Defining Views: A Palm Beach Garden
A mutual friend described Terry Rakolta’s garden as her fifth child. Versions of that well describe many of us who are passionate, dedicated lovers of our “plots of green.” Little… Read More
Tag Archives: gardener
Al Fresco Life: Palm Beach Style
One of the many assets of Palm Beach living is al fresco dining and entertaining, something that is not really possible on a regular basis in Newport. Fortunately, I’m never… Read More
Invitation to a Fantasy Engagement Party
I’m all for fanciful and fantasy moments, especially when they are in the garden and occasioned by a specific plant in bloom. And can then serve as inspiration for an… Read More
The Colors of Summer: The Parterre Bench
This post is a tribute to my mother, whose birthday was June 25th. A beautiful, kind, gracious, Southern belle, she just happened to adore Shirley poppies…which just happen to bloom… Read More
Inspiring Garden Design: Italian Sensibilities in Huntsville, Alabama
As a garden aficionado, nothing gives me greater pleasure, nor inspires more anticipation, than visiting a new green paradise. And when you are very, very lucky you may be rewarded… Read More
Christmas Inspirations at Parterre
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
Holiday Dreaming: The Parterre Bench
When the Parterre Bench was recently chosen as an engagement gift I was thrilled for many reasons. Celebrating a glorious milestone reminded me of the reason I had originally designed… Read More
5 Scrumptious Containers that Prove You Can Still Garden into November
Receiving a text the other day from a creative savant and major plantsman, Kent Russell, (aka the Garden Guru), I hurried over to the Merrillton estate to see his newly planted… Read More
Newport, the Arboretum
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
Water Lilies: Jewels of the Aquatic World
There is a time in late summer…just about now…that I anticipate all year long. It is so special that I mark it on my calendar — the water lily pond… Read More