The Property

Walnut Point Arboretum, a true “micro arboretum,” is located on a small but beautiful .11-acre property historically named the Philip Caswell House, built in 1850. The arboretum’s name was inspired by the 1777 map of Newport by Charles Blaskowitz, which situates the property at the street corner where urban development ends and the woods and meadow begin. The local neighborhood is referred to as “The Point” in Newport. This name is reminiscent of a time when this land was the “The Point” of native forest edge pushing out against urban civilization.

The Collections

When the property was purchased, the existing landscape included turf and one dogwood tree. Property owners Maureen and Mark Marosits have added over 70 species to this small landscape, modest in size but boasting a lush green oasis of variety. In addition to the footprint of the house, the Marosits also purchased a small adjacent property including an old shed originally used for building submarines parts and restored it as an outdoor/indoor living area.The property is maintained in full by the property owners.

Walnut Point Plant Inventory

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Walnut Point Tree Map - Google Maps

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The Mission

Wyndham Arboretum is dedicated to restoring and preserving the naturalistic flow of the landscape, highlighted with interesting and uncommon woody plant species. The arboreum will continue to select plants with an emphasis on evergreen cultivars aiming to combine for an interesting textural effect and plant for a changing climate and environment; selecting pest and disease resistant species for the best chance of long-term success. In the future, Walnut Point Arboretum will co-host arboreta tours and seminars focused on encouraging creativity and cultivation of small space gardens. In addition, the Marosits intend to establish a Japanese Zen Garden in the garden section reflective of the hallway of the house.

Special Features

INTRICATE DESIGN
The Marosits designed their garden to wrap around the house, mirroring the rooms inside; the garden spaces have essentially become reflections or extensions of the rooms they surround. They have created a walkable garden space with a graceful entrance, path, and exit for garden visitors.

NATURAL STYLE
The property owners create a genuinely unique atmosphere, inspired by the indigenous plant species of woods and meadow and allowing for natural freedom and flow.

WOODY FEATURES
Special woody features of the landscape include: a Breda Giant Medlar, Mespilus germanica, the single specimen of its kind on the Aquidneck Island; an exceptionally large Franklinia alatamaha, Franklinia tree; and a dramatic, strikingly columnar sugar maple, Acer saccharum ‘Monumentale.’