History
A Brief History of the Gardens
The Kinney Faella Gardens is the result of four generations of horticulturists, educators, and nature enthusiasts of the Kinney and Faella families. The University of Rhode Island's first botany professor, Lorenzo Kinney Sr., began planting conifers on his son's newly purchased land in the 1920's. Though planted to explore timber production in RI, selective harvesting created micro-climates and garden "rooms"
This turned out to be a perfect canvas for the junior Lorenzo's passion, creating a garden with an extended period of color. In his duties as 4-H director at URI, Lorenzo Kinney Jr. traveled the east coast of the United States. During those trips he fell in love with Elizabeth Todd Kinney, of Richmond, Virginia, as well as azaleas! He resolved to bring both back to RI. Lorenzo began visiting gardens, nurseries, and hybridizers. He started collecting newly introduced species and hybrids from several sources, including Everett Hershey and Joseph Gable. Most importantly, he became fast friends with Ben Morrison, designer of the National Arboretum and hybridizer of the Glendale Azaleas.
After Lorenzo's death in 1994 at the age of 100, proprietorship of the gardens was transferred to Tony and Betty Kinney Faella. Their love of the gardens resulted in its expansion from 6 to 16 acres and the creation of it's signature Moongate. Both Faellas were professional educators and continue to be invested in children, education, and their community. This has resulted in the gardens remaining open to the public, with emphasis on enjoying and exploring the natural world.
In October of 2021, Friends of the Kinney Faella Gardens, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit was founded by Jim and Helen Faella Northup with the purpose of helping educate the public to value their environment, honor nature, and appreciate beauty, through a garden setting. Plans to allow volunteer, educational, and fundraising programs are being implemented.
Dr. Susan Gordon, horticulturist and garden manager, has been with the gardens from 1976-2024. Sue worked closely with Mr. Kinney for many years and maintains a working relationship with local landscapers, the University of Rhode Island, and RINLA. Sue remains available for consult.
Lorenzo Kinney, Jr.
