Behind the Private Gates, Design, In the Garden

Postcards from Parterre

March 30, 2023 by Bettie Bearden Pardee
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While building a home was something we said we’d never undertake, creating Parterre proved one of the most surprising and satisfying experiences. Inspired by this adventure, I committed myself wholeheartedly to the design of the gardens. Many of my favorite views capture the way the garden embraces our French Normandy-style home, with some of the house’s architectural details framed by hedges, shrubs, and flowering trees. Join me on a little stroll…

On a rainy day, a quiet mood pervades the south-facing side of the facade

with the “Parterre Green” bench and Versailles boxes overlooking the Fountain Garden.

Tulips and flowering pears in the glorious spring…

and fall’s famous ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas framing the pergola against blue skies accented with puffy white clouds.

In the soft light of morning….

Outrageously red tulips in the Orangerie.

Fetching Eden roses climbing the wrought iron arch at the back courtyard with soft purple clematis ‘Betty Corning’ against the wall….

and delicate silver gray dichiondra dressing the cobblestones in the Green and White Garden.

At Parterre we always make time for an intimate lunch for 4…

or a breakfast under the white wisteria-clad pergola.

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About Bettie Bearden Pardee

Author of Private Newport and Living Newport, garden furniture designer (The Parterre Bench), national lecturer, and entertaining expert. An honoree for the second year on "The Salonniere 100 America's Best Party Hosts", she was also the host and creative producer of "The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House".

13 thoughts on “Postcards from Parterre”

  1. I think people would enjoy seeing various stages of construction of your home and of your gardens. A labor of love for all of us to imagine…

    1. Aaaah, if only I could turn back the clock, what a wonderful idea. But I was so focused on getting to the finish line…xB

    1. I have to agree, April, I was thrilled when we came up with that color…normally, the color selection process takes a long time! xB

  5. These images take my breathe away. I’d love to know where you found the arched wrought iron trellises pictured on the wall with the Eden rose and clematis.

    1. Lisa, what a shrp eye you have…those were made by a local blacksmith to the architect’s desiign, as was the arch holding the lantern over the front door. xB

      1. Thank you for responding. Everything is so lovely! Your images are always so inspiring!

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