The Preservation Society of Newport County’s Annual Meeting is set for Thursday, June 10, at 6 p.m. on the grounds of The Breakers. The meeting will include the election of the Board of Trustees, including five terrific new nominees, as well as the presentation of our Antiquarian Award and Laurel Awards for Artisanship, Horticulture and Volunteerism. Seating is very limited and registration is required by June 3. Email AnnualMeeting@NewportMansions.org or call (401) 847-1000, ext. 111.
The Preservation Society of Newport County has announced the season opening of Green Animals Topiary Garden. On Friday, April 16 they will bring back the Stroll the Gardens & Grounds ticket introduced last year, allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoors at all open properties, and to bring a picnic. Green Animals will be open through October 31. For ticketing information visit http://newportmansions.org. The annual Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at Rosecliff has been canceled, as has the Green Animals Children’s Party and Weekend of Coaching, due to the pandemic.
The Presdervation Society of Newport County’s focus on great architects continues on Thursday, February 25, at 5:30 p.m. EST with Julian Abele: Architect and the Beaux Arts with Dreck Spurlock Wilson, a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and President of the Landscape Consortium Ltd. in D.C. He is a Senior Construction Program Manager at Delon Hampton & Associates, Engineers, published his newest book in 2020 entitled Julian Abele: Architect and the Beaux Arts. He has also contributed a number of publications to the field of architectural history around topics relating to African American Architects and Landscape Architects. Wilson holds a B.S. in Urban Planning from Iowa State University. And an M.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Chicago.
No less impressive is the pioneering African-American architect at the heart of his talk. Julian Abele (1881-1950) overcame the racism and segregation of his time to design more than 100 buildings, including 21 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fans of The Elms will know that he is also credited with designing its famous Sunken Garden.
Follow this link to register. Free, but registration required.
With the right bid, you can go beyond the ordinary while also supporting The Preservation Society of Newport County!
Host an elegant dinner for family and friends in the dining room at Rosecliff. Watch the sun set over Newport Harbor from the roof of The Elms while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Explore the third floor of The Breakers – not normally accessible to the general public – with a special private tour capped by a glass of wine on the third floor terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. These are just three of the exclusive experiences in this auction.See the website for the full list.
One item of gardening interest is a Landscape Consultation. The Preservation Society’s Director of Garden & Grounds, Jeffrey Curtis, will visit your home or business and provide advice on the care and maintenance of your existing landscape. Jeff’s decades of experience caring for our historic grounds will allow him to pass along the best practices and advice for your current landscape to make it the garden oasis you always dreamed of! Available on Aquidneck Island or other nearby locations. We hope all members and supporters will consider bidding on one or more of these items.
Questions Events@newportmansions.org
The Newport Flower Show, Voices in the Garden, will take place June 18 – 20, 2021 at Rosecliff.
Voices are like fingerprints. Each has a unique register and leaves an
indelible signature. A garden is the reflection of the gardener’s voice.
Whether that voice echoes the strength in mighty trees, the romance of
fragrant flowers, or the laughter of bubbling water, all are still
heard in great gardens. Celebrate the voices of great American gardeners with us!
Friday, June 18, 2021 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 19, 2021 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 22 2021 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Festive Opening Night Party
Colorful floral designs
Horticulture competition
Garden displays
Unique shopping opportunities
Afternoon Tea
Champagne & Jazz Brunch
Lectures and demonstrations
Friday, June 18, 2021
Cocktail Buffet & Entertainment
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. All proceeds from the Newport Flower Show benefit the preservation and restoration of the historic landscapes of The Preservation Society of Newport County.
A cold frame can be a gardener’s best friend. Their uses include extending the seasons to grow plants before and after frosts and hardening off young seedlings, plus propagating and overwintering plants, all without the expense of a greenhouse.
This March 13. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum class will explore the different types of cold frames and their uses, plus we’ll share a simple construction design that will be great in your home. Cold frames can be a wonderful way to discover the joy of growing plants. The session runs from 10 – 11 and is led by Gail Read and Joe Verstandig. Call 401-253-2707 for more information, or email jcleveland@blithewold.org.
This February 29 presentation at 10 am at Blithewold, 101 Ferry Road in Bristol, Rhode Island, will discuss the secret world of wildlife that resides within Blithewold and detail the gardens and the wildlife species within them. Information about the wildlife will include species profiles, life cycles, symbiotic relationships, and fun facts. We will be providing information about the importance of a healthy habitat and how you can benefit wildlife in your own backyard. Speakers are Read and Melanie Gardiner. Register at https://www.blithewold.org/event/foundations-in-gardening-the-secret-world-of-wildlife/
$15 Members | $20 Non-Members
Your backyard and Blithewold have much more in common than you think. Director of horticulture Fred Perry and horticulturist Joe Verstandig dive into the details of New England’s native woody plants on February 15 from 9:30 – 11. The lecture will discuss the criteria for being a native plant, the role natives play in the ecosystem, and some of the best-cultivated species to add in your garden. Blithewold is located at 101 Ferry Road in Bristol. Rhode Island, and you may register at https://www.blithewold.org/event/foundations-in-gardening-native-trees-and-shrubs/
$25 Members | $30 Non-Members
Do you struggle with lack of sun in your yard? This Blithewold class on February 8 from 9:30 – 11 is for you. This class will help you embrace the hidden joys of the shaded garden. We will discuss different types of shade gardens from dry shade to wet shade, dappled light to deep shade. We will also go over the best tried and true plants to make the most of this underutilized garden space. Betsy Ekholm leads, and the garden is located at 101 Ferry Road, Rt. 114, in Bristol. Rhode Island. Register at https://www.blithewold.org/event/foundations-in-gardening-gardening-in-the-shade/
$25 Members | $30 Non-Members
Are you reconsidering the size of your garden or thinking of simplifying your garden space? This Blithewold class on February 1 from 9:30 – 11 will focus on basic garden principles applied to small spaces to maximize your garden enjoyment. Small gardens can be both beautiful and functional: from creating a mini wildlife sanctuary to expressing dynamic tastes to providing a space for relaxation. Learn from Gail Read’s photo visits to friend’s gardens – discover how they enjoy their small gardens in a big way. Blithewold is located at 101 Ferry Road, Rt. 114, in Bristol, Rhode Island.
$25 Members | $30 Non-Members. For more information, and to register, visit https://www.blithewold.org/event/foundations-in-gardening-small-gardens-for-big-enjoyment/
