Visiting Gardens of Newport, Rhode Island
Business trips are always most enjoyable when I can also squeeze in a little time to see and learn about the wonderful places I visit.
Last week, while Kevin Sharkey and I were in Newport, Rhode Island to promote our book, “Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying”, we had the chance to see a handful of beautiful private gardens filled with meticulously maintained borders, hedges and other specimen plantings. Among them, the storied Blue Garden, which was originally created by famed architect, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. in the early 1900s for copper and railroad magnate, Arthur Curtiss James and his wife, Harriet, and then lovingly restored years later by noted philanthropist and horticulturist, Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton.
The day was cloudy with occasional showers, but we had a wonderful time. Enjoy these photos.
-
- This is a stunning view from the raised pergola at one end of the Blue Garden pool. The desire was to create a a monochromatic palette of purples and blues in this space.
-
- The long pool includes a runnel to a lily pond. The pool is lined with blue tiles arranged in a Persian-inspired fashion. The restored water system allows water to be recirculated through the pool, lily pond and the basin that feeds the runnel without the use of chemicals.
-
- Here is a view of the raised pergola at the south end of the garden. It is framed with gorgeous evergreen trees. Among the many plants – blue delphiniums, irises, artemisia, lavender, and nepeta.
-
- Many of the restoration plantings incorporated a number of drought-tolerant species. The soil used was also designed to limit the need for supplemental water. An irrigation system for the lawns and paths was installed in case of extreme drought.
-
- Beautifully maintained perennials in this garden bed show an expansive array of blue, blue-purple, and white flowers when all in bloom.
-
- Here is my friend, Jeffrey Bilhuber, behind one of the many stunning cobalt blue urns around the garden. Kevin took this fun photo – follow him on Instagram @seenbysharkey.
-
- These meandering paths of evergreens surround the garden. The frame includes native species, Juniperus virginiana, and Thuja occidentalis, two of the only trees from the original plans.
-
- The beautiful shrubs were so dense, green and lush – everything was so amazing.
-
- This is a great example of how much care these beds are given – everything is so perfectly curated and planted.
-
- These are old gardenia trees in front of this fabulous greenhouse.
-
- Here are Kevin and my friends, Holly Bannister and Jeffrey, taking a photo of me taking a photo of them. The Blue Garden is a private garden, but can be visited by appointment. http://thebluegarden.org/
-
- We also enjoyed touring some other private gardens in the area, where we saw magnificent specimen plantings such as this Japanese maple.
-
- Kevin and I loved how well manicured all the gardens were – they were so inspiring to see.
-
- Here is a small sand garden with one rock and raked sand to suggest an island surrounded by flowing water.
-
- The gardens were filled with a variety of hostas, mixed confiers and ornamental grasses.
-
- Everything was so purposefully planted so every specimen could be seen. The almost hidden shelter is so natural in the landscape.
-
- Here is another beautifully colored Japanese maple positioned among the gorgeous greenery.
-
- Views from the gardens we visited were stunning.
-
- Kevin loved the pathways through the gardens – as if they had always been there.
-
- Here is another photo of a path leading up to a raised bed.
-
- This is a bocce ball court. Bocce is traditionally played on natural soil and asphalt courts that are 90-feet in length and 8.2 to 13.1 feet wide. I used to have one at my Bedford farm – it was later replaced by a large daffodil bed behind my Tenant House.
-
- Kevin admired the simple architectural framing of the court.
-
- Here is my friend, Doug Newhouse – anyone up for a game of bocce ball?
-
- Here is a lovely snapshot of my friends Memrie Lewis and Holly.
-
- Most of the gardens we visited are not open to the public, but it is hard not to want to share the tranquil and beautiful views of these garden spaces.
-
- This spot was made for quite refection.
-
- It was so quiet, we could hear the geese quacking as they crossed the river.
-
- The sedum growing in this stone are in shades of orange and gold – very unique. This wall reminded me of my own stone wall outside my Winter House, also planted with various types of sedum.
-
- And look at this clipped boxwood hedge – it is so perfect. I could not stop admiring it.
-
- These boxwood “clouds” under a large American chestnut tree were also trimmed to perfection.
-
- Here is a beautiful espalier fruit tree against the exterior of this property’s cottage. Kevin loved this cottage and was ready to move into it.
-
- And a mother and daughter donkey pair – a great way to end a spectacular tour of these private gardens of Newport. How are your gardens growing?
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
