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 in June. Their soft pastel shades, lyrical twisting stems and crepe paper-like petals are unlike any other flower in the summer.

And, since the Parterre Bench was conceived in a celebratory spirit — to honor the publication of Private Newport — I thought it was only fitting to pair the two (thank you, Kristina Richards, for this goes-with-everything vase).

Another reason to celebrate? The Parterre Bench is available in all of these poppy shades as well as any custom color you might desire!

A third element at play here is the “Garden to Table” trend where delicious beauties, like the Shirley poppies, are grown and sourced locally. These come from Phoebe Poole at Weatherlow Farm, just across the water in Westport, Massachusetts. What a thrill to learn that these fragile specimens were even available in our parts — and in large quantities. All these efforts have fostered another first in Rhode Island to celebrate — the new “Floral Reserve” in Providence where growers have an outlet for their flower produce.

I love this image as it so represents what we celebrate about Newport in the summer…happy colors, festive trappings and a spirit of bon vivant. For me, the finest expression of celebratory nature can be found in my garden, with the Parterre Bench.

Happy summer to you and yours!!

Styled by Jenna — thank you!