Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens - The Garden Club

Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens Chair 2024-2025: Carol Thim

Barnegat Light Historical Museum
501 Central Avenue, Barnegat Light, N.J.

Come and enjoy the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens located at the Barnegat Light Museum on the corner of 5th street and Central Avenue in Barnegat Light. The garden was formerly the playground when the museum was a one room schoolhouse. At nearly one-third of an acre, this large garden has been maintained by The Garden Club of Long Beach Island members for over 50 years. Due to the dedication of the members, the garden has expanded greatly since its inception. Click here to see the evolution of the garden through the years.

The garden provides year round enjoyment. Around the fountain, at the center of the garden, are pink and white heathers that bloom all winter. There are two witch hazels, one yellow and one orange, that bloom in February with flowers that resemble little firecrackers. In March the hellebores bloom in many colors throughout the garden. They are followed by daffodils, tulips, irises and crocuses. After that , it’s time for the perennials and annuals. There is a very special pine tree near the fish pond called a Japanese Umbrella Pine. A huge Southern Magnolia erupts in fragrant, dish-sized blooms in July. The garden contains many milkweed plants where Monarch butterflies lay their eggs. Visitors to the garden then have the pleasure of watching them emerge from their chrysalis, drying their wings and flying off! The garden is constantly changing . Please visit often to see all that the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens has to offer in each season.

Commemorative Brick Paver

What better way to honor that special someone than by placing a brick with his or her name on it in the walkway at EDG.

To print out a brick-engraving form, click here.

Autumn is in the Air! October 2024

Photos by Lois Mullen (click on images to enlarge)

Flowering magnolia in honor of Cathy Sutton

A Celebration of Life! September 2024

Submitted by Lois Perry

On September 16, 2024, family, friends and Garden Club members joined in a celebration of life for Cathy Sutton, in the garden that she loved. The Edith Duff Gwinn Garden at the Barnegat Light Historical Museum is maintained by the Garden Club of LBI. The garden is a place of tranquility for visitors. Cathy tended with love this garden for 20 plus years.

Cathy joined the garden club in 1995. She immediately immersed herself in all of our activities, serving as president, just 5 years later in 2000. She worked at EDG, maintaining this natural treasure for more than 20 years. She also chaired Senior Services and brought so much joy, fun and beauty to others. She chaired homes highlighted on our Holiday House Tours, creating floral artistry in the holidays, and raising funds for our programs.

Cathy was always the contributor in these ways and so many others. She was everywhere in the Garden Club and members all have memories of moments with her. Her kindness and generosity of spirit was evident in everything she did and captured by the beautiful whimsical sculpture installed in her name. A Southern Magnolia tree, the Little Gem was planted as well for its elegance and abundant blooming quality, in memory of Cathy, our little gem.

Her smile, her humor, her style, her laugh and, of course, her energy were her signature traits. She is the role model for living life to its fullest, always seeking to make a difference and in it all… being constantly relevant.

JoAnne McKee, Carol Thim, the Edith Duff Gwinn Garden and Hospitality committee members deserve praise and appreciation for providing a lovely dedication, a beautiful setting and a delightful celebration. The Garden Club of LBI thanks all who donated to the Edith Duff Gwinn Garden in Cathy’s memory.

Photos by Lisa Tyson