You know spring has officially arrived in Rhode Island when our beautiful gardens start to bloom. For many of us, that means taking a trip to Kinney Azalea Gardens in the charming little village of Kingston. Since the 1950s, this has been a seasonal tradition for many a Rhode Islander. And this year promises to be as colorful as ever.
You'll find the Kinney Azalea Gardens at 2391 Kingstown Road, where it has been for the better part of a century.
The owners, Betty and Tony Faella, love welcoming guests during daylight hours all year long.
It all started in the 1920s, when the University of Rhode Island's first botany professor, Lorenzo Kinney Sr., started planting conifers on his son's newly purchased land.
His son, Lorenzo Jr., carried on the tradition. Lorenzo Jr. had a true passion for azaleas, and he imported both those and his lovely bride, Elizabeth Kinney, from out of state.
When Lorenzo Jr. died in 1992 (at 100 years old), Tony Faella and Betty (Kinney) Faella resumed ownership.
Tony and Betty have been married since 1951, and gardening is their shared passion.
Visitors are welcome here daily during daylight hours, and there is no entrance fee.
Donations are appreciated, but not required. You'll see a donation box at the entrance.
As you can imagine, holding a wedding here is a magical experience.
People also come for family picnics and small group outings all the time.
The gardens are home to over 1,000 cultivars and species of rhododendrons and azaleas, which is really something special.
Azaleas are not native to Rhode Island. Lorenzo Kinney Jr. spent years establishing the gardens and creating an environment that they can thrive in.
Have you ever visited Kinney Azalea Gardens? Learn more about the impressive plant life here.
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