Crazy for Blue!
When deciding what color to paint the original Parterre Bench, I was torn between the sage (“Parterre”) green and the blue that seems to be a favorite among French gardens… Read More
In the Garden
A New Fall Wardrobe: The Parterre Bench
Just the words “Chinese Lacquer Red ” conjure up for me romantic visions of Mandarin silk jackets; Louboutin soles; Diana Vreeland’s legendary New York apartment; a sexy, sexy red lipstick;… Read More
Dressed in Autumn Finery
It’s the end of the growing season; time for cutting back, pulling out, bedding down. And thinking about making an arrangement with leftovers from the garden and “roadsidia” (a gardener’s… Read More
A Life of Its Own: Musings on the Parterre Bench
It’s been an exciting past three summer months — not only for me but for the Parterre Bench as well. After her formal introduction following the Newport Flower Show in… Read More
Ode to the Autumn Clematis
Vivacious… embracing…enveloping…a bit free with her favors…and goes by the honeyed name, Sweet Autumn Clematis. Am I describing a lady of questionable behavior or a trailing vine that appears with… Read More
Newport’s Magical 18th Century French Garden
It’s almost in my backyard and the Newport “cottage” for which I have the most affection – The Elms, built in 1901 and a copy of the French Chateau d’Asnieres… Read More
Creating Your Own “Iris Apfel-Inspired” Dahlia Arrangment
Table centerpieces are probably my favorite part of the entertaining process, made all the more satisfying when the flowers are fresh from the garden. At this time of the year… Read More
Iris Apfel: Out and About in Newport
Visitors always give us an opportunity to see Newport through someone else’s eyes. Imagine the fun when those eyes belong to Iris Apfel (and special access is afforded). Saturday presented… Read More
A Late Summer Vegetable Garden
It’s been busy around my good friend Alice Ross’ abode this summer — she’s bottling honey from her bee hives, delivering Olive’s four Havanese-mix puppies, growing vegetables in the midst… Read More
Summer Picnics: 14 Don’t-Miss Pointers
Picnics! What is summer without them? And sometimes the best spot for the occasion just may be on your own plot of heaven. If truth be told, I find myself… Read More