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.
Flickr / John
(Technically, the address is: 1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806)
The large mansion, built by John Rodney Brincklé in 1844, has fallen into disrepair.
Wikimedia Commons / Michael Caruso
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.
Flickr / Michael Caruso
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.
Flickr / Simon

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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.
Facebook / Preservation Delaware
The walkways show off the grounds' plants, breathtaking water garden, antique Italian statues, and the estate's very own tea room.
Flickr / Mandy Jansen
You could spend hours here, fascinated by the reflecting pool and the gorgeous landscape that surrounds you.
Flickr / Mandy Jansen
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.
Facebook / Gibraltar - Kevin GA Malloy

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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