Langworthy Farm
DirectionsHow many times have you driven past the unique Victorian house and charming little winery on Route 1A in Westerly and wondered what it was. Langworthy Farm was built in 1875 on the historical homesite of Governor Samuel Ward of Rhode Island. The Langworthy Farm Bed and Breakfast opened on the site in July 2000 after extensive renovations to the house. Guests can relax on one of the porches while enjoying a glass of wine from the winery. Located just one half mile from the ocean, the farm is ideally located for growing grapes and producing wine. The first Vinifera grape vines were planted in the spring of 2002 and the first barrel of Chardonnay in stainless steel was produced that same year. Originating in Europe, the Vinifera grape is cultivated into many varieties of wine including, but not limited to, Chardonnay, Pinot, Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling and Zinfandel. Viniculture, or the art of grape farming is not an easy venture.Once vines are selected and planted, or grafted from existing plants, they must be tended with care. Plants require full sun and well-drained soil located in an area that never gets extremely cold. Vigilant inspection for fungus, mildew and insect infestation and meticulous pruning are ongoing processes.The goal for every vintner is to produce the highest quality grape which will then produce excellent wine. Rose bushes are often planted at the end of rows of growing vines. Various colors of roses indicate the varietal of grape in that row while attracting the bugs that would otherwise be nibbling on the vines. Since it was a two-year process to become a licensed Farm Winery, guests at the Langworthy Bed and Breakfast were only too happy to taste and critique the wines while the owners waited for their license. The winery opened for weekends in December of 2004 and then, in the Spring of 2005 opened to the public and began selling five different wines. The new Wine Tasting Room opened in November 2006. Production was increased to seven different wines in 2007 and eleven different wines in 2008. Stop in for a tour of the vineyard and a taste of these delicious local wines.
Cedarcrest - 68 Noyes Neck Road, Westerly RI
DirectionsInspired by more than a decade of living in Mexico, the owner has created a festive garden with views of Quonochontaug Pond and the ocean, where family and friends enjoy the many birds and colorful flowers. Originally, this garden in the 1950s was “the woods” beside the owner’s childhood Spicer home at 64 Noyes Neck Road. At that time, there were paths with cedar and fruit trees alongside of wild blueberry bushes. Her father built a swing for her in an apple tree at the southeast corner of the property, which became her quiet place of refuge. In 1982, her parents sold half their land (the “woods”) to her young family so they could build a summer home in Weekapaug. The house was newly renovated last year with many more windows, some porches, and garden lights at night so that the family and guests can more fully appreciate the delights of the garden!Intense warm hues contrasted with blues and purples give the garden its Mexican feel, which is reflected in the containers on the front porch and back deck as well as the New Guinea impatiens in the beds. Highlights of the garden are the majestic cedar tree in front of the house and the spectacular white flowering viburnum bush in the East Garden that blooms around Memorial Day. The flowering plants of intense warm colors are the red and pink rhododendrons and peonies, the salmon orange daylilies coming in late June, as well as the yellow gold coreopsis, iris and “Happy Returns” lilies. The smokebush, barberries, hostas, and junipers bring out the various foliage hues of deep red, chartreuse and blue-green. The blues and purples of iris, nepeta (catmint), salvia, and hydrangeas circle the palate back to warm colors with the addition of the magenta flowers of cranesbill geranium, lamium, liatris, phlox, and rose of Sharon. With a “punch” of white seen in the flowers of oakleaf hydrangea, the rainbow is complete!Since the age of 10, the owner has created her own garden. In more recent years, she and Ann Mitchell of “Gardens by the Sea” have collaborated in that effort. The garden is a feast for the senses!
89 Noyes Neck Road, Westerly RI
DirectionsOur yard is not a finished product. The gardens have been evolving since 1929 and we expect that they will continue to do so as we refine and renew our landscaping.My paternal grandparents, Emily & Owen Morgan of West Hartford, built the Cottage as a summer home in the late 1920s. My grandmother put in the front garden (along Noyes Neck Road) and the south side (ocean-side) garden shortly after the house was finished. From my childhood, I remember those gardens as full of flowers, especially roses. Like my grandmother, I love roses! We’ve maintained several wild and very old bushes (it’s hard to kill a rose), and planted many more.After my grandmother passed away, our family continued to use the house in summer only and my mother took over the responsibility of the gardens, focusing primarily on the small beds around the patio behind the breezeway.We took over ownership of our home in 2001, moving here year-round from California. Even though the property had been maintained throughout the years, the gardens had erupted in vines and extraordinarily robust weeds, while most of the back yard was thicket.Our obvious and biggest challenge was to clear and landscape the back yard, most of which we accomplished in 2001. We “finished” the back yard in 2016 by taking out the remaining thicket and planting more new beds. We weeded (and weeded and weeded) my Grandmother’s original front and side gardens. We planted, transplanted, pruned and maintained plants throughout the yard, choosing easy maintenance perennials which added color or form. Many of the plants in our garden were gifts, transplanted from family and friends’ yards.Our goal going forward is to keep the personal feel and scale of my Grandmother’s gardens, while incorporating new strains of favorite and traditional plants.
