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Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar: A Wilmington Oasis

Discover a hidden gem in Wilmington: a historic Italianate garden with stunning landscapes, tranquil paths, and unique architectural features.

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Escape to the Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar, a beautifully restored early 20th-century Italianate garden in Wilmington, Delaware. Designed by pioneering female landscape architect Marian Coffin, the gardens offer a tranquil retreat with vibrant flower beds, historic statues, and architectural features.

A brief summary to Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

Local tips

  • Visit during different seasons to experience the changing blooms and colors of the gardens.
  • Check the Preservation Delaware website for information on guided tours and special events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the original stone pathways may have uneven surfaces.
  • Take your time to explore the lesser-known corners of the gardens for a more serene experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Greenhill Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 52), head east on Greenhill Avenue for one block. The Marian Coffin Gardens will be on your right at 1405 Greenhill Ave.

  • Public Transport

    From Wilmington City Center, take the DART First State bus route 5. Get off at the stop near Greenhill Avenue and 18th Street. Walk east on Greenhill Avenue for about 0.2 miles, and the gardens will be on your right. A single ride fare is $2.00.

  • Car

    The Marian Coffin Gardens are located at 1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806. From Brandywine River Museum, head southeast on Route 1, merge onto Route 202 North, then take the exit for Route 52 (Lancaster Avenue) towards Wilmington. Continue on Route 52 and turn right onto Greenhill Ave. The gardens will be on your left. Limited street parking is available along Greenhill Avenue. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar

The Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar, located in Wilmington, Delaware, offer a serene escape into a meticulously restored landscape designed by Marian Cruger Coffin, one of America's first female landscape architects. Commissioned in 1916 by Hugh Rodney Sharp and his wife, Isabella du Pont Sharp, the gardens reflect an Italianate Beaux-Arts style, envisioning each area as an outdoor room. The gardens feature a series of terraces that descend from the Gibraltar mansion, each with a unique theme. A curving marble staircase connects the terraces, leading visitors through the Flagstone, Evergreen, and Pool terraces to the Flower Garden below. The gardens are adorned with 35 statues collected by the Sharps from their travels around the world. After falling into disrepair following the deaths of the Sharps, Preservation Delaware stepped in to save the gardens from demolition in the 1990s. Through careful restoration, the gardens have been brought back to life, with original plants replaced and weather-worn statues repaired. The swimming pool was transformed into a reflecting pool, adding to the garden's tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Main Flower Garden, a symmetrical space with seasonal blooms, the Reflecting Pool with lush plantings, and the Bald Cypress Allee, a walkway lined with towering trees. The Woodland Walk offers a contrast to the formal gardens, while the Marble Staircase provides views of the Magnolia Grove. The gardens are open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk, offering a peaceful retreat for all.

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