Longwood is approximately a two hour drive from Washington, buts its grounds and Conservatory are spectacular. Its crown jewel is the Victoria lily gardens adjacent to the Conservatory. The Longwood hybrid Victoria lily is world famous and the ponds have been specifically designed to display it. These lily gardens are a national treasure. The Victoria lily was discovered in the mid Nineteenth century by French and English botanist explorers and gathering the first specimens became an intense competition between the countries. England prevailed and succeeded in having the lily named for Queen Victoria.
