On a Morning at Blithewold

"And everywhere nature's bounteous gifts have served under man's skillful guidance to create an estate in which new beauties are constantly revealed and the perfect accord between architecture and grounds is ever apparent." 
Bessie Van Wickle MaKee, ca 1910

When my husband and I took our little excursion to Newport, RI we went to visit Blithewold.  This is one of the many historic sites in the area and contains a Mansion, Gardens and and an Arboretum.

As a gardener, I always try to visit places like this whenever I go away. You can learn so much and get so many ideas that you can incorporate into your own garden.  Not only that, it is fascinating to see the lifestyle of the rich and famous of days gone by.

Today I want to share some of the pictures I took of the house and grounds.

Inside the house.

There had been a flower show at the Mansion the weekend before and the arrangements from the show were still there.

Some of the arrangements from the flower show.

It was a little chilly outside but there was still a lot to see.

The daffodils were in bloom. 

Now I want to have a "Bosquet" in my garden, which according to Widipedia is: in the French formal garden, a bosquet (French, from Italian bosco, "grove, wood") is a formal plantation of trees, at least five of identical species planted as a quincunx, or set in strict regularity as to rank and file, so that the trunks line up as one passes along either face.
Hmmm... this could take some planning

There were also many other interesting plants and garden areas.

There was also a green house full of plants.

So, if you are ever in this area and have an interest in history or gardening I would highly recommend a trip to Blithewold.

Have a fun day!
Cynthia