A Labor of Love: Maintaining Verrazzano Garden

August 21, 2026

If you’ve walked along the north end of the boardwalk recently—just past Olive Avenue—you may have noticed the pavilion, perhaps the monument, and, if you look a little closer, a beautiful garden tucked beside them. Early morning walkers might even catch volunteers tending the space. Those volunteers are part of Rehoboth in Bloom, a Rehoboth Beach Main Street organization dedicated to creating a welcoming, attractive, and people-centered downtown environment that celebrates the city’s historic character.

According to volunteer Carolyn Diefenderfer—who can often be found working throughout town—the Verrazzano Garden became a Rehoboth in Bloom project three years ago when former City Arborist Liz Lingo asked the group to take it on. That first year, a large team worked to remove invasive plants and begin adding varieties that would thrive. Over time, the group has distilled to three dedicated volunteers: Carolyn Diefenderfer, Johanna Rupp, and Lorrie Thier.

Their goal has been to bring more color and life to the garden, and many passersby stop to ask about their work. It’s truly a labor of love. In the early days, they “borrowed” water from the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel until the City installed a water source. During peak summer heat, the volunteers water the garden three to four times a week.

This week, the team met with Public Works staff—Henry Matlosz, Mike Peterman, and Rocco Esposito—to request the new fencing along the Obie’s side of the garden, which you may have noticed. Rick Degrassi acted quickly to install it, and the volunteers are grateful. Another request was to allow the volunteers to manage pruning in the fall, after several seasons of having their plants cut back. They are happy to continue caring for the space as long as their work isn’t undone.

Carolyn also notes that the area surrounding the monument was created and is maintained by volunteers from UNICO.

A huge thank-you to Carolyn, Lorrie, and Johanna for the care, time, and dedication they pour into this garden and so many other spaces around town. Next time you’re walking by, take a break in the pavilion, read up on the history of the park, or simply enjoy the natural beauty shaped by these volunteers’ hard work.