I recently bought a Brandywine Valley Treasure Trail Passport which provides that I can enter a number of museums, estates, and gardens near Wilmington, Delaware for the set price of $49 for the season from the end of May through the end the October.
The entrance sign is easy to spot on Route 52, Kennett Pike outside of Wilmington, Delaware.
Our first outing was to the H. F. du Pont’s 979-acre estate, Winterthur. The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport is valid for General Admission which includes the Introductory House Tour plus Gardens, Garden Tram, Galleries and Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens.
We entered the house through a large conservatory. Between 1902 and 1929, a tile-roofed porte cochere, (or covered entry) protected Winterthur guests and residents from foul weather as they alighted from their horses and carriages. In 1929 Henry Francis du Pont relocated the entrance to the west side of the house and replaced the porte cochere with this glass-walled plant conservatory. When the family was in residence at Winterthur, lavish floral displays filled this room, where the du Ponts entertained, played bridge and enjoyed afternoon tea.
After an hour and a half drive we arrived at the parking lot near the Visitors Center. We checked in and opted to walk through the garden to the house where we could self-tour through a number of rooms each with its own knowledgeable docent.
We followed the signs and asked for directions along the way.
After exiting the house we continued our tour though the mostly shaded garden which is set up in various rooms connected by winding paths. I could see that we had missed azalea season which must have been awesome.
Charlie inspected the bamboo fence for inspiration.
All of the trails were paved which made the walking very easy. Mothers had brought their children in strollers to take advantage of the beauty of the garden and ease of passage. Entrance to the garden only is free.
I was fascinated by the koi ponds — my favorite area of Winterthur gardens.
I especially loved the koi ponds.
The large reflecting pool was dotted with water lilies.
And the seahorse stature at the reflecting pool.
Thankfully, most of our walking tour was downhill or down steps.
We walked on further to the a building which houses the research library and the Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens — each one a masterpiece.
The soup tureen collection is vast — this is just a small sampling.
Charlie noted that the glass was so clean it was hard to tell that there was a case protecting the tureens.
All employees and volunteers were eager to answer any questions or reply to comments.
We stopped near the research library which was only open to scholars by appointment and spoke at length with the guard who allowed us to look at the 3-D model of Winterthur Estate.
Like me, the duPonts loved their china and dishes.
Then we walked across a small plaza to the museum where we enjoyed some lovely exhibits of antique furniture and household items.
Visitors to the museum are encouraged to comment on the displays. The card asks, “Which object in these galleries is most meaningful to you, and why?”
We caught the tram back to the visitor center but stayed on for a ride to the parking lot. Our tour had been mostly downhill so the trip back would have been an uphill climb if not for the free tram. Our whole tour took about 2 leisurely hours.
The grounds are beautifully maintained by about 200 gardeners.
We had packed a lunch so we could eat on our own schedule. After the having a snack we drove back home. The weather was a perfect 76 degrees. We had a lovely day.
Hoping to get some inspiration at Longwood Gardens in Delaware.
The next planned visit is Longwood Gardens.
Jo
Let's Fake the Music 