Rock and Water Garden
On the shores of Narragansett Bay are two unexpected and delightful gardens. Aside from the growth of trees, little has changed in the Rock Garden over the years. Today, Blithewold’s staff and garden volunteers maintain the garden, as Bessie Van Wickle McKee would have, with simple plantings and sweeps of color. Our constant challenge is to grow plants that tolerate their seaside proximity, and the current mix has withstood the test of time. We have found the greatest success with sea pink (Armeria maritima), astilbe, corydalis (C. lutea), daylily, hosta, hardy geraniums, and dwarf veronicas.
Bessie McKee designed the Rock Garden in the early 1920s. Rocks for the garden were brought up from the shoreline by oxen, and artfully placed on and around a small existing rise, and along paths. Bessie referred to the highest point of the garden as “Little Mt. Hope” after Mt. Hope in Bristol. The large rock at the top of the garden provided a great vantage point from which to view the harbor. We know from the many photographs in Blithewold's archives that Bessie and Will McKee greatly enjoyed sharing the rock and water gardens with their family and friends.
The Water Garden was built around 1909 in close collaboration between Landscape Architect John DeWolf and Bessie Van Wickle McKee. DeWolf chose this setting because it is the lowest area of property and as such, the pond remains full except under severe droughts. At its onset, the pond was stocked with tropical fish until the family realized that local seabirds were enjoying fresh fish dinners every evening!
You will find plenty of seating in the Water Garden to enjoy this quiet space, planted with ferns, perennials, Japanese maples, cherries, and a golden willow.
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Sunday, February 12
Sailor’s Valentine Party -
Friday, February 17
For the Love of Jazz and Chocolate -
Monday, February 20
- Friday, February 24
Blithewold February Vacation Camp
Upcoming events
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Spring tease
(Jan 30, '12)
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FEBRUARY 1904 – EGYPT
(Feb 01, '12)
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