Today and 10Best.com.
