THIS PROGRAM IS STILL PLANNED FOR SATURDAY. WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING IN CASE OF SHOWERS.
This landscape is the first in a three part series, In the Landscape of ….. , open to members only, as a special thanks for their support and in many cases, countless volunteer hours. Members are invited to take an informal tour of a fellow member’s garden. The hosts will share their story about their garden and answer questions. There is a $10 fee per membership.
Urban Hybrid Garden Tour
Saturday, June 17, 2023 – 10 a.m. to Noon (rain day, June 18, same time)
Cranston, RI
A Providence Journal article from January 1926 waxed poetic about the recently-built “ancient farmhouse” on Narragansett Boulevard. Originally
encompassing five acres and developed by William S. Cherry, eponymous owner of Cherry and Webb, this house and its adjacent barn, were built on a site known as Wash’s Pond. According to the Journal, the development saved this spot from becoming an “eyesore” and a “dumping ground.”
The flowery prose of early 20th century journalism aside, and the passage of nearly 100 years finds both house and barn intact, though now separate properties. Yet approximately five acres of contiguous open land still surround the house’s 17,000 square foot lot – an unusual condition for such an urban setting, four blocks south of the Providence city border.
When Judi and Pat Foley purchased the property in 2017, they were attracted by the possibilities of rejuvenating the then-badly overgrown landscape. They spent several years rebuilding deteriorating stone walls and steps before pursuing their gardening vision, which included many native species they were learning about through the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society.
Their vision is based on several principles:
- Leave good existing plantings, even if not native, as long as not invasive. A magnificent oak and cedar, several spruce, an arborvitae and many rhododendron and pieris date from a time the original property had a full-time gardener. Badly overgrown yews, invasive ivy and bittersweet, and many damaged woody plants were removed.
- Use native plants as a foundation, preferably locally-sourced straight species, supplemented with northeastern stock. Approximately 40 species of native woody plants have been added; native perennials, many winter-sown on site have also been planted in appropriate microclimates.
- Grow food for people, insects and foraging birds and animals. Garden vegetables are joined by culinary and medicinal herbs, and an emerging fruit forest of native and introduced trees and shrubs.
- Plant for joy, to support socializing and to provide cut flowers for the house and for family and friends.
- Use organic methods and permaculture techniques to minimize the need for external, commercial amendments.
This garden is very much a work in progress with new plants regularly introduced and existing plants moved to find optimal growing locations or to
take advantage of changing garden conditions.
While most of the garden is visible from accessible viewing points, much of the land requires navigating stone steps. There are some wet areas so appropriate footwear and insect repellent are recommended. Please note any physical challenges on your registration, so that we can make accommodations for access.
This garden is featured in the upcoming edition of our WildfloraRI!
The number of RIWPS member visitors is limited to 20.
REGISTER BELOW. Directions will be sent to those who registered a few days before the walk.
(Not a member? Join. Not sure if your membership is current? Contact office@riwps.org)
Cancellations: Contact office@riwps.org.
Waiting list: When the maximum number of visitors is reached, the registration form will be replaced by a message indicating the program is full. At that time, if you would like to be put on the waiting list, complete the waiting list form. Should there be cancellations, we will notify those on the waiting list.