Visiting Longwood Gardens in Fall

By Julie Boudreau

Located in Pennsylvania, Longwood Gardens was a favorite of our chief laidback gardener, Larry Hodgson. On several occasions, he delighted in sharing the splendors of this remarkable garden with us, particularly during the Christmas season. Time and again, I promised myself that I would visit this extraordinary place.

Last fall, I took advantage of the long Thanksgiving holiday (the Canadian one) and drove through the night to Pennsylvania. My goal was to finally discover, for the first time in my life, the garden so highly praised by my friend Larry. It was, in a way, a pilgrimage and my way of honoring his passing.

And I was not disappointed!

Longwood Gardens is definitely a place to add to your “Must-visit at least once in your life” list. In fact, I’d even recommend visiting it at least once per season.  

Visiting a Garden in Fall: An Excellent Plan!

Usually, we think of visiting gardens in the summer, but I assure you, autumn has a lot to offer garden visitors. First of all, there’s no scorching heat—your water bottle lasts longer, and there’s no risk of sunburn. What a relief!

Then, there’s the advantage of a common misconception: that gardens aren’t worth visiting in the fall. This means fewer crowds and more space to explore at your own pace. Imagine having the garden almost entirely to yourself, with no rush.

Finally, the whole palette of flowering plants changes. Sure, asters and grasses bring vibrant color to the flowerbeds, but they’re also joined by a myriad of plants that reveal their beauty in autumn. Not just flowers, but also the rich hues of changing foliage and the textures of dried fruits.

Even though today I am offering you an autumnal trip to the Longwood Gardens, I would like to extend it as an interplanetary invitation to visit gardens this fall. In Quebec, the Montreal Botanical Garden , the Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière , and the Reford Gardens remain open in October.  

Organize Your Visit to Make the Most of It

While it’s possible to cover most of Longwood Gardens’ main attractions in a single day, I wouldn’t recommend rushing through it. Longwood Gardens is full of hidden treasures—little paths, nooks, and off-the-beaten-track areas that are well worth exploring. Plus, some sections of the garden are beautifully illuminated at night. And let’s not forget, the garden spans over 1,000 acres! That’s why I suggest planning a two-day visit.

On the first day, take a general tour of the key areas, then enjoy a meal. I highly recommend the 1906, a fine-dining restaurant located in the heart of the garden, known for its high-quality cuisine. If you prefer something more casual, the Beer Garden offers a menu focused on pizzas, sandwiches, and fast food. After a satisfying meal, head back into the garden to experience it illuminated at night.

On the second day, return as soon as the garden opens to explore the quieter areas and the spots you might have missed the day before. This way, you’ll leave with no regrets, having fully savored everything the garden has to offer!

So, no regrets when you leave! You’re sure to have fully enjoyed your visit!

Ready for the Adventure?

Here we are at last! Make yourself a nice cup of coffee, herbal tea, or hot chocolate and enjoy this beautiful autumn journey through Longwood Gardens. Happy travels!

* All photos by Julie Boudreau.

 

In the outdoor gardens

 

In the Conservatory

 I hope I have given you the idea to visit a garden this fall and in particular to take advantage of a long vacation to go to Pennsylvania to discover the magnificent Longwood Gardens!