Behind the Private Gates, Design, In the Garden

Parterre’s Signature Garden Images

July 23, 2020 by Bettie Bearden Pardee
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This “staycation” (quarantining as I prefer to call it) over the past five months provided the opportunity to capture in images many details of our Parterre garden that I would otherwise have missed had I been traveling. I’m reminded that the garden was designed truly for mid-summer pleasure, as spring in New England is an oxymoron (cold, rainy and windy). So here we are, July 23rd!

There are more images here than for a typical post (and less text, which may be a blessing). But narrowing the selections was a bit of “Sophie’s Choice.” Twenty-one years and counting…and so grateful for the little garden and how well it grew. Enjoy!

Thank you for joining me…and hope that you are enjoying the beauty and joys of summer, out in the fresh air. Stay safe and well…

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About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, garden furniture designer (The Parterre Bench), national lecturer, and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House".

25 thoughts on “Parterre’s Signature Garden Images”

  1. Dear Bettie
    So glad I found your lovely blog ( via the glam pad ) looking forward to seeing your post in my in box .
    Thank you hazel (Manchester UK) x

    1. Hello Hazel, and welcome to my Private Newport family! I have quite a few readers from the UK, and so glad you discovered us through my darling friend’s blog, The Glampad.
      Happy Summer, xBettie

  2. Lovely photo’s. I see glimpses of your garden 3 days a week as I am the gardener at 15 marine ave and I love your home. I believe you may have known my late grandmother, Jean Seaman, she too was an avid gardener at her home, Boothden on Indian Ave.
    I also have a copy of your book Private Newport, Seafair was a favorite of mine and I had the privilege of being gardener there for 6 years as well as Oakwood on Narragansett Ave which is another favorite.
    Cheers

    1. Hello Sarah, what a lovely surprise…and yes, I remember your darling grandmother with great fondness.
      We’ll actually be having a Newport Garden Club meeting here next week.
      After that, I’d love to invite you up to see Parterre in person. Back to you soon…and thanks for introducing yourself!
      Happy Summer, Bettie Pardee

    1. Merci! I had an opportunity to pull out your tea book in prep for a little party this weekend. Thank you again, Bettie

    1. And Julie, I think you shall be soon! Looking forward to meeting you. Cheers, Bettie

  6. I would be out in that garden daily at dawn’s light with a fresh cup of perked coffee and a good book. It is absolutely beautiful, inspirational and empowering and such a positive way to approach life during these challenging times. Be well and stay safe. Cheers!

    1. Hello Evie, you’ve pretty much described my daily activities, though I wish I had the opportunity more often…Yes, where would be without our gardens and nature?!
      Such a Godsend, xB

  7. I love this garden, having followed it for several years in your posts. Although I have never visited it in person, I feel like I could draw out the plan. Thanks for your inspiration.

    1. Oh June, I’m so glad to hear that you’ve been part of my Private Newport family for years!
      I’ll think of you every time I do a garden post…which has been quite often this year…xB

    1. Thank you, Judith, that David Austin beauty is ‘Crown Princess Margaretha.’ Happy summer, xBettie

  11. Bettie, it really does my old heart good (as we say in the south) to see these images of your gorgeous garden. You are so creative at revealing Nature’s beauty! Your work and time and vision are as Evie said, inspirational!

    1. Hi Tracy, I love your southern saying and your kind words! Thank you, the garden has been more than a blessing this year and it has been cathartic to share its beauty.
      Hope all is well with you! xB

    1. Thank you, Nancy, that’s exactly as I felt when I was putting this post together.
      And so happy for you that your balcony is looking better…onward and upward! xB

  13. Ms. Bettie,
    I am not sure I can sum up in the right words at the moment to really express how much I appreciate the endless beauty that you share with us .
    Right now with my husband’s bad health , your shared talents allow me to get lost in the gardens you have gloriously created . Yet , in happier times it brings other
    emotions of excitement and moves us to
    share with others !

    I guess this is my long winded way of saying thank you so much for creating a space that in every emotion of life , you are there for us !!

    Ever so grateful ,
    Reign

    1. Dear reign, this is the loveliest and most poignant comment I have ever received. It makes all the late nights (with my husband wondering why I’m not at the dinner table) tweaking my blogs worthwhile.
      Bringing beauty to my virtual friends all over our wonderful country has been a bright spot in this Covid challenge. To know that what I do matters is so heartwarming and more than encourages me to to keep up this weekly tradition. May your husband be enjoying better health soon! Be well and stay safe. xBettie

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