n the heart of the sleepy village of Kingston, a botanical haven is poised to unfold its vibrant petals this Mother’s Day. Nurtured by four generations of horticulturists and nature enthusiasts, Kinney Azalea Garden welcomes all to its first Annual Garden Stroll on Sunday, May 12. This event offers the surrounding community a tapestry of festivities, from the inauguration of a new pavilion to a first-ever fancy garden hat contest, plus live music, and an extensive selection of potted plants for sale.
Kinney Azalea Gardens first took root in the 1920s when Lorenzo Kinney Sr., the University of Rhode Island’s first botany professor, began planting conifers on his son’s newly acquired land. Over time, the gardens have flourished into a sprawling 16-acre spectacle. Today, over 1,000 cultivars and species of rhododendrons, azaleas, native and exotic trees, shrubs, and wildflowers invite visitors to traverse natural paths, showcasing the
intersection of art and nature.
Helen Faella Northup, executive director of the Friends of Kinney Faella Gardens (and granddaughter of the illustrious Lorenzo Kinney Sr.), relays her excitement about the upcoming fete. “We’re excited for the public to come into the garden and experience our breathtaking flowers, explore the fun paths and bridges, and view our iconic moon gate,” she shares. “The azalea’s peak bloom is typically in the middle of May. Since our pavilion construction is complete and it will be available for this season, it seemed like a good time for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.”
To add a playful interactive element, garden manager Dr. Susan Gordon conceived the idea of a fancy hat contest. Says Northup, “Since the weather can be quite temperamental in May, we wanted something that would be festive and fun for all ages, but also allow our visitors to wear appropriate garb for a spring day in the garden.”
The pavilion was built by Tony Faella for his wife, Betty Kinney Faella, and honors four women influential to the gardens. A brief ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark its opening, accompanied by a coffee, tea, and a pastry food truck from Bru RI Coffee Bar, as well as live music. Beyond the activities, the springtime salutation aims to foster environmental education and an appreciation for nature. Sandwich boards scattered throughout the gardens will help visitors identify plants, with QR codes providing additional information; staff and volunteers will also be on hand to answer questions and direct visitors. A map brochure with a scavenger hunt is sure to keep visitors busy. The event is rain or shine so consider wearing boots along with fancy hats.
Sunday, May 12, 2-5pm,
rain or shine
2391 Kingstown Road, Kingston
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here