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
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
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
Shadows in the Garden: A Spring Revelry
We all await these magical moments in the garden, so unexpected and therefore, so bewitching. And I know exactly when this one took place…5:11pm on the afternoon of Monday, April… Read More
A Cheery, Cherry Spring at Parterre
You’ve heard me speak often about serendiptiy, and this spring it was a welcome and constant happening, specifically as regards those harbingers of spring, cherry blossoms. The timing of celebrations… Read More
Introducing Newport’s Gardiner House Hotel
As one would expect of a destination as high profile as Newport… from yachting regattas to extravagant weddings…our “City by the Sea” boasts many hotels and inns, most of them… Read More
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Sometimes we take a personal, sentimental tradition for granted, until a friend offers up, “you should do a blog on those!” The “those” is an annual calendar that I create… Read More
Easter at Parterre 2024
I can’t remember the last time that I so anticipated the week leading up to Easter. Perhaps it’s because our weather and the insistent winds have kept me from going… Read More
Palm Beach, the Greenest of Enclaves
March in Newport is certainly living up to its reputation…”coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb” (I’m anxiously awaiting the lamb part). Sometimes the brightest note… Read More
Introducing Whimsy to the Garden
As March builds up to an Easter finale I’m thinking about whimsy, the Easter bunny, and new spring bulbs. Perhaps it is because I’m always of a certain mindset that… Read More