An engagement is such a lovely event for a young couple. It begins the road towards what all hope to be a lifetime commitment of love and partnership as the two begin a long-term journey together.  Such was the case at the Longwood Gardens and the engagement of Kimberly & Rick.

And what a lovely setting for such a lovely couple than the Longwood Gardens. One of the world’s great gardens, Longwood’s story is one of legacy, innovation, and stewardship.  Founded by Pierre S. du Pont, it is an expression of inspiration. From it’s intricate fountain systems to the architectural grandeur, it provides an awe-inspiring discovery at every turn. Years before it was a public garden, the land on which Longwood Gardens stands was home to the native Lenni Lenape tribe and Quaker farmers. Since then, the land has undergone significant transformation to become the magnificent property that is enjoyed by more than a million guests each year.

A visionary in the field of public gardens, Mr. du Pont shunned popular convention and instead drew his inspiration from his experiences and travels. A prime example of this was seen in his use of trees and flowers in the Conservatory—as opposed to the tropical foliage that was popular at the time. This “floral sun parlor” drew tremendous public response and further established Mr. du Pont as a horticultural mastermind. Today, Mr. du Pont’s innovative spirit, passion for knowledge and respect for the land collectively form the principles that guide Longwood Gardens horticultural activities. Longwood Gardens horticultural endeavors extend beyond the boundaries of the indoor and outdoor gardens to include the magnificent seasonal displays and thriving research and crop production programs that serve to further our reputation as a pioneer among public gardens. Longwood’s expertise has led to the formation of research partnerships with likeminded institutions and organizations worldwide. Among these is the degree-granting Longwood Graduate Program that allows University of Delaware students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in several aspects of the horticulture field.

Guests flock to Longwood throughout the year to celebrate their five “seasons” – Winter Wonder, Spring Blooms, Festival of Fountains, Autumn’s Colors, and especially A Longwood Christmas. Longwood’s seasonal displays elevate the art of horticulture, spotlighting unusual but also ordinary plants, all grown to extraordinary effect. In keeping with the emphasis of the visionary master plan, they have dedicated the next five years to designing exciting new floral displays. In the coming years, guests can look forward to programs focused on poppies, anthuriums, dahlias and aquatic plants.