I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been intrigued with the “before and after” images in decorating magazines. This past December a version of this opportunity presented itself in… Read More
If truth be told, the beauty of travel for me may ultimately rest in collecting memories that you then have at your fingertip to recall whenever, wherever. They are all… Read More
Welcome to Parterre!The party is just about to begin and we’ve rolled out the red carpet for you. Each year I look for inspiration to bring a new twist to… Read More
Blithewold Gardens and Arboretum is an exceptional historic mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island. Overlooking the Narragansett Bay, it is of the same period as Newport’s Gilded Age “cottages” but with… Read More
When anticipating this glorious holiday season, one image lingered as I carried out the bittersweet ritual of “putting the garden to bed”…the brilliant cardinals that had seemed more ever present… Read More
Even though Parterre’s gardens are formal in a design sense, I always find a few spots where I can include certain plant material that is not usually associated with French… Read More
The beautiful pristine white quality of these ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas at this time in the fall is a phenomenon! Just the softest blush of pink is starting to appear when they… Read More
September is always the most beautiful time of the year in Newport. Many facets of summer slide easily into this month without missing a beat, but it is always clear… Read More
In my first book, Private Newport: At Home and in the Garden (2004), I shared that I am first a tree lover, then a gardener, and hinted at a little… Read More
I’ve long wanted to write this post and a conversation with house guests was the welcome impetus. Naming one’s home is such a long-standing tradition in Newport. These names, and… Read More