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: inspiration
Entertaining at Home: Inspirations from Celebrated Hosts
One never knows where life’s chance meetings might lead. Five years ago, Ronda Carman and I were signing our respective books at the Theta Antique Show in Houston. Two weeks… Read More
Romancing our Summer Garden
The Orangerie in Parterre’s garden was a most special surprise Christmas gift in 1997, given to me by my husband, Jonathan, as we began our house building project. While originally… Read More
The Little Black Dress of Flower Urns
Many gardeners have a favorite “go to” container for our flower arrangements. They’re like an old friend — reliable (water tight), accountable (whatever you arrange in them looks good), stylish… Read More
Inspiring Garden Design: 7 Key Points for Creating Garden Rooms
When invited to speak in New Orleans at a garden club fundraiser, I was asked specifically to talk about the ins and outs of creating my own garden. But, of… Read More
A Fall Centerpiece: Intriguing Combinations with Garden Favorites
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 Decorated Home: Living with Style and Joy
All roads lead to Newport and luckily for us, decorator Meg Braff has found herself sharing more Newport time with her base in Locust Valley, NY. When her devastatingly fresh… 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
The Making of a Mini Vegetable Garden
What are two young darlings to do when dwelling in the eighth oldest home in Newport and desperate for a garden of their own? I am delighted to share with… Read More
An Insider’s View of Past Newport Flower Show Highlights
“Thank Goodness It’s Friday”…and this time next week (June 23rd, to be exact) the Newport Flower Show will start. If you haven’t already made plans to attend, let me tempt… Read More