A recent warm spell may bring out the blooms early this year; the annual azalea tea is scheduled for May 23.

The Providence Journal / John Freidah

SOUTH KINGSTOWN –– Rhode Island is blessed with many beautiful gardens, but none is as explosively colorful as the Kinney Azalea Gardens on Kingstown Road (Route 108) near the University of Rhode Island’s East Farm.

More than 500 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons grace six acres, laced with grassy walking paths. The gardens are open to everyone year-around, but they receive the greatest number of visitors from mid-May through June when the grounds are ablaze in blossoms.

Along many of the paths are benches and chairs where visitors can rest and drink in the beauty of the place.

Lorenzo F. Kinney, Jr. planted the first azaleas in 1927. He was the son of a botanist.

When Lorenzo Kinney, Jr. retired from his job as state leader of 4-H Clubs in Rhode Island in 1955, he devoted most of his energy to developing the gardens and new varieties of azaleas that would thrive in southern New England. In 1992, URI awarded him an honorary doctorate for his work.

This year, several varieties began to blossom in early May, said Betty Kinney Faella, the founder’s daughter. She predicted that a splash of warm weather may encourage more to blossom earlier than usual.

She continues a family tradition, serving tea when the flowers are in full bloom. This year’s tea is scheduled for May 23 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. It is free and open to everyone, she said.

After Mr. Kinney died in 1994 at the age of 100, Susan Gordon, an adjunct professor in the plant science and landscape architecture programs at URI, began managing the gardens.

Besides the azaleas and rhododendrons, trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and other shade-loving wildflowers flourish on the floor of the gardens.

The gardens are supported through sales and donations. Most plants at the gardens can be purchased, even specimens requiring a backhoe. Delivery and installation of plants can be arranged if necessary. Plants are not guaranteed unless planted by a member of the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association.

From the intersection of Route 138 and Route 108, the gardens are behind the sixth house on the left, 2391 Kingstown Rd. The parking area is behind the house. The gardens are open during daylight hours. Admittance is free, but there is a box for donations in the parking area. For information about plant sales or directions, call (401) 783-2396 or (401) 782-8847, or visit kinneyazaleagardens.com.

tmeade@projo.com