Preservation Delaware is proud to announce its spring and fall tour schedule for the gardens at Gibraltar. We also encourage group tours to consider a visit to the Goodstay Gardens as well, just across Pennsylvania Avenue.

Hidden behind a large stone wall, the gardens at Gibraltar are waiting to be discovered. Hugh Rodney Sharp and his wife, Isabella du Pont Sharp created the formal gardens between 1915 and 1923. The gardens are among the finest of Marian Coffin's designs. Large formal perennial beds, terraced gardens and a bald cypress allée are among the highlights of this restored treasure.

Across the 'Pike', gracious trees and a magnificent magnolia walk greet you at Goodstay. The Goodstay Gardens, planted in the early 19th century, are among the oldest in Delaware. Originally planted in the American Tudor style, with boxwood hedges bordering gravel paths, the garden was enhanced and enlarged by Ellen du Pont and her husband, Robert Wheelwright in the 1930s. Iris, rose and peony "rooms" are among the defining features of the garden.

• The Gardens are available for private tours from April 3, 2001 to June 14, 2001 and September 6, 2001 to October 11, 2001.
• Each garden tour lasts an hour and are conducted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For a tour of both gardens, start times are at 9:30 a.m. and tours of only Gibraltar begin at 10:00 a.m.
• Due to restrictions, we cannot accommodate large motor coaches at Gibraltar. Space is available for small shuttle buses and cars. We do encourage carpooling, as parking at Gibraltar is very limited.
• Gibraltar is currently lacking public bathrooms. Guests are advised to use the facilities at Goodstay or to make accommodations ahead of arrival.
• Combined tours of the Goodstay Gardens and the Gardens at Gibraltar are $10 per person. Single tours of the Gardens at Gibraltar are $5.00 per person.
• A 50 percent non-refundable deposit two weeks in advance is required when a date is held for your group. Checks should be made payable to Preservation Delaware.
• Picnic facilities are available at Goodstay Gardens. Please inquire when making your reservation.

Goodstay Gardens and the Gardens at Gibraltar are located on Kennett Pike (Route 52) in Wilmington, Delaware. Winterthur, Hagley Museum and Longwood Gardens are within a 20-minute drive of these two gardens.

Please call or e-mail Colleen Schuetz at 302.651.9617 ext. 12, cschuetz@preservationde.org with any questions or to reserve a date. Thank you for your interest in the Goodstay and Gibraltar Gardens. We look forward to seeing you this spring or fall.