The Property

Broadlawns is a uniquely preserved landscape, still true to the estate’s original design. This oceanfront arboretum has maintained original elements of rolling lawns framed by avenues of beeches. Entering the drive to the Broadlawns estate, visitors are greeted by a magnificent collection of mature beeches including European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Purple European Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’), Fernleaf Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Asplenifolia’), and Weeping Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’). Because many of the large beeches are reaching the end of their lifespan, property owners have been actively replanting young beech trees to replace the aging canopy.

The historic landscape survey for Broadlawns Arboretum can be viewed here.

The Collection

Property owners, a couple who completed a restoration of the original houses (built in the 1880’s) in 2009, have revived the historic “Point of Trees” located on the property’s western edge and noted as a navigation landmark. This grove of elms, once visible to sailors from the sea, had become completely overgrown with invasive vines and shrubs. Current remedial efforts have allowed the grove to return to its historic condition and create, once again, a very visible landmark for navigators on Narragansett Bay.

The Mission

The mission of Broadlawns Arboretum is to preserve the historic and environmental integrity of the original landscape design. Specifically, replanting the mature beech canopy as it declines with age, maintaining the woodland property edges, and preserving the historic Point of Trees.

Special Features

POOL AREA

The pool gate entrance is bordered with fragrant Sweetbay Magnolias, Magnolia virginiana, and rose beds whose flowers often appear in competition at the Newport Flower Show. At dusk, sparrows visit the pool for their evening bath. Their swift show of dips and dives is delightful to watch.

PAMPAS GRASS

This field of clumping Pampas Grass was likely installed by hand perhaps one-hundred years ago during initial landscape designs. This grass is mowed annually, creating a seasonal habitat for native birds and rodents to live.

POINT OF TREES

The recently restored “Point of Trees,” located on the property’s western edge, was noted as a navigation landmark on maps since at least 1860. This grove of elms, once visible to sailors from the sea, had become completely overgrown with invasive vines and shrubs. Current remedial efforts have allowed the grove to return to its historic condition and create, once again, a very visible landmark for navigators on Narragansett Bay.

OCEAN PATH

Cutting through the dense Pampas Grass at the water’s edge, this sea-side path offers panoramic views of Newport Harbor.