Hands pruning white flowers with red shears in a garden.

Garden delights

By Shea C. Nelson

After seven years of oversight by our horticulturist Leita, the Castle Hill garden program has really come into its own! It began with just six planting beds that doubled into twelve, and a greenhouse that doubled in size, due to the early success of our culinary garden under Leita’s green thumb. We now call it our Harvest Garden, while its sister garden, which started as a cutting garden three years ago, we have embraced as our Healing Garden.

Wooden garden archway with netting, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.
Woman harvesting vegetables in a garden under the sun.

Fresh from the grounds

Asian Eggplant harvest in hand, Leita checks on the newest plantings of Fairytale Eggplants.

Teamwork does make the dream work: Leita is happy to have Maddie back as her assistant again this year.

Two people gardening in a sunny garden, surrounded by flowers and greenery.
A dish with grilled fish, flowers, and greens in broth.

The ingredients behind the experience

Leita was discovered by Chef Lou through her father Will, who provides Castle Hill Inn with heirloom tomatoes from their Rose Hill Farm in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Chef Lou has now taken on the larger responsibility of being our Food & Beverage Director, overseeing operations for our two restaurants, three bars, and two event venues (the Chalet at Castle Hill and the Bohlin in downtown Newport). Stepping into his shoes as Executive Chef is our very own Chef Andy. These two talented, dedicated chefs have collaborated for many years at Castle Hill and even went to culinary school together. We are so lucky to have them!

Two cocktails on a table; one pink, one clear with lemon and flowers.

Garden to glass

Our new Beverage Manager Amy knows a good thing when she sees it too and has been working to incorporate garden elements into our signature drinks.

A few more garden moments

Lastly, if you are looking for a zen moment, overnight guests are invited to enjoy a guided mediation in our Healing Garden on Thursday mornings. The Healing Garden is located across from our Beach House rooms which I am told are a tonic for the soul as well.

Colorful garden with pink, yellow, and white flowers under a clear blue sky.
Cucumbers growing on a trellis in a sunny garden.
Vegetable garden with rows of green plants and trees in the background.