The grand gardens of Winterthur, Nemours and the Hagley estate are well known to many Delawareans, but perhaps the most magical garden in the state is hiding behind a big, imposing brick wall, tucked away behind one of the busiest Wilmington streets.
It's impossible to miss the gignatic Gibraltar mansion, on Pennsylvania Ave, across from UD-Wilmington.
(Technically, the address is: 1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806)
The large mansion, built by John Rodney Brincklé in 1844, has fallen into disrepair.
Hidden behind the large walls of the mansion lies a 20th Century garden known as the Marion Coffin Gardens, that will make you feel like you've stepped into a magical world far away from busy Wilmington. The Gardens are owned by Preservation Delaware.
Walk through the gates into this small paradise, which may be just as impressive as the gardens you'll find at the majestic DuPont Estates nearby.
In the spring and summer, a lush green takes over as flowers and trees bloom. Wandering through here is like getting lost in another world.
The walkways show off the grounds' plants, breathtaking water garden, antique Italian statues, and the estate's very own tea room.
You could spend hours here, fascinated by the reflecting pool and the gorgeous landscape that surrounds you.
Though summer is the most popular time to visit the gardens at Gibraltar, I enjoy stopping by the Fall and Winter, to see how the bright colors of autumn or a fresh snowfall transform the space into a true oasis, away from the rest of the world.
The Marion Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar are open to the public, for free, from dawn to dusk year round. If you're looking for a beautiful, scenic day trip, combine a trip to Gibraltar with a stop by Wilmington's other hidden garden, the Goodstay Gardens, just up the road.
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