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| Winterthur's Metasequoias are set in a world famous country estate in northern Delaware’s Brandywine Valley. Winterthur features a wondrous 1,000 plus acre country estate with a world class museum that contains a variety of unique collections of antiques and Americana. Additionally, the Winterthur Library has resources unparalleled in the area. The Winterthur Museum was founded by Henry Du Pont in 1951. Du Pont had a goal, to create a unique estate that would immerse visitors in an environment with spectacular architecture and beautiful antiques. The galleries at Winterthur have a collection of more than 85,000 objects. The garden features highlights with unique names like the Enchanted Woods, the Winterhazel Walk, and Pinetum. Winterthur is in an interesting area, a few miles north of Wilmington, Delaware and just below the Pennsylvania – Delaware border. It is noteworthy because it is on the southern edge of the Eastern broadleaf oceanic forest, and the northern tip of the Outer coastal plain region. It is also on the border between Hardiness Zones 6 and 7, temperate zones. Winds are light, precipitation is average, and the dominant soil types are Ultisols. |
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The Winterthur features two Metasequoias, one with particularly impressive girth. Both were received from the Arnold Arboretum. One was planted in 1951 when 4 feet tall. In 1963 it was 40 feet tall, and by 1968 it was 58 feet tall with a base 26 inches in diameter, showing astounding growth. In 1981 it was 70 feet tall with a base 40 inches in diameter, and in 1997 the tree was 91 feet tall with a base 55 inches in diameter. Currently, the tree is 101 feet tall with a base 59 inches in diameter, truly an impressive specimen. It holds the third largest base of any trees in my study, and displayed quick and consistent growth throughout its maturity. The other tree in the Winterthur was planted in 1957 and has reached a height of 94 feet with a base 34 inches in diameter. This is a large tree, but one that does not compare with its counterpart. The Winterthur displays not only a unique show of botanical and artistic excellence, but has a very impressive Metasequoia as well. It is a wondrous Garden and Museum with a particularly remarkable tree that is most worthy of a visit. Winterthur Route 52 Winterthur, DE 19735 |
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