99 Donizetti Road, Westerly RI
DirectionsWatching the sunset over Quonie Pond is a magnificent sight enhanced only by the beautiful gardens surrounding this lovely home; new to the Shelter Harbor community within the last couple of years Perimeter plantings are primarily natives in keeping with the surrounding environment. Lively summer color is provided by the more structured gardens around the house, while variegated and varied foliage fills in when the flowers are not in bloom. A focal point not to be missed is the dry stream bed, created as a clever driveway drainage solution. Plants of note include dwarf Mountain Laurel, Endless Summer and Quickfire Hydrangea, blush Knockout Roses, Rose of Sharon, Potentilla, Caryopteris, both rust and burgundy colored Coral Bells (Heuchera), Whirling Butterflies (Belleza), Astilbe, Sedum, Lady’s Mantle and the natives: Viburnum, Dogwood, Plethora and Itea.Landscape Designer is Barbara Peterson Landscape installation and maintenance done by Malek Landscaping and Gardens.
78 Rossini Road, Westerly RI
DirectionsSeeming to rise out of massive boulders that cling to the shore of Quonnie Pond, this beautiful Italian-villa style home is truly unique to Shelter Harbor, and indeed to the Westerly area. The perfectly landscaped grounds soften the power of the boulders as you are drawn to the water's edge and the breathtaking views of the pond and beyond. Gentle waters flowing within the fountain on the multi-terraced patios complete the warm, soothing welcome to the backyard.The home and gardens have undergone several changes over the years when new owners moved in. The original house had a great room with garage like doors that opened the interior to the patios and gardens outside. The waterside patios date back to the original owners who sought to create multiple areas for their family and friends to relax. The gardens at the time were also set-up to create smaller private areas.
43 Wagner Road, Westerly RI
DirectionsMy husband and I purchased the property around 9 years ago from a long time resident of Shelter Harbor. The Petersons had many gardens, fruit trees, veggies and flowers. Although a mature property it was tired and overgrown. Our vision was to update, modernize and bring a fresh look to the inside and out. Simple classical lines with a bit of fun. We kept the dilapidated chicken coop and turned into a little fun space.There are many planted areas each with a different feeling. I love mixing old and new. We planted more fruit trees to create an orchard on the side lawn. Being a summer resident bring challenges with timing and seasons. The wildlife also is a deterrent to planting the variety I would like. On the upper back lawn we like to set up a volleyball net for games with family and friends and the lower lawn is for Bocce, a family favorite. Will Soto put in the fountain and boxwoods and maintains the yard very well and I am grateful.
The Haversham, 336 Post Road, Westerly RI
DirectionsThere’s a hidden treasure at The Haversham Tavern - in plain sight. The gardens. You have no doubt stopped here many times for a good meal or to meet friends for lively conversation at the sports bar. But have you taken the time to stroll the garden pathways and duck through the stone archway gracing the front entrance.Wood River Evergreens was contracted by owner Bob Lucey to redesign the landscape after a total building renovation was done to the original Mary’s Restaurant. Mary’s was established in 1946. He requested a unique design that would be functional, eye-catching, colorful year-round and feature a large waterfall. Jenn Judge and Frank Crandall designed the landscape which includes stunning waterfalls and pond, paver walkways, outstanding stone work, seasonal plantings and night lighting. Path lights, uplighting of the specimen trees and ambient lighting of the buildings was designed by Kathy Quinn. The project was completed in the early 2000s and has withstood the test of time.One of the additional purposes of the landscaping was to provide a colorful setting for weddings. Recently the landscape has seen the addition of roses and other plantings to enhance the appearance of the Haversham Tavern and Haversham House; ideal settings for parties, weddings and other special events. Next to the tavern and house is the Haversham Farm and Cottage available (for rent) to overnight guests.
