You might think of carpet cleaners when you hear the name du Pont. If you are a garden lover, though, you'll see visions of lush plantings, grand greenhouses and arboretums. The du Pont family crafted some of the greatest gardens in American history, and thankfully Longwood, Winterthur and Nemours are still available to tour.

Read on for a glimpse into perhaps the greatest of the du Pont gardens: Longwood Gardens of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. With indoor collections that will blow your mind to beautiful outdoor pathways made for strolling, Longwood is an experience. Join me as we take a look at a few of the structures and plantings of Longwood. Amy Renea If you have only five minutes at Longwood, your first stop should be the main conservatory. Stepping into the main gallery can take your breath away. Emerging from the chilly spring winds into the midst of warm, humid rooms filled to the brim with blooming plants is an experience. I heard a visitor remark, "This is one of the few places in the world that never disappoints," and I have to agree with her. No matter what season you visit Longwood in, the conservatory is magnificent. Amy Renea Take a walk up the hill and you will be greeted by the side entrance of the du Pont mansion. Humble in comparison to homes of other magnates in the same era, the home is composed of two wings linked by yet another conservatory. Six community cats that hunt the property are regularly found lounging here, and visitors can tour many of the lower-story rooms. Peek inside here. Amy Renea The home itself is a traditional bricked and shuttered two-story structure with wraparound porches from which to view the gardens. Amy Renea While the family home may not be over the top, the conservatories found throughout the gardens certainly are. Crafted from the finest materials available, the greenhouses are imposing and magnificent. Amy Renea The greenhouses have acres of indoor plants and boast grandiose entrances on all sides. They are the heart of the gardens and quite simply a plant lover's dream. Amy Renea In addition to the glass roofs found throughout the conservatories, there are also giant floor-to-ceiling multipaned windows and doors. The look is nothing short of fabulous and makes me want to cut giant windows into all of my house's walls. Amy Renea Take a step outside and this is the view that greets you across the grand promenade. Annual fireworks shows are set off from this area, adding celebration and excitement to an already elaborate scene. Amy Renea Located behind this grand garden is also the fountain apparatus. Powerful jets and a series of lights create stunning displays in the summer months. Amy Renea No matter how grand the structures are, though, it is truly the plants that make Longwood sing. With a choreographed dance, the plants rotate through their flowering and fruiting cycles. There is never a down month at Longwood, because the designers put on a grand show of successive blooms. Amy Renea Even in winter the evergreens put on a grand show, and the poinsettias in the main conservatory are not to be missed. Amy Renea Spring, however, is perhaps the grandest seasons of all, with forests of trees in bloom and tulips lining the walkways for miles. Amy Renea Longwood is not only a showcase garden; it is also a research garden. Notice the cutout boxes of grass in the foreground of this photo. The researchers at Longwood are running tests on various types of grass. Amy Renea A sign explains the research to determine which types of grass survive drought conditions and infrequent mowings. Amy Renea Longwood has a history of creating beauty from living plants, and the gardeners continue to make strides in the garden design world. The gardens hold a magic that is best savored on weekdays, and there is always inspiration to be found, in winter, spring, summer or fall. If you are traveling through Pennsylvania this summer, be sure to stop in.

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