Love Gardens? Here are the Top 10 Gardens Worth the Visit
The Greater Philadelphia region has earned its title as America’s Garden Capital, boasting an extraordinary collection of public gardens, historic landscapes and arboretums. We’ve compiled a list of a few gardens that are just a short drive away from Brandywine, PA, and definitely worth the day trip. As you explore them all, you can collect stamps from each location on America’s Garden Capital Passport, which you can find at a garden near you!
Longwood Gardens
One of the most popular Philadelphia gardens, Longwood Gardens, spans over 1,000 acres of outdoor gardens, conservatories and fountains. Originally the estate of Pierre du Pont, its spectacular displays range from formal Italian water gardens to naturalistic meadows, while its conservatory houses one of the world’s most impressive indoor plant collections which includes a rare corpse flower.
- Distance from Brandywine: 7 miles
- Size: 1,077 acres
- Admission: $25-35 for adults (price varies by season/peak days), $22 for seniors (62+), $19 for students and free for children 4 and under
Nemours Estate
The du Pont family’s influence extends to other remarkable gardens in the region. For instance, just over the Delaware border, the Nemours Estate showcases the largest French-style gardens in North America, with its vast and perfectly manicured lawns, elegant fountains and a classical sculpture collection reflecting the grandeur of Versailles.
- Distance from Brandywine: 12 miles
- Size: 200 acres
- Admission: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, $10 for children 5-16 and free for children under 5
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Also founded by the du Ponts, Winterthur offers a vast naturalistic garden designed to bloom in succession throughout the seasons. The estate’s March Bank is particularly famous for its breathtaking early spring bloom of snowdrops and crocuses, marking the transition into warmer months.
- Distance from Brandywine: 8 miles
- Size: 1,000 acres
- Admission: $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $8 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2
The Hagley Museum and Library
The Hagley Museum and Library, situated along the Brandywine River, offers a unique blend of industrial history and garden design. The estate and powder mills are complemented by restored nineteenth-century gardens that demonstrate the evolution of American garden design, which include a mix of ornamental and functional plants, such as crocuses, jonquils and hyacinths.
- Distance from Brandywine: 11 miles
- Size: 235 acres
- Admission: $15 adults
Mt. Cuba Center
For those interested in native plants and conservation, Mt. Cuba Center stands as a premier destination. This former du Pont family estate has been transformed into a botanical garden focused on native plant research and education, featuring stunning wildflower gardens and natural landscapes that support local ecosystems, which include native azaleas, wild orchids, dogwoods and native fern plants.
- Distance from Brandywine: 15 miles
- Size: 1,083 acres
- Admission: $15 for adults
The Morris Arboretums & Gardens
The University of Pennsylvania’s official arboretum combines Victorian architectural elements with modern horticultural displays that include collections of rare and heritage trees, a fascinating fernery and an award-winning children’s garden. This Philadelphia Garden is also an educational institution, so you can either enjoy your day here with a leisurely stroll throughout the grounds or a class.
- Distance: 35 miles
- Size: 92 acres
- Admission: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for students and youth (3-17), free for under 3
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
This institution specializes in rhododendrons and azaleas, creating a spectacular spring display within its woodland setting. Visitors can embrace each season with colorful trilliums, mountain laurel and dogwoods in spring, and lush hydrangeas and meadow flowers in the summer.
- Distance: 22 miles
- Size: 48 acres
- Admission: Free to the public
Bartram’s Garden
Founded by John Bartram in 1728, this Philadelphia Garden is a National Historic Landmark that continues to preserve the legacy of America’s first great botanist while serving as a vital community resource. Enjoy their varied and unique botanicals from river garden plants and Native American medicinal plants to the Historic Franklinia tree, which is extinct in the wild.
- Distance: 40 miles
- Size: 45 acres
- Admission: Free to the public
The Brandywine Museum of Art
This museum complements its renowned art collection with native plant gardens along the Brandywine River, creating a harmony of culture and nature. Designed to support local wildlife, the garden features a variety of wildflowers, ferns and flowering shrubs, along with seasonal blooms.
- Distance: 9 miles
- Size: 15 acres (gardens)
- Admission: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $6 for students and children 6+, free for under 6
Appleford
Sitting as a restored 24-acre estate, Appleford offers an intimate glimpse into the region’s heritage with its terraced gardens and meadows designed by Thomas Sears. Towering magnolias, dogwoods and azaleas add to the garden’s charm, while serene water features and shaded woodland paths enhance its tranquil atmosphere.
- Distance: 28 miles
- Size: 24 acres
- Admission: Free
No Boring Days
At Freedom Village at Brandywine, our landscaped grounds, walking paths and vibrant community provide the perfect setting for garden lovers to enjoy the changing seasons without the hassle of maintenance. Click here to learn about more day trips you can take from our community or contact us to schedule a visit today to see how we’re the best retirement community near Philadelphia.
