A Notable Newport Estate, The Orchard. Part 1

Memorial Day reminds us that summer is just around the corner, when friends return from all parts of the country and houses are “opened for the season.” One of those…

Hansel and Gretel in Richmond

Historic Garden Week in Richmond provided such warm memories of both horticultural and architectural inspiration. One setting lingers in my mind, which I cannot resist calling the “Hansel and Gretel…

Gardens and Houses of Richmond, VA Part 2

My affection and appreciation for Richmond’s architecture began during college, and has lingered since then. Fortunately, I’ve had many occasions to travel down to this exceptional Virginia city. Driving through…

Gardens and Houses of Richmond,VA

Often called America’s largest open house​, “Historic Garden Week”​ in Virginia is a much-anticipated annual event for many garden lovers!​For one elegant week​, both homes and ​their gardens throughout the…

A Peek at Oak Springs

If you are as committed a garden aficionado as I am, Oak Spring garden is a mecca on your short list of stops. A few years ago, I had the…

Reminiscing about England

Along with the daffodils and the tulips, the other gift I anticipate the most about spring is my trip to England. But this year, “circumstances” superseded that annual/semi-annual trip…though New…

Spring Scenes Remembered

Little hints of spring are starting to show in Newport…the snowdrops nestled into the roots of the grand beech in the front courtyard, petit heads of daffodils poking up in…

New Zealand’s Omaio Garden

Omaio Garden (in Matakana) on the North Island of New Zealand would be the envy of anyone…even if you’re not a gardener. Liz Morrow’s talents clearly carry out the meaning…

Garden Visits in New Zealand

Dear friends, just home from New Zealand with lots of tempting garden images, especially these from Omaio (“a place of Peace, Quiet, and Tranquility”). Enjoy these teasers of next week’s post…I’m treating myself…

Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands, New Zealand

Ayrlies Garden is the creation of visionary Beverly McConnell, who, since 1964, has been sculpting 14 acres of bare farmland into one of New Zealand’s best known Gardens. An hour…