Initial Thoughts

My London Trilogy – Part III : Charlotte Moss and the Nancy Lancaster Legacy

Having London and the Chelsea Flower Show on one’s May calendar is exciting enough. When it also includes an itinerary specifically designed to touch the high points of storied decorator…

My London Trilogy – Part II : The Fluorescence of London

The beauty, fragrances and floral inspirations of Chelsea aren’t just contained within the walls of the Royal Hospital grounds. The whole of London gets in the spirit and supports this…

My London Trilogy – Part I: The Chelsea Flower Show

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show (as it’s formally known) is the penultimate mecca for gardeners young and old, pro or novice and really, anyone who just loves flowers.…

Peony Madness: How to Make the Most of a Fleeting Season

It’s a frequent gardener’s lament…”Why don’t they last longer? What can I do to enjoy every second of their brief season?” And no one loves peonies more, or misses them…

Newport Landscapes – A Cultural View

I’m reminded often – on warm days brushed by sea breezes, on cool misty nights – that as early as 1789 Aquidneck Island, of which Newport is the southernmost point,…

A Floral Topiary for Mother’s Day

We all share special memories of our mother, some out-sized, others a snippet, some prompted by a song,  another by an occasion… and still others by personal items that we…

10 Effective Tips for Photographing Gardens

My friend, Mick Hales, a genteel photographer, and a Brit, is acclaimed for capturing the essence of romance in gardens around the world, and for his roster of ” in-the-know” clients …Audrey Hepburn,…

Beverly Hills in 48 Hours

Returning to my original hometown, Beverly Hills, each year…ideally April and October…is a bookmark on my calendar. This short Easter weekend was going to be full, from teas to luncheons to…

Easter Entertaining, Newport Style

Spring is a time of rebirth and rejoicing! The just-departed snow has provided water and a sheltering blanket of protection for dormant plants. Buds and early bloomers are starting to…

Newport Tastemaker: Eileen Marcuvitz

As a full-time designer for over thirty years and owner of Plum Interiors, Eileen Marcuvitz ‘s impressive project list includes spaces both public (the restaurant at the Boston Public Library) and…