Located at 74 Beacon Hill Road in Newport, Rhode Island, The Blue Garden is a 100-year-old botanical garden and landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. I had heard about The Blue Garden for over a year and was pleased to purchase my $20 ticket online and travel from Green Hill over to Newport one Thursday to partake in the 1-hour tightly controlled visit. Your visit begins with a film in the greenhouse and then following a brief presentation on the history of the property, guests are invited to walk through the stunning blue and white garden. Takeaways include useful information on The Blue Garden Plant List and Suppliers List for 2023!
History of The Blue Garden Newport
The renewed Blue Garden opened in 2014 to a group of invited guests who came together to celebrate its rescue from the diminished condition in which it was found. Working with the Newport Tree Conservancy, the Blue Garden qualifies as an accredited arboretum with the Morton Register of Arboreta. In 2018, a permanent conservation easement was placed on the Blue Garden property by the Aquidneck Land Trust.
The Judge Judy Connection
“Judge Judy” Scheindlin and husband Jerry moved to Newport, Rhode Island, with the purchase of a $9 million mansion adjacent to the The Blue Garden in 2018. The iconic home, known as the ‘Bird House” and previously owned by Campbell Soup heiress Dorrance “Dodo” Hamilton, sits atop one of the highest points in all of Newport, just minutes from the water and next to The Blue Garden.
Visitor Information
The Blue Garden is open to groups or individuals who share a love and interest in landscape architecture, garden design, historic preservation, and horticulture. Space is limited. Prior reservations and a payment of $20 per person are required in advance of your visit. For additional information and to buy tickets, Visit The Blue Garden Newport or contact Sarah Vance, Director, svance@thebluegarden.org.
