Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum

This drawing class will focus on subjects from nature: flowers, trees, and landscape. Each week, a topic will be presented to introduce a variety of methods and materials. Individual expression and creative applications will be reinforced to produce individual results. Observational drawing, botanical drawings, and elements of art will be covered. Blithewold’s gardens and arboretum inspire the classwork.
The main material will be colored pencil with various options for multi-media. Materials will be provided. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend.

Local Event: Nature Drawing at Blithewold

Bristol County

Bristol-Warren

Rhode Island

Nature Drawing at Blithewold

This drawing class will focus on subjects from nature: flowers, trees, and landscape. Each week, a topic will be presented to...

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy Blithewold’s cozy, glassed-in Breakfast Porch as Lynda Gaines leads the way to a better understanding and appreciation of wines for all occasions. We’ll be drinking wine and having a good time!

October 8: White Wines Most white wine drinkers have a go-to that they drink most of the time. Ready to get out of your rut? Join us as we taste different white wines from around the world, and see if you can discover a new favorite. We’ll discuss aromatic and non-aromatic grape varietals and how the winemaking methods impact the wine’s taste.
October 15: Red Wines Red wines run the gamut from light-bodied and easy-drinking, to full-bodied and complex. Join us as we sample red wines from around the world and the winemaking methods that impact taste. We’ll also discuss how various grape varietals impact the wine.

Local Event: Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch 

Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch 

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy Blithewold’s cozy, glassed-in Breakfast Porch as Lynda Gaines leads the way to a better...

Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner/intermediate six-class series. Through demonstrations, learn the basics of watercolor tools, color, composition, and paint applications as you learn new techniques and work on developing your inner talent. Individualized instruction will guide each student in creating beautiful watercolor paintings.
Materials not included. See list of suggested materials below.
Mary Ellen is a Signature artist of the RI Watercolor Society and has been teaching for many years.
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Maximum of 10 students. Materials not included.These classes are for adults.
Pre-registration is required.

Local Event: Fall Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer 

Fall Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen...

Discover the joy of watercolor painting in this beginner/intermediate six-class series. Through demonstrations, learn the...

Fall Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer 

Experience Blithewold in its finest fall glory as you stroll through the grounds at sunset. Director of Horticulture Dan Christina will show you the views that sunset illuminates, making the golden, red, and orange hues stand out in the landscape. This is a walking tour across the entire property, so please dress and plan accordingly.
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Preregistration is required.

Local Event: Fall Sunset Tour

Fall Sunset Tour

Experience Blithewold in its finest fall glory as you stroll through the grounds at sunset. Director of Horticulture Dan...

Fall is a perfect time to enjoy Blithewold’s cozy, glassed-in Breakfast Porch as Lynda Gaines leads the way to a better understanding and appreciation of wines for all occasions. We’ll be drinking wine and having a good time!

October 15: Red Wines Red wines run the gamut from light-bodied and easy-drinking, to full-bodied and complex. Join us as we sample red wines from around the world and the winemaking methods that impact taste. We’ll also discuss how various grape varietals impact the wine.

Local Event: Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch

Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch

Please join the fun and show off your creative whimsy! Create a prize-winning cozy winter home for the fairies who live in your yard, and temporarily share it with Blithewold’s fairer (and tinier) residents for a friendly competition.

Local Event: Fairy House Competition

Fairy House Competition

Please join the fun and show off your creative whimsy! Create a prize-winning cozy winter home for the fairies who live in your...

Calling all fairy architects! We need your help creating incredible, cozy winter woodland retreats for our fairies at Blithewold and in your yard. It all starts with a cookie…a tree cookie! A slice of a Blithewold tree trunk serves as the foundation to start building your fairy house. We will use only natural materials foraged from our Grounds.
Your registration provides entry to the <a href="https://www.blithewold.org/event/fairy-house-competition/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fairy House Competition</a>, which will be judged at our <a href="https://www.blithewold.org/event/wonder-wold-celebration-of-trees/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Wonder Wold</a> event on October 24.
This program is for adults only. (Ages 18 and up) Class is limited to 16 for each time slot. Select your time slot when registering.

