Longwood Gardens Back To Normal After Fugitive Capture, Official Says

KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens is open for business again after having to close on and off during the two-week manhunt for escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante, and a spokesperson for the facility thanked law enforcement Monday.

“Longwood Gardens wishes to express our deepest gratitude to law enforcement authorities and government officials for their tireless work in apprehending Danelo Cavalcante,” Patricia Evans, spokeswoman, said Monday.“We are grateful for the peaceful conclusion and thank all those involved in the search for their unwavering dedication.”

Garden officials did not respond to a request from Patch for the specifics of the days or partial days the gardens were closed and financial losses due to the closures.

Cavalcante escaped Chester County Prison in Pocopson Township on Aug. 31 and was captured on Sept. 13 in South Coventry Township in northern Chester County after stealing a van and leaving the Kennett Square area.

Longwood Gardens closed for two separate periods as Cavalcante was spotted in and around the 1,100-acre botanical garden in Kennett Square.

Evans said that Longwood Gardens looks forward to the community returning to normal activity and welcoming guests back to the serenity and beauty of the gardens.

About Longwood Gardens

In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber.

Today, Longwood Gardens is a horticultural display, encompassing 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, and a grand conservatory.

Open daily, Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region, known as America’s Garden Capital. More information is available here.