These Rhody Indoor Gardens & Shops Are Serving A Taste Of Spring, & We're So Ready

There’s talk of snow this weekend and temps circa yesterday and today are anything but balmy.

What’s an anxious Rhode Island’er to do?

Short of cashing in your miles (or AMEX points) and buying a ticket to the West Coast or FLA, there are a few pretty fantastic spots in the OS that you and your crew can visit right now for a much needed dose of warm(er) weather.

Sure, you’re probably already well acquainted with the Botanical Center at RWP, but what about these OTHER spring-tastic spots around the state?

The Secret-ish Garden In Kingston

A few summers ago we were strolling near The Towers in Gansett and started chatting with someone who tried to clue us in on what he called secret gardens near the URI Kingston campus. Pretty sure that guy (Hiiii Guy!) was probably talking about the URI Botanical Gardens & Horridge Conservatory. A popular spot for class trips as well as wedding photos for those in the know (we're guessing either recent grads of the university or those who live or work in the vicinity), it's a must visit for everyone this coming spring. (It's open to the public Monday thru Friday and there's also a weekly guided tour. Stalk their site for specifics.) In the meantime, however, a stroll thru the greenhouses is perfect for a much needed boost during these frigid January days.

Where Art Meets Plants & Plant Based Eats 

Grab a cozy snack (I recommend a hot Golden Milk Latte with oat milk and a lemon cookie.) at Wildflour, but don't leave without getting a closer look at the air plant installation on the back wall. Courtesy of Jordan's Jungle, the Pawtucket plant and garden shop with a cult following (more about them in a sec), it's made up of greenery that instead of emerging from the ground grows on top of surfaces. Not 100% sure how it all works but one thing's certain - it’s sure to give you a little boost whilst you’re waiting for spring to show itself ‘round here!

Photo courtesy of the Jordan’s Jungle Instagram

A Tropical Paradise In Pawtucket

Located in a refurbished mill building in Pawtucket not far from WF Cafe & Bakery, Jordan’s Jungle is a literal jaw dropping paradise of greenery. It really is quite stunning! I popped over last month to purchase a plant for my bedroom (one that’s supposed to help purify the air) as well as some smaller ones to gift friends. Known for their extensive selection of tropical and hard to find plants (not to mention their online catalog), Jordan’s has developed quite the following in the OS and once you go, you’ll know why.

Photo courtesy of the Nature Lab Instagram

The Living Wall At RISD

I first went in search of what’s-come-to-be-called the ‘Living Wall’ at RISD two or three years ago and it didn’t disappoint! Located on the level below the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab, the wall is a lush, green reminder of what awaits us in another 2 or 3 months in the OS. Spend a few minutes observing and meditating on it. Or take some phone fotos and videos for social. Either way, it’s an utterly delightful win-win.

*This post has been revised from one that appeared previously on the site.