UPDATE: In February 2025 construction crews started removing and breaking down the garden spaces for an upcoming bridge project south of North Beach. It has yet to be determined what has happened to the painted memorial rocks that were placed at Gwen;s Garden.
Sometimes, the most special places aren’t grand landmarks, but small pockets of community heart, grown organically from love and dedication. For years, Gwen’s Garden, also known as the Dog Beach Memorial Garden, was exactly that – a unique and touching oasis located not in Solana Beach itself, but right at the entrance to the famous Del Mar North Beach (Dog Beach), which sits just south of the Solana Beach border.
While visitors flocked to the wide sands for off-leash fun (seasonally permitted!), many discovered this unexpected gem near the access path. But like many grassroots projects, its story has recently taken an uncertain turn.
The Story Behind the Garden
Gwen’s Garden wasn’t designed by a committee; it was born from the love of one man for his dog. Local Del Mar resident Jimmy Joe Gooding started the garden in memory of his beloved yellow Labrador, Gwen, who adored her daily visits to Dog Beach.
Seeing the entrance area as neglected, Mr. Gooding took it upon himself to clean it up and plant flowers and succulents, initially using his own resources. What started as a personal tribute and a beautification effort under Del Mar’s “Adopt a Spot” program blossomed into something more.
A Tapestry of Love and Remembrance
Over the years, Gwen’s Garden became a cherished landmark. It featured:
- A Winding Path: Guiding visitors through the small plot.
- Lush Greenery: A mix of succulents, wildflowers, and eventually, efforts to include native species.
- Whimsical Touches: Visitors often found little statues – dogs, angels, gnomes – tucked among the plants.
- Painted Rocks: This became the garden’s most poignant feature. Hundreds of smooth stones, lovingly painted by visitors with the names and paw prints of their own departed canine companions, lined the path and filled the spaces.
- A Sense of Peace: It was a quiet spot for reflection, remembrance, and appreciating the simple, powerful bond between humans and their pets.
An Uncertain Present
Gwen’s Garden represented community spirit, but it also faced challenges. Located on state land, the garden ran into permitting issues with the Coastal Commission, particularly regarding non-native plants and unpermitted structures like pathways.
Crucially, reports surfaced in early 2025 suggesting the garden had been significantly altered or possibly removed.Reasons cited included these ongoing permitting issues, potential safety concerns, and the land possibly being needed for future construction related to a nearby bridge project.
While the exact status today is difficult to confirm without visiting, photos and discussions from that time indicated the area may have been cleared, with the fate of the hundreds of memorial rocks uncertain (perhaps moved to storage or an exhibit).
The Enduring Spirit
Whether Gwen’s Garden exists today in its previous cherished form or not, its story remains a testament to:
- The Love for Pets: A powerful motivator for creating beauty and community.
- Individual Action: How one person’s dedication can create something meaningful for many.
- Shared Remembrance: The comfort found in sharing grief and happy memories in a dedicated space.
Visiting Del Mar Dog Beach Today
If you visit Del Mar North Beach (Dog Beach), the beautiful stretch of sand where dogs can run free (seasonally off-leash, check rules!) is still there. However, be prepared that the specific memorial garden area at the entrance may look very different from photos and descriptions from previous years.
Gwen’s Garden was a special place born from a simple idea: honoring a beloved companion. While its physical form may be subject to change, the love and memories it represented undoubtedly linger in the sea air for all who knew it.
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