The Secret Garden Tour was a blooming success and make sure and catch Multiple Choice film premier Thursday at Salve Regina University at 7PMThur
888 Patrons Enjoyed the Secret Garden Tour
Thank you for your patronage.
The Secret Garden Tour, Bellevue and Beyond, was a celebration of beauty, resilience, and community. Even with the rain on Sunday, hundreds of visitors, hosts, volunteers, and staff shared in an unforgettable weekend. There were 888 paid patrons.
From Thursday night’s Nourishing Community welcome party at Belcourt Castle to the final strolls through gardens stretching from Kay Terrace to the Bay House on Ocean Drive, the weekend overflowed with color, creativity, and conversation. Justin McLaughlin’s astonishing sea of dahlias dazzled, while the Bay House’s whimsical masonry, inviting plants and ocean views invited reflection and gratitude.
We are deeply grateful to the 90+ volunteers who welcomed guests, answered questions, and helped create meaningful connections at every site. A special thank-you to hosts like Betty Pardee (Partree House), master gardener Puffy Meikle (Bay House), and to friends like Justin at Dalia Delight and Puffy at the Bay House, for sharing their passion and expertise with patrons.
Moments like watching Autumn—a FabNewport alum and now a URI freshman in landscape architecture—engage in rich dialogue with master gardeners remind us why this event matters. These intergenerational exchanges are the seeds of future possibility.
Of course, there were some glitches along the way as this was FabNewport’s first year running the tour, and we thank everyone for their patience. We carry forward lessons learned and look forward to returning next year with an even smoother operation.
Together, we nourished community, cultivated beauty, and strengthened connections. Thank you for being part of it.
A VIP Tour at Justin McGloughlin’s Dalia Delight. with host–4th from right.
Special Thanks to the September 2025 Secret Garden Tour Sponsors: Donovan Group – Homes By Connect, Belcourt of Newport, Preservation Society of Newport County, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce, Newport Restoration Foundation, Norman Bird Sanctuary, Island Adventures, and Boston Design Guide.
Special Thanks to the Private Secret Garden Hosts: Justin McLaughlin–Dahlia Delight • Vin DiBono–Eveherdee Ron Fleming–Bellevue House •Rip Irving–Quholme Bettie Pardee–Parterre • The Hudsons–Bay House
Attend This World Premier Thursday
Multiple Choice–The Film
FREE tickets for all students – use code STUDENT at checkout. • $5 off general admission for educators/instructors/advocates – use code EDUCATOR at checkout Tickets are available now! Don’t miss out! https://newportfilm.com/films/multiple-choice/
FabNewport is a proud community partner of newportFILM’S screening of MULTIPLE CHOICE!
The WORLD PREMIERE of Multiple Choice is coming to Newport, RI with our friends at @SchoolCouldBe
This powerful new film challenges the “college-for-all” mindset and shows how one community created bold new pathways for students to explore careers, build real-world skills, and define their own success.
After the screening, stick around for a panel with the producer, director, educators, and a student featured in the film.
Anyone who’s been around these parts knows September and October are prime months for outdoor adventure so we are leaning into going deeper with outdoor activities and engaging in some new STEAM programs.
Surf Culture
We’re beginning to build a surf culture for our more advanced youth, including students from Rogers High and Thompson Middle. One of our long-time participants, Dima Rojas, now a sophomore at Rogers, is taking the lead in organizing. Dima’s leadership signals the next stage of our vision: young people shaping and carrying forward the culture themselves.
Cycling Adventures
With Bike Newport, we’re supporting riders ready for longer, more challenging adventures. September and October are two of the most beautiful months in Rhode Island, and these rides allow kids to experience the landscape in a deeper way, while continuing to grow their confidence and stamina.
Drone Research
Jalen is spearheading new opportunities in drone technology with support from an old friend who recently graduated from NYU. Together, they’ll contribute to research led by Newport OpenSpace, blending youth learning with authentic community projects.
Citizen Science & Climate Advocacy
Through our partnership with Aquidneck Island Resilience and the Aquidneck Land Trust, youth are participating in hands-on citizen science. The ultimate goal is to develop a youth advocacy group around climate change, and we’re in early discussions with additional schools to expand participation.
Cooking with Ellen
Ellen continues to guide a cooking cohort, focusing on creativity, teamwork, and unique community-centered food projects. Her leadership builds belonging and joy while helping kids develop tangible life skills.
Heart Club
We are actively in conversation with Newport Public Schools about the best way to fit Heart Club into Thompson and Rogers. Rogers is especially eager to continue, as many Heart Club youth from Thompson have now transitioned to high school and want to sustain this safe, inclusive, restorative community.
