Leonardslee Rock Garden, Sussex, England
When it comes to “take it or leave it,” I can usually “leave” as regards rock gardens…until an English garden trip in 2023 left me speechless. Little did I know… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
Countdown to Spring
By the calendar, it’s officially Spring at Parterre…the rabbits are nibbling, the raindrops are dropping, the deer are encroaching…but it won’t be true Spring in Newport for awhile (on a… Read More
Calling Seafair “Home”
As one who has written two coffee table books on the subject of Newport’s homes, I often find myself reflecting back on the many private residences that I’ve visited and… Read More
Personal Postcards from Lake Maggiore
My trip to the Lake District of Northern Italy last April/May had its share of WOW! moments (which have been the subject of many blogs), but this post is about… Read More
Majestic Seafair
There’s always a story in Newport and as we head into the spring season, this gripping tale from my book, Private Newport, deserves to be retold. Few in Newport recognize… Read More
Villa d’Este on Lake Como
The Lake District of Northern Italy is storied for its singular climate that makes possible their legendary gardens and memorable landscapes, many of them with the sparkling lakes as a… Read More
Yearning for Spring…in Atlanta
Atlanta is such a welcome escape this time of year when we in Newport will not have leaves on the trees for another 2 months. I’m dreaming about my former… Read More
Inspiring Garden Design: Revealed in Stages
We’ve all experienced that wonderful sensation of having seen a picture that lingers in our consciousness — and sometimes even our subconscious. Such was the case with this garden image… Read More
Inspiring Garden Design: Winter at Parterre
2025 has certainly distinguished itself early on as a singular year! ~ After two decades, a new head gardener will be identified, interviewed, and hired, ~ the Great Horned Owls… Read More
Inspiring Garden Design: An Exquisite English-style Creation
“The owner’s first mixed border was developed in the pergola garden with the ornamental Bradford pear hedge as a backdrop. Her favorite colors–pink, fuchsia, lavender, and blue–can be seen in… Read More