Home of the du Pont family dynasty, the rolling emerald hills of northern Delaware are bursting with botanical delights and elegant mansions. From the old family wineries to the immense gardens of Winterthur and Longwood, this genteel region of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway has some of the best horticultural landscapes in the world. Come experience the enchanting vistas and centuries-old estate gardens for yourself along Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway.
Winterthur is the former country estate of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969). Henry sought to preserve the agrarian way of life through the creation of the Winterthur Gardens and Estate. Thanks to the Industrial Revolution that brought his family enormous wealth through gunpowder manufacturing and chemical engineering, Henry du Pont was able to translate his love of the land into a unified work of art that embodies a romantic vision of nature's beauty.
Come experience the glorious gardens of modern-day Winterthur, surrounded by nearly one thousand acres of woodlands, waterways, and rolling meadows. Walk through the Sundial Garden in April when the spirea, viburnum, quince, and cherry are in full bloom. Breathe in the sweet fragrance of lavender lilac in the colorful seas of flowerbeds that abound around every corner. In May, discover the Azalea Woods, where a fantastic showcase of white, pink, lavender, salmon and red azalea under a canopy of white oak, tulip poplar and American beech await you. From February to October, Winterthur always has some fantastic flora in bloom. Visit winterthur.org to plan the best time to visit your favorite botanical wonders.
Founded by Pierre du Pont, Longwood Gardens, located on the Pennsylvania stretch of the byway, is known worldwide for its magnificent horticulture. Pierre du Pont was the great-grandson of Eleuthère Irénée du Pont (1771-1834), who arrived from France in 1800 and founded the DuPont chemical company. Pierre turned the family business into a corporate empire in the early 20th century and used his resulting fortune to develop the Longwood property.
Larger than New York City’s Central Park, Longwood Gardens offers over 1,000 acres of gardens and 11,000 species of indoor and outdoor plants complete with various horticultural displays, walkways and meadows. Come stroll through seamless acres of colorful azaleas, columbines, dogwoods, flowering cherries, peonies, irises, and tulips, at various seasons of the year. Hear the music of nature as you stroll through the dazzling fountain gardens. Experience the extravagant conservatory and starlit theater, or indulge your senses in a variety of gardens. From the Italian water garden to the extraordinary landscaped meadows, Longwood Gardens offers an incredible number of vistas. For more information about Longwood Gardens visit longwoodgardens.org.
From the majesty and grandeur of Winterthur Estate to the world-famous Longwood Gardens, Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway is a must-see for any garden or nature lover.
