Last week’s post on our Green and White Garden represented a “slow slide” into a Newport Summer, long anticipated by both residents and visitors alike. And what better way than to highlight a Newport garden that is well known throughout the country via our website and social media. I was touched by one followers sentiment…”you feature spectacular places, sharing the unique vibes of every season and deliver something deeply charming about a city, a venue, or a special view.”

And yet, Parterre, our home and garden, is a private estate, our sheltered place of tranquility and a secret retreat that nurtures us through all seasons, including winter. How blessed we feel to have made Newport our home on this remarkably idyllic island.

Thirty-four years ago, forward thinking individuals founded the Aquidneck Land Trust to conserve, protect, and steward our island home. They subscribed to the strong belief (per Ansel Adams) “that once destroyed, nature’s beauty cannot be re-purchased at any price.”

It is with a sense of gratitude that my husband and I have chosen to share our garden paradise in support of the Aquidneck Land Trust’s summer fundraiser, “Evening at Home.” Our donation, a garden tour with lunch at Parterre, plays off the Land Trust’s mission, reinforcing and aligning with their green/environmental focus. From specimen plants and trees to custom designed gardens to private entertaining opportunities in the great outdoors, each item is singular to the Aquidneck Island experience. For our auction item, the description reads…

“Parterre’s designer, Bettie Bearden Pardee, has served as the “Pied Piper” of Newport—a goodwill ambassador for the private beauty and elegance of this wonderful island. And now you too can be transported to the garden of your dreams and learn about the evolution of her vision and her choices — receive some inside “tips”–even some of her gaffes—with a tour and lunch in the Orangerie at Parterre (below). Each guest will also be gifted a copy of Bettie’s coffee table book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style.“

“Includes cocktails, lunch, tour, and book for up to six adults for three hours. Date to be mutually agreed upon; valid Summer/Fall of 2024 and Summer of 2025.”

The bidding started last night so hop on the bandwagon!! Here’s the direct link to my Tour and Lunch… https://bit.ly/Parterre_Gardens. Looking forward to seeing you in Newport!