Main Fountain Garden District

The Main Fountain Garden District represents the culmination of founder Pierre S. du Pont’s vision for Longwood: the garden as grand theater. In addition to stunning European-inspired architecture and mesmerizing fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden, the Rose Garden stuns with four seasons of expression, in view of the expertly clipped Topiary Garden and its geometric shapes. To the east of the fountains, the Idea Garden echoes the orderly spirit of formal design with its Carpinus hedge and rectangular beds—defining a space that celebrates the creative process of gardening.

About This District

The classical gardens of this area have captivated guests for more than 90 years. Inspired by Pierre’s travels to Europe’s great water gardens and his seminal visits to several world’s fairs and expositions, the Main Fountain Garden highlights his lifelong passion for horticulture, engineering marvels, and the beauty of exceptional design.

Gardens in this District

Idea Garden

Idea Garden

Horticultural inspiration comes closer to home in this inspired and beloved garden, where educational, experimental approaches to gardening and design are explored using plant varieties that can be reliably grown by home gardeners in the mid-Atlantic region.
Main Fountain Garden

Main Fountain Garden

Splendor awaits in this European-inspired, world-class destination: think classic garden design, extravagant theater, astounding choreography, a spectrum of color, musical accompaniment, and, on special occasions, fireworks!
Rose Garden

Rose Garden

Striking colors, heady fragrances, and soft textures bud, bloom, and sway harmoniously from spring through fall, providing countless ways to celebrate the rose—and her many beautiful friends.
Topiary Garden

Topiary Garden

From playful bunnies to fanciful spirals, you’ll find more than 35 specimens of meticulously maintained, highly cultivated yews (as well as spirited games of hide and seek) in our Topiary Garden.

District Highlights

A circular water fall of small water streams drops from the ceiling in a stone grotto

Fountains shoots water in the air illuminated by white lights across carved white stone structures

An allee of green trees with skinny brown trunks perfectly line a long walkway

Green vines climb up metal lattices attached to stone arches with hanging lanterns under a blue sky

Our flame features in all their glory. Photo by Hank Davis.

a wall of fountains that glow colors of green, blue, purple, and pink

What’s in Bloom

Wild Cranesbill

Geranium maculatum ′Espresso′

Wild cranesbill has delicate pale to deep pink flowers that bloom in early to mid-spring. It has a deaply cut leaf and grows best in a woodland setting in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Forming loose 2 foot mounds in shade, this native geranium will also grow as a groundcover in sun. Hardy to zone 4, wild cranesbill is native to all counties of Pennsylvania. This cultivar has dark, brownish-purple leaves.
- Idea Garden
Avens

Geum 'Wet Kiss'
- Idea Garden
Dove-tree

Davidia involucrata

Davidia involucrata, or dove-tree, is a deciduous tree native to central China. It is best known for its large, pendulous flowers with white bracts that bloom in early May and hang in long rows beneath the level branches. When stirred by the slightest breeze, the flowers resemble white dove wings hovering amongst the tree.
- Hillside Garden