Local Event: Fairy House Workshop

Fairy House Workshop

Calling all fairy architects! We need your help creating incredible, cozy winter woodland retreats for our fairies at...

Environmental Educator Connie Ganley will guide you through our natural spaces to take in and connect with the sights, sounds, and smells on this leisurely stroll. A fun way to start your day, conversing about nature, history, and possibly going down a few “rabbit holes”! Bring your camera for some unforgettable photo opportunities.
Please remember to bring/wear:
<ul><li>Sturdy walking shoes</li><li>Appropriate dress for the weather – we go out in light rain</li><li>Bug spray/sunscreen</li><li>Hat</li><li>Water bottle/snack</li></ul>
Registration is required and limited to 15. All ages are welcome.

Local Event: Morning Garden Walks

Morning Garden Walks

Environmental Educator Connie Ganley will guide you through our natural spaces to take in and connect with the sights, sounds,...

Ever wonder how, why, and when Blithewold plants our new Daffodils? Join Director of Horticulture, and president of the Daffodil Society of Rhode Island, Dan Christina for an interesting look at the design choices, practical methods, reasoning for expansion, and hands-on demonstration of our process as we continue to expand and improve the collection!
A mix of a walk and talk as well as a planting demonstration. Dress for the weather!
Preregistration is required.

Local Event: Daffodil Planting Primer

Daffodil Planting Primer

Ever wonder how, why, and when Blithewold plants our new Daffodils? Join Director of Horticulture, and president of the...

A day of exploration and learning in our “Happy (Blithe) Woodland (wold)”. Take in the beautiful foliage and Champion Trees, or enjoy one of our scavenger hunts. Vote for your favorite Fairy House. Join a guided tour of our incredible plant collections with local experts, and send your kids to the treetops with the Kid’s Climb! Plan a picnic or enjoy a delicious treat from our food trucks, and create autumnal treasures to take home. Please dress for outdoor fun!
<h3>All activities are included with admission.</h3>

Local Event: Wonder Wold

Wonder Wold

A day of exploration and learning in our “Happy (Blithe) Woodland (wold)”. Take in the beautiful foliage and Champion Trees, or...

Blithewold’s Big Berm has finally been installed, planted, and is protecting the beloved and historic Rock and Water Gardens from coastal erosion, flooding, and sea level rise. Meet with Director of Horticulture Dan Christina as he highlights the implementation, design challenges, forward thinking solutions to ecological pressure, and inspect the site which has transformed and protected the Rock and Water Garden for generations to come.
This tour is a walking tour, timed to match a king high tide, which may show the visual effect of the berm’s function. All weather gear is recommended.
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Reservations required.

Local Event: Blithewold's Big Berm

Blithewold's Big Berm

Blithewold’s Big Berm has finally been installed, planted, and is protecting the beloved and historic Rock and Water Gardens...

Join us on the last Tuesday of each month, from October through June, for fun (and educational) hands-on learning at Blithewold! Each month, we explore intriguing topics in the arts, history, horticulture, environmental science, and climate change.
Indoor and outdoor learning experiences complete our curriculum, which aligns with RI, MA, and CT state standards. Check our website for more information on our monthly themes and activities.
This drop-off program is designed for ages 8 – 13. Students check in at the Welcome Center. Please bring a refillable water bottle and dress for the weather, as we often take our lessons outside!
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Monthly Program Topics:&nbsp;
October 27: Blithewold’s Champion Trees – What makes them Champions? November 24: Rising Seas and Climate Change – Learn about our new berm and how climate change affects plant, insect, and bird breeding cycles. March 30: What Are Textiles? History and Methods of Creation – Make a textile project to enjoy! April 27: Archives Tour with the Curator – Learn about the collection items stored behind the scenes and how they’re handled and cataloged with our new curator, Kristen Costa. May 25: Nature Journaling – Learn to capture your time in nature by drawing and writing in a book or journal for future enjoyment. June 29: Pollinators and Native Plants – Find out why pollinators are so important to the world and how to provide the food and habitat they need to survive.

