This post is long on photos and short on chit chat.  I went on a garden tour in southern RI this weekend and spent about an hour in one of the most gorgeous gardens I have EVER seen.

What makes it so special? A combination of thoughtful plantings, spectacular views of the ocean, intriguing glacial moraine and the good taste of the homeowners, who, by the way, have done the work themselves over 25 years. OK I’ll stop yakking now.

We entered by the “shade garden.” That’s one of the two houses, way up at the top.

This is one of the huge millstones that was on the property when the owner bought it. He turned it into a fountain.

There are several ponds in the garden. The gardener has strung monofilament over the water to prevent the predations of blue herons, who will eat every single fish, given the opportunity. Can’t blame them for trying….

A 100-step staircase takes you to the top of the garden and the main house. There’s also a more gentle path up.

This is your reward for the climb.

You can see the lawn of the shade garden in the lower right corner. Gives you an idea of the change in elevation.

More views: Here’s the rocky moraine section of the property, proof that like Earth, RI is not  flat.

We paused to drool (discreetly) over the deck.

And the pool.

We proceeded to the guest house, which also has a lovely pool.

You can get a great view of Block Island through a thoughtfully-placed scope.

Looking at the main house from the trail leading back down to the shade garden.

Mountain laurel, at peak bloom, covered the hillside.

Bird nesting boxes and hummingbird feeders, all well-maintained, were placed throughout the property.

There were so many places to sit and relax, I don’t know how I would choose a favorite. I’ll close with a shot of another enticing spot: a fireplace with a view.