Every year one of my favorite December traditions is to visit Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania to their Christmas display. In 1906, Pierre du Pont purchased a farm in Kennett Square, in part to preserve the woods on the property. Within a few years, he planned and installed the first significant gardens on the property. Over the years, he added more acres, gardens and fountains. In 1916, du Pont began to plan for an indoor conservatory which today covers over 4 acres. From the beginning, the du Ponts opened the grounds to the public on occasion so they could enjoy his park, gardens and conservatory. After Pierre du Pont’s death in 1954, the property was transformed from a private estate to a horticultural display. Continuing the tradition of the du Ponts, the property is extensively decorated for Christmas. Each year the staff selects a theme and plans amazing decorations, both indoors and outside.

I usually visit Longwood Gardens several times during the holiday season, including at least one visit at night to see the lights in the Conservatory and around the grounds. So far this year, I’ve made one trip to Longwood on a quiet Wednesday morning. I was able to photograph the several of large trees without any people in the photos. So I thought I’d share a few of my photos from my first trip to see the 2018 Longwood Christmas with you today.

Booklover’s Tree in the Music Room – this may be my favorite tree ever at Longwood!

The Book Tree in the Music Room, Christmas at Longwood Gardens 2018 © 2018 Patty Hankins

Main tree in the Music Room

Music Room Tree, Christmas at Longwood Gardens 2018 © 2018 Patty Hankins

Some of the incredible book art by Dannielle and Lee Vincent in the Music Room

Folded Book Decoration, Christmas in the Music Room, Longwood Gardens 2018 © 2018 Patty Hankins

Folded Book Decoration, Christmas in the Music Room, Longwood Gardens 2018 © 2018 Patty Hankins

East Conservatory Tree

East Conservatory Tree, Christmas at Longwood Gardens, 2018 ©2018 Patty Hankins

DuPont House Tree

Christmas at the DuPont House, Longwood Gardens, 2018 © 2018 Patty Hankins

Ice Punch Poinsettia

Ice Punch Poinsettia © 2018 Patty Hankins

Bonprilipcom Poinsettia

Bonprilipcom Poinsettia © 2018 Patty Hankins

I hope you’ve enjoyed a first look at the amazing Christmas display at Longwood Gardens. I’ll be sharing more photos from a Longwood Christmas here on my blog over the next few weeks.

A Longwood Christmas is on display until January 6 at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. I’ll be heading back to Longwood on Sunday morning December 9 with the DC Area Flower Safari. If you’re in the area, we’d love to have you join us. All the info about our visit to Longwood is at https://www.meetup.com/DC-Area-Flower-Safari/events/254649559/