Another day, another great hike. And where would you guess this is? Probably not Rhode Island, known for its beaches. But it IS Rhode Island, on the “Duval” trail which is owned by the South Kingstown Land Trust. It is just a few minutes from our house, and recently my friend and I spend three hours hiking in there.
This is what draws people to this trail in June: the mountain laurels. Kalmia latifolia does very well here in the slightly acidic, well-drained soil. The flowers were just opening, and it was quite a show.
I love how the flowers vary in color from very white to very pink. I will admit I did lag behind a few times on this day, but you have to stop walking in order to take photos, don’t you?
Here’s a really pink one. And to think something so beautiful just grows here. No pruning, no fertilizer, just wild.
Digging RI 
Gorgeous!!
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Looks like such a great place. I love hiking. I enjoy the sights, the sound, the smells. Nothing but nature, wild and free.
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It is beautiful. Another unexpected RI hiking bonus.
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Thanks for reminding me that I need to get mountain laurel from the Georgia mountains, where it grows profusely. It’s one of my favorite shrubs, and a favorite of Connecticut deciders who made it the state flower.
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Do the Georgia laurels look just like the ones in CT?
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I love mountain laurel. I remember it grew in the garden at the house I grew up in, in New Jersey. I don’t think I’d seen it since until I moved to Rhode Island. Now I want some in our yard!
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It should do fine, as long as there’s some shade.
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Thanks! If there’s one thing our yard has, it’s plenty of shade.
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Lovely trail. I’ve always thought mountain laurel blooms were so interesting. I’m not sure it’s totally my thing, but such a unique flower.
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I agree. Not my thing either, at least not for my landscape, but perfect in their natural habitat.
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