Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens - The Garden Club

Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens Chair 2025-2026: Carol Thim

Barnegat Light Historical Museum
501 Central Avenue, Barnegat Light, NJ

The Edith Duff Gwinn Garden, which envelops the Barnegat Light Museum at the
intersection of 5th and Central, stands as one of the most enchanting gardens on Long Beach Island. It is named in honor of one of its founders and is diligently maintained by a dedicated group of members from the Garden Club of LBI.

The garden encompasses a variety of distinct areas that exhibit an array of unique trees, shrubs, and plants. There exists a native plant garden, a section dedicated to drought-tolerant flora, and zones that feature shade-loving species. Many of the trees and shrubs are indigenous to the coastal region of New Jersey.

Edith Duff Gwinn Garden is not merely an enjoyable destination to explore throughout the year; it also serves as an enlightening venue to discover the diverse flora that thrives on Long Beach Island.

Click here to see the evolution of the garden through the years.

Garden Cleanup! October 2025

Photos by Joanne McKee (click on images to enlarge)

Carol Thim, Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens Chair, cleared out a densely overgrown area and transformed the area into wood chips. Garden Club members then spread the wood chips throughout the garden!

A thickly overgrown garden area progressing toward clearance at the Edith Duff Gwinn Gardens located in Barnegat Light!

The final creation crafted by the dedicated members of the Garden Club!

Carol Anne DiMiglio getting ready to distribute the wood chips.

Maria Dinella is having a blast with the wood chip shuffle!

(l to r) Linda Budlow & Janet Vilardo Farrell

(l to r) Joyce Hillyer, Ginny Darvis, Carol Anne DiMiglio, Maria Dinella, Cathy Ruch, Janet Vilardo Farrell and Linda Budlow are all set to rake!

September Artwork! September 2025

Art arrives at the Edith Duff Gwinn Garden in Barnegat Light! A beautiful exhibition was sponsored by Wildflowers Too Gallery and the Historic Museum of Barnegat . The collection is part of Wildflowers Cooperative and donated by each artist for use of public display throughout the community.

Summer Blooms! July 2025

Photos by Lois Mullen (click on images to enlarge)

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