A Milestone Moment

Joining together to save a cultural landscape.

By Patricia Evans

It is said that history often repeats itself. That was certainly the case on February 2, 2023, when Longwood joined with other cultural institutions to preserve the iconic landscape of Granogue, a 505-acre estate situated in New Castle County, DE, just eight miles from Longwood Gardens.

“Our Gardens began with Pierre S. du Pont’s act of preservation to save a 202-acre arboretum that was important to the region and community,” Longwood President and CEO Paul B. Redman said in a statement announcing the preservation. “Today, we are honoring the legacy of Longwood through an act of conservation to protect another landscape and add another open space that is important to our region and community.”

The acquisition, which is expected to close by year end, is being funded by the generous philanthropic leadership of Mt. Cuba Center and the Longwood Foundation. In addition, du Pont family members have generously contributed funds to establish a permanent endowment for the vision and future operations of Granogue. While Longwood Gardens will own and operate Granogue, we did not contribute funds for the initial purchase of the property.

One of the last remaining pieces of unprotected open space in the Brandywine River Corridor, discussions about the future of the property began in 2016 between Granogue Reserve, LTD., LLC (GRLLC), the legal entity that owns the property; Longwood Gardens; and The Conservation Fund. While we have made no final determination on how the property will evolve, our commitment for Granogue to remain a pastoral cultural landscape is at the forefront.

Our commitment to our mission of conservation and the generous support of our community is what has enabled us to take this bold act. We invite you to join us in support of our ongoing work to preserve our global garden, just as our founder did 117 years ago.