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Stewart, 83, stopped by the historic botanical center in Kennett Square after her latest QVC visit, marveling at the gardens’ expansive beauty, rich history, and incredible plant collections.
Longwood Gardens, originally inhabited by the Lenape tribe, later became a Quaker farm under George Peirce in 1700. Over centuries, it evolved into a stunning public garden, thanks to industrialist Pierre du Pont, who purchased and transformed the property in 1906. Today, it boasts more than 9,000 species of plants spread across 1,100 meticulously maintained acres.
Inside the Main Conservatory, Stewart admired hanging baskets of cape-primrose Streptocarpus 'Concord Blue', creeping fig Ficus pumila, triangle palms Dypsis decaryi, and lush hybrid cineraria Pericallis x hybrida 'Sunsenepiba'. She also highlighted a striking display of Asiatic hybrid lilies, towering tree ferns, and a vivid blue and purple palette featuring Longwood hybrid cineraria and blue poppies.
"The Conservatory houses about 5,500 plant varieties — there is something to see in every corner," Stewart wrote, sharing photos of orchids, bonsai trees, and the famed Tower-of-Jewels Echium wildpretii.
During her tour, Stewart met with Longwood's Chad Davis, Associate Vice President of Conservatories, and Jim Sutton, Associate Director of Display Design, praising the team’s dedication to maintaining the world-renowned displays.
Stewart also enjoyed a meal at 1906, Longwood Gardens' on-site restaurant, savoring dishes like pull-apart brioche with honey butter, Little Gem salad, rosemary-parmesan frites, and decadent desserts like hazelnut profiteroles and lavender lemon pavlova.
"If you're in the area, please stop by Longwood Gardens this spring — it's magical," Stewart said.
See some of Martha’s stunning photos from her Longwood Gardens tour on her blog.
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