The Governor Stephen Hopkins House gardens
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A walk through the gardens of the Governor Stephen Hopkins House is well worth it, even if it’s early in the season. On a recent trip to Providence, Rhode Island, we stumbled upon this beautiful little historical gem nestled into the campus of Brown University. The eighteenth-century landmark is beautifully preserved on a postage stamp sized piece of land. But, to me, the way this parcel was laid out and utilized (every square inch!) was truly inspiring.
I really go ga-ga over well-designed gardens. As a gardener, I love the beauty of a re-created historical garden in the early spring – how clearly you can view its garden plan/layout. The way this tiny property is terraced, and formally plotted. Stone terraces, old brick walks and walls create the overall structure to the gardens that wrap around the house.
From ornamental plantings like the climbing English Ivy and trimmed boxwood, to the untamed borders of lavender and hydrangea, these gardens create so many pretty sight lines (even when they’re dormant). I’m now inspired to see what little touches from the Governor’s House I can add to my own Connecticut Country House gardens.
Happy gardening!
Love, Nora
I find these kinds of gardens inspiring as well. I love to visit the gardens in Williamsburg, and see what they are growing and get ideas of how to layout my own gardens.
Just stumbled upon your blog and these beautiful pictures of our pre-season garden!
Do visit Providence again when things are blooming.
The museum, home to Rhode Island statesman Stephen Hopkins, signer of the Declaration of Independence, is open Saturdays, May through November 10A to 4PM and til 10 for all full lightings of WaterFire.
See the garden, lit with two dozen candle lanterns on WaterFire nights, on our Facebook page @ http://www.facebook/stephenhopkinshouse
Kim Clark, Chair
The Stephen Hopkins House
I loved the garden as well. One particular shrub caught my eye as well as others. It’s the snow ball or snow globe. We were surprised to see it . It’s not a native shrub..it is found in the North. It’s the only one I’ve ever seen around here in all it’s glory in September of this year..the crawling type is around here but not the shrub. I regret not taking a picture of it at a distance. Some I’ve contacted don’t believe me . Lol