Design, In the Garden, The Newport Diary


Rhododendrons, the Floral Sirens of our City by the Sea

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While we may have had many reasons the past few months to curse the weather, it has proven a boon to some plant groups (though sadly not summer’s hydrangeas…but we shall see). This year in Newport, rhododendrons, an iconic a feature in late spring, are enjoying a starring role in the landscapes. And breathtakingly so!

If there is an underlying theme here it is the juxtaposition of this substantial shrub and residential architectural details…another way to appreciate Newport’s design excellence, starting with the facade of the Preservation Society of Newport County’s, The Elms.

The colors were so boldly beautiful and seemingly varied that I was taken aback — block after block along Bellevue Avenue…

down the side streets, here paired with a generous length of singular iron fencing.

Providing a welcome greeting at the driveway…

Clustered around an entrance pillar…

Incorporated into an owner’s favorite color theme, pink, and supported with the same shade of petunias.

Even paired with a patriotic statement.

Aaah, to live in Newport, as spring slips into summer…

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About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, garden furniture designer (The Parterre Bench), national lecturer, and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House".

9 thoughts on “Rhododendrons, the Floral Sirens of our City by the Sea

  1. Amazing the size of the bushes! Reminds me of the lilacs growing here that seem to be wild in some areas, the fragrance on warm spring mornings & evenings is amazing!

  2. OLIVE – OIL’S COMMENT TO POPEYE (WHILE VIEWING A BREATHING VISTA) –

    “OH POPEYE, AIN’T NATURE GRAND!”

    THANKS FOR VISUALLY REMINDING US OF THAT FACT.

  3. Really an impressive year for good ole rhododendrons! I always am impressed with how huge the bushes can get! Beautiful photos!

  4. I really like the use of muguet as a ground cover as shown in the photos under the wrought iron fence. It can be intrusive in areas where its vigorous growth can be a nuisance, but in appropriate areas, it can provide a solid dark green texture and, for about a week, an otherworldly fragrance- the Yankees’ answer to Confederate Jasmine!!

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