Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania is an amazing place that has been in the making since the early 1700's, when two brothers rode all over the north eastern US gathering rare tree specimens to plant a beautiful stand of trees. As the land passed through several generations, the trees became neglected and were rescued by DuPont in the 1800's, right before the brothers deforested the area. DuPont not only saved the trees, but also began expanding the gardens. He created a beautiful place, adding a new fountain or spectacular garden each year before his lavish garden party. Today, Longwood has a beautiful waterlily pond, spectacular fountains, a rose garden, and a natural woodland, as well as a large collection of orchids and many other garden exhibits. It is a great place to visit and I personally love the idea garden that helps visitors bring some of Longwood’s ideas back to their own gardens.

If you're in the area for a few days, don't miss DuPont's other marvelous garden just over the border in Delaware. Winterthur is a less formal, but just as spectacular, place.