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

Inspiring Garden Design: Revealed in Stages

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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

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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

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“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

Inspiring Garden Design: 8 Tips for Creating a Sunken Garden

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It is perhaps difficult to believe that behind this formal chateau (above) is a sunken garden that in its simplicity provides the lessons for creating your own version. But indeed… Read More

Inspiring Garden Design: Spring at Hidcote

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Looking back on these images has me thinking “how lucky was I?!” Hidcote had been on my “faves list” for so many years when I made the decision for a… Read More

Inspiring Garden Design: Parco Sherrer

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Aaaah Winter…sitting by the fire, finalizing plans for spring trips to England, etc. It’s always difficult to remember that, in just 2 1/2 months, the ritual of “opening the garden… Read More

Attention to Details, Part 2

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There is great depth to the topic, “Attention to Details,” warranting a part two that focuses more on the garden than Parterre’s architecture. But what a pleasure it has been… Read More

Attention to Details, Part 1

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An Atlanta friend, noted landscape architect/designer, John Howard, came to town recently. Of course, I was in seventh heaven, with so many shared interests, spending an afternoon chattering away from… Read More

Creating a Floral Love Story

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As with many years of my life in Newport, I have met and befriended a host of talented people through the Newport Flower Show. In 2019 I met Sandra Sigman,… Read More