18 Memorable Pictures for 2018

Trusting you all enjoyed a heartwarming Christmas, rich with family and friends. This now quiet period between Santa’s arrival and the fireworks of New Year’s Eve I’ve found to be…

New York’s Holiday Windows

If it is possible, New York this December was  sparkling and glittering even more than last year. How fortuitous, as this “New York Windows” post has become a reader’s favorite.…

The Holiday Parterre Bench

For me, as for many of us, Christmas decorating is steeped in tradition. The treasured hand-me-down and collected-over-the-years ornaments that are lovingly hung on the tree just as they have…

“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree…”

Newport’s “cottages” are indeed a big draw in the summer, but so many visitors miss one of its truly breathtaking seasons — the Holidays! Decorations galore dress up already significant…

A Vanderbilt-Inspired Holiday Mantel

It was a dream invitation, especially at this time of the year — come in and pick out your favorite new ornaments that have just arrived and create a holiday…

8 Oops! in the Garden

Confession, as they say, is good for the soul — well, this was certainly the year to take a few (no, a lot) of gulps as regards the garden. And…

Bellevue Avenue in Fall Color

I spoke too soon in my last post regarding lack of exuberance in Newport’s leaf display. Exactly three days after that email, all of our trees literally popped at the…

Capturing Autumn: Turning Over a New Leaf

When you live in a New England town, autumn takes on a special meaning. While we might not have the exuberant leaf display of our more northerly neighbors, there are…

Revealing Insights for Expressing Your Personal Style

My recent trip to Birmingham, Alabama came via an invitation from my dear friend, Margot Shaw, founder and Editor-in-Chief of the must-read Flower magazine. Ten years ago, in her great…

Three Perspectives on Woodland Gardening

As my father loved to say, “travel is broadening.” That wisdom took on a new meaning  when gardens and their design became such a focus for me. My recent travels…