Behind the Private Gates, Design, In the Garden, The Parterre Bench

Parterre’s Garden: Capturing the Spirit of Newport

March 23, 2023 by Bettie Bearden Pardee
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We’re heading into spring and with it comes the ritual of “opening the garden for the season.” I can’t believe we’ve been carrying this out for 24 years! It is the time that brings with it a bit (sometimes a lot) of angst for one never knows what very fickle Mother Nature has in store (I won’t even list the options over which I wring my hands).
The not-knowing-what-this-year-will-bring syndrome always prompts me to seek solace in my favorite images from past years. With approximately 35,000 images on my cell, I have many choices. Oftentimes it is driven by that phenomenon we’re all familiar with where you suddenly see a detail in an image that evaded your notice the last few times you looked at it! It may be the way the light catches a detail of the house, or an unusual angle, or a composition that makes the image “sing.” One thing I’ve learned for certain…capture that picture when you see it, good photo moments are fleeting.

Enjoy Parterre’s signature images that so embrace the spirit of Newport!

There are many signatures that are associated with Newport — magnificent crescent beaches; majestic trees adding grace to the streetscapes; warm days and cool, misty nights that ensure lush gardens…and the Parterre Bench.
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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".

15 thoughts on “Parterre’s Garden: Capturing the Spirit of Newport”

  5. Twenty four years! And it never gets old! You have such beautiful shapes and spots of color!
    I took a class from your cousin Sarah. Loved her and that botanical art class. Can’t wait to enter a show! I hope you’re well.

  6. Bettie. Your flowers and garden are very special in this special season for Susan and myself. Thanks see you soon. Chip Traynor

  7. GIFTED LADY,
    ONCE AGAIN YOU SCORE A – ’10 ON 10′! WHEN OUR WORLD IS SO SADLY FULL OF
    ‘NEGATIVE’ MANIFESTATIONS … YOU AFFORD US THE VISUAL ‘BEAUTY’ THAT CO-EXISTS.
    KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
    TOM GARDNER

  8. Oh SO beautiful! I got the equivalent of a whole meditation session just drinking in these gorgeous photos. What a beautiful place you have Bettie. Thank you for sharing it, and for my moment of relaxation and renewal!

  9. Classic beauty in every photo! I agree capture the beauty when you see it because next season it may not exist in the garden.

  10. So stunningly beautiful as always, Bettie! 24 years living in heaven, you know you are making history and a legacy in one of the most magnificent places on earth! Wish I were home more often!! ????????????

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