Tour #7

Glorious Gardens!

When Spring is in the air, we begin to long for the colorful blossoms and sweet scents that lift our spirits. Satisfy that yearning! Come with us to visit some Glorious Gardens!

We have a delightful day in store for you, and will enjoy several gardens types along with a myriad of plants and flowers.

Your guest host, Layanee DeMerchant will help make the most of this fabulous day. A certified horticulturist, Layanee has helped make innumerable gardens more beautiful throughout New England and conducts a regular radio program on all things gardening.

An almost secret garden is where our day begins. Gleaner Gardens, privately owned and located in North Scituate, is home to one of the largest private collections of Rhododendrons and Azaleas in the state – possibly in New England! Chuck and Cindy Gianfrancesco are restoring the work of the previous owner, horticulturist George Howarth. They are also adding to what already amounts to more than 100 varieties, and are expanding to include perennial and herb gardens.
From Temperate to Tropics and Desert - Roger Williams Botanical Center is a treat to the senses and a comparatively new addition to the Providence Parks systems. It contains an extraordinary range of ecological environments and plants from around the world. The greenhouse alone is an amazing and complex story you’re sure to enjoy.
For an especially lovely finish to our day, we make our way toward Bristol and Blithewold Gardens on the Bay. Gracing the grounds of this English style Country Manor, these gardens are fittingly grand, having been laid out and planned for maximum, year round enjoyment.

Lunch today is at Granite Farm (Formerly A’Les Gentlemen Farmer Restaurant).

Note: Outdoor gardens may not be completely accessible for all persons with disabilities. We will give our best effort to assist, but cannot provide aid that may interfere with regular duties, nor may we maneuver occupied wheelchairs.

 

Price:	$49.00 plus RI sales tax
Includes:	*Lunch, expert guest host, motorcoach transportation, all admissions and fees
Lunch:	Granite Farm (formerly A'Les Gentlemen Farmer Restaurant)*
Meets at:	Warwick Mall (parking near Firestone store and Target)
Check-In:	9:00 am
Departs:	9:30 am
Attire:	Neat casual. Dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes that can survive a bit of mud.
Returns:	Approx. 4:15 pm

*Lunch Choice: Cheese or hamburger on bun. Tuna melt or turkey melt on white or wheat bread.  Vegetarian lunch available upon request.

Though never required, it is customary to personally extend a gratuity to your motorcoach driver and your tour guide. A modest ‘thank you’ would be a dollar or two per person, or more if it is well earned, within your budget and commensurate to their service. Group collections are discouraged.

Please see our FAQ page for  important details about your tour.

Links

Gleaner Gardens	Botanical Center	Blithewold	Mahoney's	Granite Farm (formerly A'Les Gentlemens Farmer Restaurant)