Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar — Attraction in Wilmington

The gardens at Gibraltar were not busy when I was there…actually I never saw a single person the entire time…no workers or visitors. So, needless to say, my time spent there was very peaceful.

A sign as you enter the garden states all of the rules to observe while in attendance, and it is up to each visitor to practice the honor system.

I find it interesting the name on the sign of the gardens at Gibraltar does not reflect the family who originally lived there. The free gardens open to the public bares the name Marian Coffin…the landscape architect who designed the gardens.

Although the gardens are maintained, the permanent structures on the grounds sadly need some work.

After owners Hugh and Isabella Sharp passed away, the mansion and gardens were inherited by their son who didn’t share their love of Gibraltar. By 1998 the mansion was set for demolition but was saved by the “Preservation Delaware” group with the help of the local community.

If you get the chance to stop by for a quick visit, it is a great place to sit and...

Hidden gem, the gardens are lovely, but the historic house is desperately in need of care. Water fills the basement (spring mentioned somewhere in writing), it could be a great space if someone would commit. The garden could be spruced up if folks donated plants or bulbs.

As of September 10th, 2023, they are starting to clear off the lawn from all the overgrowth that is uphill by the house. They now accept donations for preservation.

March 2024, City of Wilmington bought the house and lands! Yay, esp if they rehab, renew and get creative about helping to maintain it. We met the head Horticulturist Liz, she is awesome and enthusiastic, and we appreciate her and her team for doing all the hard work!!! The overgrowth is being cleared out, the garden is being cleaned. The groundskeeper house and garage/stables could be an amazing cafe and public space if you envision it! All proceeds could go towards funding for the renewal of property!

It's not my secret garden anymore, but having it be loved by all is...

Seems to be beautiful gardens but a man who I assume lives on the top floor comes out and says its too early to be here, when in fact the hours are sunrise to sunset. He went on telling me, in a irritated tone, that its too early and I need to be more considerate. I have never been there before, it is public property therefore he has little to no say though he thought intimidating me would do the job.

I let the people who I was meeting there with know. The man still came down to make sure we all knew he was angry that we were there at sunrise. He then said it was private property, which is not, and that the owners need to change their info on their website.

This was incredibly rude and uncalled for. The has no say what the state says on their info about the hours. I advised him to contact them because its not our fault.

Completely disappointed they would let someone be there who...