Celebrating Summer: Parterre’s Green and White Garden
I’ve adored sharing the Lake District of Italy with you, but as the first of July reminds us, summer is here! And Newport always offers more than worthy material, so… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
The Borromeo Gardens on Isola Bella
Once a rocky island, home only to fishermen, two small churches, and a few vegetable gardens, Isola Belle (beautiful island) began its transformation in the 17th century. The gardens that… Read More
The Borromeo Palazza of Lake Maggiore
On my oh! so memorable trip to the northern Italian lakes, we explored a succession of villas and gardens, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glittering… Read More
The Magic of Water in the Garden
As I often say, isn’t serendipity grand?! On my way to Cohasset to pick up a bejeweled crown (a story for another day) I fell into a beautiful garden prepping… Read More
Paradise Personified, the Lake Towns of Northern Italy
When you fall in love with a part of the world, you want to experience it as much as possible. At the end of our tour my friend and I… Read More
Garden Inspiration from the Italian Lake District, Part 2
The Northern Italian Lake District is storied for its Mediterranean climate that makes possible such legendary gardens and memorable landscapes, many of them with the sparkling lakes as a backdrop.… Read More
Garden Inspiration from the Italian Lake District
For all the many reasons we love traveling, my top one is bringing home new ideas for the garden… or new ways to do something I’m already doing! “If we… Read More
The Intriguing Garden at Villa di Balbianello
For many reasons, Villa di Balbianello and its terraced gardens are arguably one of the most impressive sites on Lake Como (if not the). The breathtaking location on its own… Read More
Postcards from the Magnificent Lake District of Northern Italy
How many of us have fallen in love with a place or part of the world and promised ourselves we would return “soon.” Such is my love affair with the… Read More
Welcoming The Daffodils
Daffodils, those “harbingers of spring,” delight us with their welcome, cheery color. In addition to this asset, they provide a dressing up of landscapes and residences, affording a new look… Read More