Holiday Dreaming: The Parterre Bench
When the Parterre Bench was recently chosen as an engagement gift I was thrilled for many reasons. Celebrating a glorious milestone reminded me of the reason I had originally designed… Read More
In the Garden
‘Tis the Season!
When anticipating this glorious holiday season, one image lingered as I carried out the bittersweet ritual of “putting the garden to bed”…the brilliant cardinals that had seemed more ever present… Read More
A Fall Centerpiece: Intriguing Combinations with Garden Favorites
Even though Parterre’s gardens are formal in a design sense, I always find a few spots where I can include certain plant material that is not usually associated with French… Read More
All Around the House: Decorating with Pumpkins
Who doesn’t love driving past a farm stand packed with those jolly, fat fellows that always signal “it’s fall.” And I’ve noticed this year that more of the quirky, odd-colored… Read More
‘Limelight’ Hydrangeas: An Autumn Gift from the Garden
The beautiful pristine white quality of these ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas at this time in the fall is a phenomenon! Just the softest blush of pink is starting to appear when they… Read More
5 Scrumptious Containers that Prove You Can Still Garden into November
Receiving a text the other day from a creative savant and major plantsman, Kent Russell, (aka the Garden Guru), I hurried over to the Merrillton estate to see his newly planted… Read More
Tea and the Art of Thoughtful Giving
September is always the most beautiful time of the year in Newport. Many facets of summer slide easily into this month without missing a beat, but it is always clear… Read More
Newport, the Arboretum
In my first book, Private Newport: At Home and in the Garden (2004), I shared that I am first a tree lover, then a gardener, and hinted at a little… Read More
Water Lilies: Jewels of the Aquatic World
There is a time in late summer…just about now…that I anticipate all year long. It is so special that I mark it on my calendar — the water lily pond… Read More
The Whim: A Newport Seaside Garden
One of the joys of having guests is sharing places and experiences you love about Newport…like friends’ gardens. An all-time favorite of mine is The Whim, owned by Oatsie Charles… Read More