During a recent trip to West Chester, Pennsylvania, Martha visited Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, which was recently named the best botanical garden in the United States. Whenever she travels, Martha makes an effort to stop and explore as many beautiful places as possible. “If possible, make the most of business trips and try to fit in visits to beautiful and interesting places in between meetings and events – I do,” Martha writes in her blog.

During her visit, she admired the stunning specimens and rich history of Longwood Gardens. Industrialist Pierre S. du Point purchased the property in 1906 to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens boasts 9,000 species and varieties of plants spread across more than 1,100 acres.

In addition to its bold blooms and lush greenery, the garden features intricately designed fountains and classical architecture, which beautifully complement the indoor and outdoor plant collections. Ahead, we share some of Martha’s experiences while visiting the Longwood Gardens.

The entire conservatory is filled with bold blooms and greenery. Martha shares this photo of a hanging basket containing Phalaenopsis hybrid Areca Palm, Dypsis lutescens.

All the florals are full of deep color, “these are striking cape-primrose blooms, Streptocarpus ‘Grape Ice’ with deep purple blossoms, intricate veining, and pure white centers and petal edges,” Martha writes.

After a day full of florals, Martha stopped by the 1906 restaurant at Longwood Gardens for delicious, seasonal, locally sourced cuisine.

The restaurant features a variety of delectable bites, such as this little gem salad, and impressive desserts like the hazelnut profiterole with caramel, cinnamon, and plum.

If you’re ever in the area, plan a visit to Longwood Gardens to experience the magical beauty, its superbly maintained structures, and, of course, its exquisite cuisine.