Roses at Parterre
We built our home, Parterre, twenty-three years ago this month. Can’t believe it’s been that long!! When creating the gardens we kept in mind that this would be a summer… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
Ideas to Borrow from Cotswold Gardens, Part 2
In reflecting back on my Cotswold garden trip, I realize it was a story of good “bones”…as seen in landscape vistas, vanishing points, topiaries, and hedges. But it is the… Read More
11 Ideas to Borrow from Cotswolds Gardens
This is always one of my favorite posts to write…just after a wonderful garden trip and while my mind is still fresh with all the visions and inspiration. Not only… Read More
Postcards from the Cotswolds
It has been 3 long years since I’ve traveled in in the English countryside. With each cancelled flight, my disappointment was assuaged by losing myself in the happy details of… Read More
London in Bloom
When I was in London at this time in 2016 (for the Chelsea Flower Show!), “Around Chelsea” was just being introduced. While each year more and more of London salutes… Read More
The Many Merits of Woodland Gardens
Mother Nature delivered Parterre’s woodland garden a one-two punch this winter, between big winds that took down major trees and an obscure hosta fungus that destroyed a large grove of… Read More
Bunny Mellon’s Potting Shed
There are potting sheds….and then there are greenhouse vestibules! At Bunny Mellon’s Oak Spring gardens, this “shed” was as much a draw for me as the exquisite gardens created by… Read More
Bunny Mellon’s Oak Spring Garden
If you are as committed a garden aficionado as I am, Oak Spring garden is a mecca on your short list of stops. Last month, on April 19th, I had… Read More
Daffodils in the Landscape
Need I say, daffodils are probably the most welcome signal that winter is over and spring is on its way. With their bright yellow visage and perky stance, one can… Read More
Architectural Details that Steal the Show
My trip to Atlanta was such a welcome spring outing. Not only did I treasure seeing old friends after a Covid-hiatus but I was looking with affectionate fresh eyes at… Read More