As I said in my first book, Private Newport, at Home and in the Garden…”On the Avenue, By the Sea, and Off the Beaten Path.” Seeing Newport in Autumn (a friend once reminded me that only we Americans refer to this season as “Fall,” the rest of the world calls it “Autumn”) is to me more eyepopping than summer; certainly the cruise ships seem to think so.
Whatever you choose to call it, this season is to be found in multiple abundance, adding to the streetscapes, brightening up a spot you might never have noticed before, and complementing our town’s incomparable architecture, as in the Marble House (feature image above). With the rosy-hued hydrangeas about to pass, the yellow-leafed maple takes over the scene. And (almost) next door at Miramar, a statuesque Japanese maple proves why it is such a favored tree for any landscape.
Right up the street at Parterre, the grand beech in the front courtyard turns a deep russet, as its leaves create a magnificent skirt that fully covers the entire pebbled area.
The pollarded lindens flanking each side of the driveway of this Louis XVI style Charles Platt home turn a lusciously rich shade of deep gold, giving a visual interpretation of the home’s name, Bois Dore’ (golden wood).
The vast grounds at the Elms feature many opportunities for admiring fall color (and are a special drop by spot anytime of the year). Feast your eyes!
While at Chateau-sur-Mer, the driveway is interrupted by a stone arch set off in the Fall by a golden leafed specimen.
And oh, the streetscapes!….where trees are purposefully planted close to the sidewalks so that this welcome canopy creates the wonder that is Bellevue Avenue (of course, sans electrical wires).
I’ll bid you a happy adieu with a last shot of Parterre…a weeping Japanese maple in Fall adornment at the entrance to the woodland.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so next week I’ll be previewing some romantic ways to dress your home for you and your family. A’ bientot…
This IS…just…too much for mere words…ONOW!!! franki
Autumn in New England, at its best! xB
Autumn is my favorite season. Bettie, your photos of Newport’s colors in their splendor are magnificent. Thank you for sharing such beauty with your readers. EE
A glowing ember to be seen from many rooms…xB
The farewell shot of the maple is simply beyond words!
I couldn’t agree more! xB
stunning! those marvelous colos decorating the gardens, homes and streets. Nature really knocks it out of the park❣️
Well said, Jody!! xB
So pretty!
IN THESE DAY OF TURMOIL AND LACK OF HUMANITY …
THANK YOU FOR YOUR MOST POSITIVE EFFORTS FOR LIFTING THE SOUL.
One thing I loved when I lived in Newport is how late in the season the leaves last. Unlike the rest of New England (even inland Rhode Island) where the trees are mostly bare by the end of October, Newport reaches its peak color in late October to early November. The City by the Sea’s trees has plenty color when on the mainland the leaves are mostly down or at the very least a dull brown. Those long falls were such a blessing, I don’t know whether it’s Newport’s location on an island that does it but it certainly was a delight to experience. I remember when the leaves still were filled with color in Newport I would drive across either bridge to the mainland and the trees were bare! So next year, when your leaves have fallen, take a trip to Newport at the end of October or the first week in November and enjoy New England’s last breath of color!
So true, Bill, and this year seems even more brilliant, though I’d been worried a bit given all the high winds and rain…xB
My pleasure, they’re a soul lifter for me, too.
Thank you for capturing so much beauty and sharing it with us ❣️
Always a pleasure! xB
Simply takes my breath away!!!