My Summer Flower Garden
My gardens were designed with flower arranging in mind. Each plant, flower, bush (and yes, even some trees) were planted because they would enhance the mixed garden bouquets that I love… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
Tailgate Picnicking at Newport Polo
Like so many things in Newport, equestrian pursuits have a colorful history here. The lush acreage where the Newport International Polo Series is now played was the former Glen Farm of… Read More
The Newport Antiques Show
One of the most anticipated events on our bustling town’s summer calendar is the Newport Antiques Show (July 24th-26th.) With its sharp focus on fine American and English antiques, the regional… Read More
“Iris in Wonderland” Newport Picnic
In an earlier journal post, I presented the irrepressible fashion maven Iris Apfel, who is the subject of a well deserved documentary. But the night of her exclusive Newport showing also… Read More
Vive La France! Vive Newport!
In honor of Bastille Day, I have a confession:I am a Francophile. A few cases in point: my home and gardens are designed in the French tradition…and named Parterre. My… Read More
7 Fanciful Garden Pavilions of Newport
Many are the charms of a Newport summer, but a particular favorite of mine are the fanciful garden houses, buildings and “follies” to be found on many properties. Enjoy this… Read More
Mountain High
When I walked into my dear friend Ruthie Watts’s charming, cozy mountain retreat in Highlands, North Carolina, she asked me if I noticed anything different about her living room. Knowing… Read More
The Mystery of the Pink Hat
Greetings from Newport, hope your summer is going along swimmingly. If you are as fascinated as I am with mysteries, there’s one that has all of us in Newport stumped. It’s… Read More
Entertaining for the 4th of July
One of the many hats I’ve worn over the years is as a Contributing Editor to Bon Appetit, producing “Entertaining with Style.” Here, exactly twenty years later, is the first July… Read More
Bellinis and Blossoms
Summer is now in full play in Newport! To toast the official “start of the season” (which is kicked off by the Newport Flower Show) I hosted a garden party.… Read More