East Marlborough Township in Kennett Square in Chester County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Waterlily Court
Opened 1957, redesigned 1989 by Sir Peter Shephard.
| | Renovated 2024 by Weiss/Manfredi and Reed Hilderbrand | |
Floating Beauty
These outdoor pools showcase our world-class collection of aquatic plants. They come alive from spring to fall with water-platters, waterlilies, cannas, lotuses, and more.
While these plants are rooted in soil, each has adapted to live in varying levels of waterfrom riverbanks to flooplains. Large, waxy leaves float on the surface or rise above it. Flowers, blooming by day or night, lure pollinating insects with their colors and scents.
Generations of Care
Our journey with aquatic plants began in the 1950s, marking the start of a unique collection. Our horticulturalists, in collaboration with other growers and gardens, embarked on a quest to expand our knowledge of these remarkable plants.
This legacy of expertise and ongoing mentorship ensures ensures the collection will continue to thrivenot just in our Gardens, but worldwide.
The aquatic plants collection is all about getting as many people interested and intrigued by these natural wonders as we can.
Erected by Longwood Gardens.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry
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Location. 39° 52.364′ N, 75° 40.748′ W. Marker is in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, in Chester County. It is in East Marlborough Township. It can be reached from Longwood Road west of East Baltimore Pike (U.S. 1), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kennett Square PA 19348, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Greater Philadelphia. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Royal Water-Platter/Santa Cruz Water-Platter (a few steps from this marker); Longwood Hybrid Water-Platter (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Waterlily Court
Other markers no longer nearby. Main Fountain Garden (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Pierre S. du Pont, Fountain Visionary (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed); An Engineer's Garden (was about 300 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 33 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
