As I write this post, I’m in my sun room looking out the deep bay window that provides a panoramic view of the Fountain Garden and its signature details that make my heart sing…the Parterre Bench (which I designed in 2007); the Dovecote, with its peaked slate roof, nestled into the yew hedge corner; the six handmade wooden Versailles boxes painted in Parterre Green; the new addition of three Japanese maples potted in the grand stone containers (30″h x 20″ w) which I discovered years ago (27?) at the Philadelphia Flower Show. All overseen by a majestic copper beech (which we are desperately trying to save from Beech Leaf Disease).
At Parterre, July and August are the season for flowers galore. So I pondered, why not present them in their final stage, floral arrangements, whether for each room throughout our home, a celebration, a gift for a hostess, and many other reasons. And what better place to start than a Bestie’s most special gift…photographing (on the QT) a collection of floral arrangements I’ve designed over the years at Parterre. The fact that this was for a milestone birthday makes it all the more meaningful. And who can appreciate this coffee table book more than one who has produced 3 in the past 22 years? Here, a sampling for your enjoyment.
Closing with a rare cameo from yours truly, caught with a bucket of flowers in hand. Aah, the blessings of having a garden from which to clip…
Absolutely lovely, Bettie!
Bettie, you are nature’s artist. Each is beautiful! Thank you for sharing the wonders of your garden. EE
True meaning of the word, “exquisite!!!”
From dream to reality…well done!!! ❤️
franki
Aah, the blessings of Bettie’s Thursday postings.🥰
Gorgeous, every one of them!
A bouquet a day send the blues away. Your lovely arrangements are joy to all beholders.
LOVELY LADY,
I MAY HAVE MENTIONED, VIA A SUMMER JOB c. 1966 @ AGE 19, I WAS: ‘HOUSEMAN / BUTLER – IN TRAINING’, FOR MRS. R.R. YOUNG @ FAIRHOLME.
WE SPENT MANY HOURS, IN THE FORMER – ‘BAND RM.’ @ THE END OF THE
BALLROOM, ARRANGING FLORAL DISPLAYS FOR THE HOUSE; USUALLY TEN IN NUMBER … ALL IN SUPER HEAVY – STUBEN BOWLES.
MRS. YOUNG (ANITA) – MADE THEM SO LARGE THAT I HAD TO EXIT THE BAND ROOM AND GO ROUND TO THE FRONT DOOR TO GAIN RE – ENTRY.
HOWEVER, I MUST SAY, YOUR TALENT FAR SURPASSED MRS. YOUNG’S …
EVEN THOUGH HER SISTER WAS – GEORGIA O’KEEFE.
FONDLY,
TOM
Just beautiful, Bettie! Thanks for sharing with us.
Your art work with flowers is spectacular! The red and white tulips
The lilac and purple tulips?
a treat for the eyes and soul
Merci Madame …….for all of them. C
Bettie..SO glad you have a gorgeous garden to enjoy and the artist’s eye to arrange these exquisite blooms !! Your posts always lift my spirit and make me happy !