Longwood Gardens

by Colvin Randall

Overview

Thirty miles west of Philadelphia in the historic Brandywine Valley of southeastern Pennsylvania blooms Longwood Gardens, one of the world's great horticultural centers. The original arboretum was planted beginning about 1800 by a Quaker family named Peirce. Industrialist Pierre Samuel du Pont (1870-1954) bought the property in 1906 to save its historic trees and make it a place where he could entertain his friends and the public. For three decades, he created an astounding collection of gardens, conservatories, and fountains and a perfect setting for the performing arts. Since du Pont's death in 1954, Longwood Gardens has continued to evolve from a private estate to a very public garden, with renowned designers creating new landscapes to enhance the enjoyment of more than a million guests each year.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781467127059
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	10/23/2017
Series:	Images of Modern America
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Colvin Randall first visited Longwood Gardens at the age of 13 and was captivated by its grandeur and beauty. After receiving a degree in architectural history from the University of Virginia, he pursued graduate work at Longwood Gardens in conjunction with the University of Delaware. In 1977, he became Longwood's publicity coordinator and in 1980 began designing the gardens' musical fountain displays. In 2008, he was named the first P.S. du Pont Fellow. He has lectured extensively and has produced books, DVDs, and exhibits about this celebrated showplace.