When anticipating this glorious holiday season, one image lingered as I carried out the bittersweet ritual of “putting the garden to bed”…the brilliant cardinals that had seemed more ever present this year than in the past.

Each sighting also recalled happy memories of a beloved person for whom I am named, my grandmother, for cardinals held a special place in her heart. Don’t we all remember the delight when you first happened upon a cardinal — this regal bird that is somewhat of a rare sighting, their color so distinct? That sense of enchantment and wonderment was what I wished to convey when giving the Parterre Bench its holiday incarnation. For the cardinal and the Parterre Bench share much in common…there is, as you have just read, a story involved with each. The Parterre Bench was created to celebrate the publication of my first book, Private Newport. And inspired by the memory of a design I had seen in an Irish garden many, many years before.

So to mark this season filled with joy and festivity I have brought these two precious-to-me symbols together…the elegant cardinal, whose vibrant color is so fresh and distinct against a blanket of snow, and the Parterre Bench, a bespoke garden accessory whose every luxurious detail captures the grace of a flower and the flourish of a leaf.

Another reason to celebrate?
The Parterre Bench can be customized with personal initials and paint selections (just click here).

All images by Maaike Bernstrom.
Photo shoot styling by Jenna Kinghorn.