Tiptoe through the azaleas with me

Kinney Azalea Gardens
2391 Kingstown Rd
Kingston, Rhode Island

On a tip from PattyJ, I took a cruise down to Kingston to check out the Kinney Azalea Gardens. I was so impressed, I immediately called my parents. "The next time you're up this way, we have to check it out," I told them. Having loved Daffodil Days at Blithewold, they started planning their trip to Kingston.

My Insta post of their moon gate was featured in a 401 Daily newsletter from Rhode Island Monthly. I take a lot of pictures, so I totally credit the moon gate for the honor. It's that good.

Back in May, the blooms were just starting. 

There was plenty of color along the trails, that span 16 acres. Of course, it's more than just azaleas. The last of the daffodils were drooping the first time I went.

When Mom and Dad came up a month later, the mountain laurel was at peak.

There are, to my surprise, multiple types of mountain laurel, including a hot pink variety that didn't photograph well. Mountain laurel is one of my favorite flowers, so it was a real treat to find them there.

Mom has an unusual rhododendron at home (Long Island), with white flowers containing purple smudges:

She's been trying to identify the variety for decades, since the house was built and the landscaping put in, almost 50 years ago. We ran into Susan Gordon, PhD, the garden's horticulturalist and manager, who identified it as "Sappho." Mom was delighted, and has been sharing her experience with her friends.

There are trails and rambles over 16 acres of plantings, with fun surprises and hidden spots to add intrigue to the experience. Despite our visit being on the hottest day of the year so far, the gardens provided plenty of cool shade, and we had a fantastic visit. 

This is one of those places you'll want to visit over and over. It'll never be the same twice.