Margie Fishman

The News Journal

Talk about bragging rights.

Not only is Longwood Gardens the most visited public garden in America, now, its eco-friendly toilets have been crowned "America's Best Restroom."

An early leader in an online contest, Longwood's inspiring Green Wall, containing 47,000 different plants representing 25 species, flushed nine other finalists, contest organizer Cintas announced Wednesday.

"The team at Longwood has proven it understands the value of a restroom that's creative and memorable for guests," John Engel, Cintas' senior marketing manager, said in a statement. The Cincinnatti-based uniform and restroom supplier has held the contest for 13 years. No Delaware toilet has ever been nominated.

Thousands of voters cast their ballots online. Bowl Plaza in Lucas, Kansas, featuring restrooms decorated with murals of found objects, took the second spot. The Fabulous Fox Theater in St. Louis, Missouri, with its stately and ornate toilets, came in third.

Along with securing a place in Cintas' America's Best Restroom Hall of Fame, Longwood receives a $2,500 Cintas credit for restroom cleaning and supplies and a complimentary deep clean (a $500 value).

Designed by British landscape architect Kim Wilkie, the 4,072-square-foot Green Wall in Longwood's East Conservatory Plaza is the largest in North America. Framing 17 domed restroom "pods," it releases as much oxygen as 90 14-foot-tall trees, and provides the backdrop for engagement photos, dinners, storytime hours and horticulture lectures.

Staff groom the wall three days a week using elaborate blueprints to identify plants like the Maidenhair Fern, Bird's Nest Fern, Lemon Butter Fern and Grape Ivy. Clippings are collected and replanted.

Inside the restrooms are motion-activated faucets, low-flow toilets and etched translucent glass to let in natural light.

"The wall has become a must-see destination for our guests," Longwood's chief marketing officer Marnie Conley said in a statement. "It's the only restroom with its own docents."

Contact Margie Fishman at (302) 324-2882 or mfishman@delawareonline.com.