Irish Gardens and their Signature Details
It was 2003 when I was last in Ireland, with the Atlantic Botanic Garden. So taken was I with the diversity of garden design and breadth of plant material (sighting… Read More
Design
Invitation to a Fantasy Engagement Party
I’m all for fanciful and fantasy moments, especially when they are in the garden and occasioned by a specific plant in bloom. And can then serve as inspiration for an… Read More
Summer Favorites: Hydrangeas and the Parterre Bench
There are many signatures that are associated with Newport — magnificent crescent bay beaches; velvety lawns meeting the blue horizon of water; majestic trees adding grace to the streetscapes and… Read More
Dreamy Moments in the Garden
These dreamy moments are as much about the dreamy weather we’ve been having lately…cool nights and dry, warm days. They make a step into any garden that much more special,… Read More
Smell the Roses
Would they…or wouldn’t they? Roses, an always anticipated category in the Newport Flower Show, can keep us on pins and needles awaiting their bloom time. But they burst forth with… Read More
The Colors of Summer: The Parterre Bench
This post is a tribute to my mother, whose birthday was June 25th. A beautiful, kind, gracious, Southern belle, she just happened to adore Shirley poppies…which just happen to bloom… Read More
Postcards from Parterre’s Garden
This was certainly the year to take a few (no, a lot) of gulps as regards the garden. Rain, rain, rain. And just as I was thinking “good, yes, but… Read More
Among the Daffodils…the Parterre Bench
Given the response to last spring’s blog on my friend Alison and Steve Walk’s property up island, we started planning ahead to truly celebrate their daffodil display this year! Mintwater… Read More
The Little Black Dress of Flower Urns
Many gardeners have a favorite “go to” container for our flower arrangements. They’re like an old friend — reliable (water tight), accountable (whatever you arrange in them looks good), stylish… Read More
Exceptional Greenhouses
An “Inspiring Garden Design” series would not be complete without a nod to greenhouses…specifically those that are graciously and tastefully incorporated into their garden surroundings. I’ve picked three of my… Read More