Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island History

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18th Century Period Garden in Full Bloom at the Varnum House Museum

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Have you seen the Varnum House Museum’s period herb garden? This fantastic outdoor exhibit features 18th century flowers, plants, and herbs that were used for cooking, medicine, and cleaning, as well as dyes and paints. We also have a gorgeous rose garden! Each plant is labeled to let you know exactly how each herb was used in colonial times.

This garden is the result of a partnership between the Varnum Continentals and URI Master Gardeners. Every week, the Master Gardener volunteers do fantastic work to maintain and expand the garden.

While you’re at the house viewing the garden, you should also schedule a tour. Just click here!

Join the Varnum Continentals to support the period herb garden and our other efforts to preserve and promote U.S. history and heritage.

Varnum House Museum Hosts URI Master Gardener Educational Program

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URI Master Gardeners at the Varnum House Museum.
URI Master Gardeners at the Varnum House Museum.

This past Wednesday, the Varnum House Museum hosted an educational program by the URI Master Gardeners on 18th-century colonial gardens and their practical uses (both then and now). This program, “Colonial Gardens: Dye, Medicinal, & Household Plants & Their Use”. The event also featured tours of the Varnum House Museum.

In a partnership with the Varnum Continentals, the URI Master Gardeners have maintained a period-authentic herb garden at the Varnum House Museum for several years now. We’re thrilled to see our garden used to provide educational opportunities to Rhode Island gardeners with an interest in historic gardening practices.

When you tour the Varnum House Museum, make sure to ask about the period herb garden! To book a tour of the Varnum House Museum, email house@varnumcontinentals.org or call 401-884-1776.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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