Local Event: Blithewold Homeschool Days 

Blithewold Homeschool Days 

Join us on the last Tuesday of each month, from October through June, for fun (and educational) hands-on learning at...

Step away from the distractions of everyday life and give yourself time to slow down, feel calmer and refreshed, and reconnect with the natural world. You’ll explore Blithewold’s gardens and grounds through a series of guided activities that invite you to slow down, notice the unexpected, follow your curiosity, and discover familiar sights, sounds, and surroundings in a whole new way. There is no destination to reach and nothing you need to accomplish. Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and experience Blithewold at a slower pace.
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No experience is needed. All are welcome. The program is suitable for ages 16 and older. Your ticket includes admission to the grounds, so please leave time to visit.
Reservations are required. Class size is limited to 12.

Local Event: Discover Blithewold Differently

Discover Blithewold Differently

Step away from the distractions of everyday life and give yourself time to slow down, feel calmer and refreshed, and reconnect...

Nothing enriches the soul quite like an afternoon walk surrounded by beautiful autumnal colors! Join Joe Verstandig, the Living Collections Manager at Newport Tree Conservancy (and former Blithewold staff member), for a tree walk centered around the numerous maple cultivars at Blithewold. Be inspired by the variety of colors and habitats where these beautiful trees can grow—from vibrant landscape specimens to options that are perfectly happy in a container.
Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Tour is limited to 20 people.

Local Event: Marvelous Maples with Joe Verstandig

Marvelous Maples with Joe Verstandig

 Nothing enriches the soul quite like an afternoon walk surrounded by beautiful autumnal colors! Join Joe Verstandig, the...

We are often asked how we store our dahlias at the end of the season. In this class, the horticulture gardens staff reveal tips and tricks, including how to dig them, when and how to split them, and storage methods. Come learn from our experiences and leave empowered to store your favorite dahlias so you will have them for years to come.&nbsp;
Demonstration only, no tools necessary. Attendees will leave with a piece of one of Blithewold’s dahlias to take home.
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Preregistration is required.

Local Event: How to Split and Store Your Dahlias

How to Split and Store Your Dahlias

We are often asked how we store our dahlias at the end of the season. In this class, the horticulture gardens staff reveal tips...

The holidays are a time to experiment a bit by offering wines that aren’t part of your typical celebration. Aperitif, anyone? Join us on the brilliantly decorated Breakfast Porch as we taste various wines that can enhance your holidays, including sparkling and dessert wines. We’ll also discuss options for pairing these wines with items on your holiday menu.
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Class size is limited to 12. Registration

Local Event: Wines for the Holidays with Lynda Gaines

Wines for the Holidays with Lynda Gaines

The holidays are a time to experiment a bit by offering wines that aren’t part of your typical celebration. Aperitif, anyone?...

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Posting Activity

Nature Drawing at Blithewold

OCT

8

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch

OCT

8

6:00 PM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Fall Watercolor Series with Artist Mary Ellen Dwyer

OCT

14

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Fall Sunset Tour

OCT

15

5:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Nature Drawing at Blithewold

OCT

15

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Wine Tasting and Talk on the Porch

OCT

15

6:00 PM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Fairy House Competition

OCT

17

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Fairy House Workshop

OCT

17

11:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Morning Garden Walks

OCT

20

9:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Nature Drawing at Blithewold

OCT

22

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Daffodil Planting Primer

OCT

22

11:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Wonder Wold

OCT

24

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Blithewold's Big Berm

OCT

27

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Blithewold Homeschool Days

OCT

27

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Nature Drawing at Blithewold

OCT

29

10:00 AM

Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI

Nature Drawing at Blithewold