Each month during the summer, the Garden Club of Cape May proudly showcases a local garden that exemplifies beauty, creativity, and passion for gardening.
Our "Garden of the Month" feature highlights exceptional garden designs, innovative plant combinations, and inspiring landscaping ideas. Whether it's a charming backyard retreat or a vibrant community space, this special recognition celebrates the artistry and dedication of local gardeners.
Our JUNE 2025 Garden of the Month
The Coleman Cottage
Garden of the Month
June 2025
A love story, a 128-year-old house, and a garden! Such is the surprise that will enchant you on the corner of Yale and Lehigh Avenues in Cape May Point. Dale and Denise Coleman began their journey together over 15 years ago, simply as neighbors who both enjoyed gardening. They would reunite as friends each summer upon their separate returns from winter homes in Maryland and New Jersey. Romance blossomed throughout the many summer visits, resulting in a joyful marriage and an even better garden!
The Coleman Cottage, as they named it, was built in 1897. Dale, now 91, restored and enhanced it by adding a second-story bedroom and bath. The colorful exterior of chocolate brown, deep red, and gold accent the charismatic charm of a house that resembles that of Hansel and Gretel. Denise, a nature garden enthusiast, is a member of the Washington Garden Club in New Jersey, chairperson for their public education, and director of District 4 Garden Clubs of New Jersey. She has recently been including many native plants that benefit wildlife.
Within the gardens are asters, viburnum, Joe Pye weed, parsley, chokeberry, fennel, locust, and holly. Dear to her heart is milkweed for monarch butterflies. She not only has milkweed plants in her garden, but sells their seedlings ( for a small donation, which goes to local community gardens) on her street corner every July and August.
Please come to the Point and enjoy this beloved home and garden!
Summarized below are the recipients of “Garden of the Month” for the summer of 2024.
SEPTEMBER
300 Oxford Avenue
Cape May Point
Owners- Carol Lutfy and Henk-Jen Beinkman
AUGUST
4082 Bayshore Road
Cold Spring
Owners- Steve Kaplan and Donna Willmann
JULY
501 Broad Street
Cape May
Owner- Joan Viguers
JUNE
1163 Virginia Avenue
Cape May
Owners- Lee and Chris Hajduk