Romancing our Summer Garden
The Orangerie in Parterre’s garden was a most special surprise Christmas gift in 1997, given to me by my husband, Jonathan, as we began our house building project. While originally… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
Seafair, a Hurricane’s Tale
There’s always a story in Newport and as we head into hurricane season, this gripping tale from my book, Private Newport, deserves to be retold. Few in Newport recognize Seafair… Read More
Hidcote: of Hedges and Vistas
While I have been very enthusiastic about visiting many gardens, both here and in Europe as time permits, my list of “to see” seems to be getting longer and longer.… Read More
Private Newport’s Most Singular Oceanside Rooms
The cover of my first coffee table book, Private Newport: At Home and in the Garden, conveys in so many ways the sensibilities and design spirit of this post…shining a… Read More
Harold Peto’s Iford Garden
Surprisingly, the unanticipated highlight of my May week in the Cotswolds was the visit to Iford Manor, outside of Bath. Clearly, this property was created by one who marched to… Read More
My Newport Diary: The Week That Was
Along with this week’s heatwave came a bevy of trunk shows, fundraisers, Tennis Hall of Fame tournament, houseguests, suppers… and the list goes on. One might say July is “heating… Read More
India Hicks: A Slice Of Newport
One soon learns, and then takes for granted, that Newport is an epicenter, in an understated way… truly a destination for many fascinating individuals. And often they bring stories that… Read More
Over the Moon About Roses
All the rain that we’ve been receiving must have been laced with Miracle Grow! I have never seen such bountiful blooms or healthier plants, with canes that were as thick… Read More
Independence Day 2019
On this special day in our country’s history, I take pride in the pivotal role that Rhode Island, and Newport specifically, played in the American Revolution. The fiercely autonomous colony… Read More
My Newport Flower Show Tastemakers’ Diary
What a weekend!! Where to start? The Newport Flower Show is such a destination for all who wish to see and celebrate the bounty of summer gardens. From “garden club… Read More