A charming open tram drove us idly along the garden paths from the visitor's center to the Winterthur mansion. Our tram driver/tour guide Ed explained to us that Henry Francis du Pont enjoyed a naturalistic style of gardening where there are no rigid lines, and plants and flowers are meant to be planted randomly. However, there are guidelines to follow when creating a "natural garden." Just as in the rain forest there are levels of the garden, and gardeners take certain measures to showcase their work. For example, the canopy layer of trees usually have their branches trimmed near the ground to allow for light to pass through to the smaller plants, and to provide a panoramic view. Mr. du Pont studied horticulture at Harvard University and spent the majority of his life working on Winterthur's collection of antiques and numerous gardens.
Winterthur is absolutely wonderful in the spring--we recommend going with your family. Azalea Wood is in full bloom. Children (and 18-year olds) love the Enchanted Wood. The rolling hills are a vibrant green (your lawn will never look like these). And, the garden paths are downhill towards the house, making it a very easy walk!
A charming open tram drove us idly along the garden paths from the visitor's center to the Winterthur mansion. Our tram driver/tour guide Ed explained to us that Henry Francis du Pont enjoyed a naturalistic style of gardening where there are no rigid lines, and plants and flowers are meant to be planted randomly. However, there are guidelines to follow when creating a "natural garden." Just as in the rain forest there are levels of the garden, and gardeners take certain measures to showcase their work. For example, the canopy layer of trees usually have their branches trimmed near the ground to allow for light to pass through to the smaller plants, and to provide a panoramic view. Mr. du Pont studied horticulture at Harvard University and spent the majority of his life working on Winterthur's collection of antiques and numerous gardens.
Winterthur is absolutely wonderful in the spring--we recommend going with your family. Azalea Wood is in full bloom. Children (and 18-year olds) love the Enchanted Wood. The rolling hills are a vibrant green (your lawn will never look like these). And, the garden paths are downhill towards the house, making it a very easy walk!
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