Happy New Year!
As this old year ends (and not too soon) this post gives me the chance to once again marvel at what pictures can mean to us…2020 definitely assured those of… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
A Parterre Christmas
Every Christmas has its signature. This year, not knowing what draconian measure or which “pause” we were honoring, I hadn’t done much planning for decorations. But one thing I knew… Read More
Bedecked and Bedazzled: Christmas at The Breakers
What is more joy-filled than a fifteen foot Christmas tree of live, brilliant red poinsettias?! Newport’s own legendary creation takes pride-of-place in the Great Hall of The Breaker’s, obviously deserving… Read More
Past Christmases at Parterre
In spite of 2020 being an “annus horribilis” (to quote Queen Elizabeth) we’ve made it to the merry month of December. So I say, with a nod to rhythm and… Read More
The Adventures of a Narrative Gardener
My friend, Ron Fleming, is a Renaissance man in the truest sense of the word–writer, city planner, preservationist, inveterate traveler, philanthropist and all ’round Bon Vivant. And gardener! His talents… Read More
Enjoy Your Cozy Thanksgiving!
I wanted to take the opportunity at this wonderful time of the year, especially with so many challenges besieging us, to offer some “words of wisdom” that carry such truth in their simplicity.
A Newport Autumn at Parterre
With our wonky weather this past month–snow on October 30th, an earthquake 8 days later–fall as we knew it last year has almost been nonexistent. So I was thrilled to… Read More
Inspiring Architectural Design: “Commodore” James’s Boathouse
Count on Newport, one of the yachting capitals of the world, to have a singular example of historic nautically-inspired architecture. A hundred plus years later, “Harbour Court” (now the New… Read More
Gardens of the North Shore of Chicago
For you garden lovers like me, I’m betting that a gorgeous, exceptional new book on our favorite topic is cause for celebration! Just published, Gardens of the North Shore of… Read More
Inspiring Architectural Design: Oakwood
Oakwood has led a charmed life. Built in 1854 as a wedding gift for William Backhouse Astor’s daughter, Mary Alida, (granddaughter of John Jacob Astor). It was one of the earliest… Read More