The Rock and Water Gardens were Bessie’s favorite parts of the grounds. Bessie worked on them in earnest beginning in 1909.

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Historic photographs show the Rock Garden was originally on the east side of the pond and included the iron lantern now on the tiny island in the pond.She had it enlarged and reconstructed on the north side of the Water Garden overlooking Bristol harbor. She called the 'summit' of the garden 'Little Mount Hope', after Bristol's historic Mt. Hope hill overlooking Narragansett Bay.

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The garden features stone steps and paths, raised areas of rocks and varied small scale plantings, including Sea Pinks (Armeria maritima)and Dwarf Crested Iris (iris cristata). Many of the plants are not traditional rock garden plants due to the shade and seaside location. These include ferns, hosta, epimediums corydalis, astilbe, and toad lilies.

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Continue on towards the Water Garden with the arched stone bridge over the pond.

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The water lily-filled pond serves as the centerpiece for the Water Garden. The pond is man-made and rain-fed, surrounded by trees and shrubs that thrive in moist soil. Cross the arched stone bridge. To your right is a small island with a Japanese iron lantern and other Asian-inspired landscape elements, such as the Japanese Maple tree. On the other side of the bridge is a circular stone seat. The seat is a copy of the original. Using historic photographs staff member Fred Perry and his crew reconstructed the seat.

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Instead of following the path forward into the trees, turn right and walk along the edge of the pond until you see a wood chip walkway. Turn down this path. You will emerge onto the shoreline of Narragansett Bay. You can pause here to relax, take pictures, or simply enjoy the great view. When you’re ready, take a sharp left and begin walking up the Shrub Walk.