The founder of Winterthur estate, Henry Francis du Pont, remarked once: “ Color is the thing that counts more than any other." The Gardens at Winterthur indeed burst with color particularly in the seemingly never-ending spring and autumn months. Winterthur, located on 980 acres, with 60 acres of naturalistic gardens, lies midway between New York City and Washington, DC, on Route 52N in North of Wilminton, Delaware, It is considered among the best of its kind in the United States, and a must for enthusiasts, scholars and students alike.

 

The gardens are home for more than 7,500 different kinds of plants; the landscape, “naturally” laid out, is a marvel capturing a significant period in the history of American horticulture.

 

The Fall months are particularly spectacular! “Foliage color starts in mid to late September with such notable plants as dogwood, maple and katsura trees. Color increases in early October with golden hues from hickories, ashes and beech and red from black gum. Late October to early November is traditionally the height of our fall color with vivid yellows from tulip-poplar and hickories, russet tones from beech and oak and reds from black gum and dogwood. Color is echoed on the woodland floor by spicebush, fern and other wildflowers”

 

Winterthur and nearby Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, Pennsylvania are two gems in the Delaware Valley that are worth visiting!