[1] The display gardens exhibit plant varieties that were collected from around the world, then tested and propagated for introduction into the North American nursery trade.
Heronswood maintains significant collections of plants from the hydrangea (Hydrangeaceae), barberry (Berberidaceae), aralia (Araliaceae) and buttercup (Ranunculaceae) families, together with considerable collections of conifers, hardy ferns, woodland lilies (e.g. Polygonatum, Disporum, Cardiocrinum, Lilium, Trillium, Paris) and hardy begonias.
The company CEO cited a lack of demand for rare plants as a major factor in the failure of the business.
The primary Burpee display and trial gardens are presently located on the Fordhook Farm in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
[13] The "Heronswood Nursery Company" is being considered in the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe's plans as potential part of tribal economic development and employment, and vocational education opportunities.