Pause outside the Summerhouse. The family used it for teas, picnics, and most notably, Marjorie’s wedding ceremony in 1914. The Providence Journal called it “one of the most picturesque and beautiful Rhode Island has seen in recent years.” To see some wonderful historical photos of this event, click on “Learn More”.

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Walk along the path by the Summerhouse until you reach the open porch on the east side. Peek inside to see the brick fireplace, varnished beadboard, and in-depth horticultural display on daffodils.

 

The Summerhouse porch faces the Enclosed Garden, the oldest garden on the property. Take a right onto the path and follow it around the garden. The previous owners of the property, the Gardners, had begun maintaining a garden in this area since the mid-1800s.

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Bessie and DeWolf continued the work, and their changes transformed the space into the serene paradise you see today. In addition to the winding pathways, rolling lawn, and surrounding trees, the Enclosed Garden features an original Giant Sequoia. Walk to the tallest tree. Planted in 1911, this towering 90-foot tree is the largest Giant Sequoia on the East Coast. For more details, click on “Learn More”.

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Just behind the Giant Sequoia is a gravel path. Follow the path north. Ahead and to the right you may notice a small cottage - this is the North Cottage. Click on “Learn More” to hear about it. Continue walking north along the gravel path and take a right at the fork. The path will be surrounded by daffodils in the springtime. As you exit the wooded area, you’ll notice the greenhouses directly ahead of you.