Signatures of London
London in late April and early May was particularly merry this year. The town was all decked out tastefully for the Coronation of King Charles III, to include a low… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
Spring at Parterre
After 10 days in England, I have a years worth of images for weekly posts — but first, a peak at Parterre. Spring, while late and coolish this year, was… Read More
Chasing Tulips in Sussex and Surrey, Part 2
It was an article seven years ago in my favorite English magazine, Gardens Illustrated, that served as the inspiration for this year’s annual spring visit to England, specifically to Sussex… Read More
Chasing Tulips in Sussex and Surrey, Part I
Of course, as soon as I finish one garden tour, I’m planning the next. While the working title of this trip was affectionately named “Chasing Tulips,” it soon become apparent… Read More
Celebrating Daffodils, the Beacons of Spring
Cheers to “the beginning of event’s season!” as one friend refrerred to it. Until just a few years ago, “the season” didn’t start until Memorial Day; now April is a… Read More
Daffodil Time in Newport
Daffodils, the first harbingers of spring, seem to have arrived earlier this year…I’m guessing it must have been our mild winter. And how welcome they are (due in part to… Read More
French Blooms
I first met Sandra Sigman at the Newport Flower Show four years ago. You could not walk by her stunning Paris-comes-to-Newport French market nestled under the majestic beech trees without… Read More
Postcards from Parterre
While building a home was something we said we’d never undertake, creating Parterre proved one of the most surprising and satisfying experiences. Inspired by this adventure, I committed myself wholeheartedly… Read More
Parterre’s Garden: Capturing the Spirit of Newport
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… Read More
Palm Beach Living: Part 2
Jennifer Ash Rudick and Nick Mele’s new book, Palm Beach Living, well deserves two postings. With 350 images (and 344 pages), the tome is a testimony to the ever-evolving and diverse… Read More