Philadelphia conjures up images of historical places and battlefields. As the city where the United States’ foundation took roots; such impressions are obvious. But as Philadelphia grew and expanded its horizons, new vistas formed. It is now a modern city, which has preserved its own and the country’s past very well. However, there is more to Philadelphia.
World-class universities, museums, research centers, restaurants, and an eclectic art scene are in abundance here. There are many attractions near Philadelphia – some just within an hour’s drive; others a little afar – but all making up the city of Philadelphia that it is now. The city is dotted with gardens and parks; offering avenues to stretch your limbs amidst nature. If you are new to the city or just visiting it; perhaps you will like to venture out a little and see Philadelphia in a new light.
So, why not begin your tour of attractions near Philadelphia with the Longwood Gardens. This historical place has achieved global fame as a well-maintained botanical garden. If you are looking for fun things to do in Philadelphia this weekend then venture a little out and spend wonderful time in the Longwood Gardens. This is a great option if you are looking for things to see near Philadelphia.
About Longwood Gardens
This beautiful green space is just about an hour’s drive from Philadelphia and is spread over an area of more than 1077 acres. It is often referred to as a park. But it is a botanical garden divided into different varieties of gardens and green spaces. Each area offers a distinct style of landscape –thoughtfully designed and shaped. Longwood Gardens rightly deserves to be known as one of the best attractions near Philadelphia – its green cover notwithstanding.
Flower Garden Walk & Compartment Gardens is the oldest garden here and also the most popular. No other place in the entire Longwood Gardens is as photographed as this one (as per their official website). This garden is one of the reasons Longwood Gardens is a top Philadelphia attraction.
It is a sight to behold from spring until fall when the garden is in full bloom. This garden was designed by Pierre S. du Pont; the founder of Longwood Gardens. The horticultural planting here is such that it ties the entire space into a colorful display. In spring, this garden is a vibrant landscape of daffodils, tulips, foxglove, ornamental onion etc. As summer approaches; expect more of tropical foliage, and grasses. In the fall; sage, goldenrod, asters, and chrysanthemums replace off-season blooms. This area has a surprise for guests: the compartment gardens. These are specialty gardens added by Pierre himself for an extra dose of delight for the guests.
Forest Walk is a deciduous haven. This garden’s woodland beauty is fairyland-picturesque and it is further enhanced in the tulip season when the plants here bloom. Don’t be startled if you hear a woodpecker’s call! Sugar maple, oaks, pignut hickory, American beech, and tulip-poplar are some of the trees you will find here. There is a poplar tree here named after the founder and so is called Pierre’s Poplar. It is a tall structure and provides shades to many other surrounding plants.
East Conservatory is spread over half an acre. Encased in glass, beautiful blooms reflect back tranquil sunlight in this beautiful garden. Water features such as pools, waterfalls, and fountains support the flora and augment the beauty of the landscape. When you walk around this indoor garden; expect surprises along the way. There are green spaces here reflecting influences from Modernist, Moorish, and French design styles. Orange blossoms infuse the air with their citrus(y) magic.
Main Conservatory, Idea Garden, Italian Water Garden, Main Fountain Garden, Meadow Garden, Theatre Garden, Orchid House, Peirce’s Park, Rose Garden, Topiary Garden, and Silver Garden are other attractions in Longwood Gardens.
Visiting Philadelphia
If you are in Philadelphia as a tourist, ensure you include time in your itinerary to see the beautiful Longwood Gardens. You can visit it when you are planning day trips near Philadelphia or combine it with your city sightseeing (given it is not far from the city). If you are looking for beautiful places to visit in and around Philadelphia then it is hard to beat Longwood Gardens.
If you are a new resident of Philly then exploring gardens in and around the city can be fun, exhilarating, and rejuvenating. Definitely include Longwood Gardens, one of the best attractions near Philadelphia, to your weekend outings.
If you are yet to visit Philadelphia then why not book your flights to USA with Indian Eagle. There are great deals to grab for flights from Philadelphia to New Delhi and many other Indian cities.
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