The Brandywine Valley is famous worldwide for its stunning planned gardens. Estates like Nemours, Winterthur, and the Mt. Cuba center have spent decades fine-tuning their famous grounds, and each one is a wonder to behold. When you think you’ve seen all that the valley has to offer in terns of gardens, though, you should double check that you haven’t missed a hidden gem tucked far off the beaten path – Wilmington’s Goodstay Gardens.
Some of Delaware’s most beautiful gardens won’t be found in an elaborate DuPont Estate, and you don’t have to fight through crowds and pay expensive admission fees to admire them. The beautiful Goodstay Gardens are open year-round, and are free for the public to explore.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
It can be a little tricky to find the Goodstay Gardens. They’e located on the University of Delaware’s Wilmington Campus, between the Osher Center for Lifelong Learning and the gorgeous Goodstay Center Mansion.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
Goodstay was originally known as Green Hill, and dates back to the mid 17th century. At times, it was owned by Andrew Lynam, Howard Pyle, and Dr. Allan McLane.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens Of course, no garden in Delaware is free from at least a little DuPont influence. In 1868, Margaretta du Pont (Pierre S. and Alfred I.’s grandmother) moved in, and renamed Green Hill to Goodstay. Today, the gardens are maintained by the non-profit group Friends of the Goodstay Gardens.
The most significant and well-known part of the garden, the Magnolia Walk, blooms in the early days of spring, welcoming a season of color.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
These beautiful pink blossoms are quite a sight to see!
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
Other early spring blooms, like Weeping Cherry, bring a burst of color to the scene, pulling Wilmington out of a dreary winter.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
Throughout the season, blooms like Cornelian cherry bring beautiful scenery to these well curated gardens.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
Of course, no early spring garden is complete without some tulips and daffodils! Spend some time at Goodstay Gardens in the spring and you’ll see something new in bloom nearly every week.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
For more information on the Goodstay Gardens, visit this website, here. Just around the corner, another hidden garden is tucked away. The Gorgeous Marian Coffin Garden In Delaware Is A Beautiful Spot For A Sunny Day Stroll.
Facebook / Friends of Goodstay Gardens
Of course, no garden in Delaware is free from at least a little DuPont influence. In 1868, Margaretta du Pont (Pierre S. and Alfred I.’s grandmother) moved in, and renamed Green Hill to Goodstay. Today, the gardens are maintained by the non-profit group Friends of the Goodstay Gardens.
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Address: 2600 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
