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Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
They say it’s the unofficial beginning of summer.
And that means more time outdoors– sunshine…
And for some– gardens, pools and exquisite gardens.
That is— if one has the land to accommodate all of that.
Alas, I am in an apartment.
And before that, I lived in a Townhouse. We had a postage-stamp-sized piece of land with one tree in the front “yard.” The back “yard” had a not-very-big deck and then a big heavily wooded hill. Everything I stuck in the ground with the hopes of it bearing beautiful blooms–died. Most years, I had some flowers in pots, but that was it.
I have to admit that even if I had a large property, I’m not sure that I would really enjoy gardening that much. I know that some of you do and I admire that.
Maybe it stems from being given the arduous chore of weeding, as a child. I’m not sure.
But what I am sure of is that I adore looking at a beautifully landscaped home and garden. Well, who doesn’t?
A little story.
Years ago in our charming northern Westchester County town, lived a very large, very ugly, new-construction-post-modern home. The home looked sorely out-of-place with the rest of the homes in the area.
It was on our preferred route to another charming town, in the next state (Connecticut) that we would frequently visit. There was a very nice playground that we would take the kids to when they were of that age.
Every time we drove past the ugly home, I would let out a predictably loud UGH!
HIDEOUS HOUSE. JUST HORRID! HOW COULD THEY???
Then, when the boys were passed that age, we stopped going that route.
A few years later, I had a client on that route.
However, I had forgotten about “the house.”
Then, one day, I remembered.
I hadn’t recalled seeing it recently.
Did they level it and start over?
The next time I drove past, I made a point to look at the house and while not my taste, I didn’t totally hate it.
You already know why I’m going to say.
The home was now beautifully landscaped and that had created a far more harmonious composition.
I guess landscaping is to a house what hair and makeup is to a woman!
Today, there will be some landscaping but the focus is on exquisite gardens.
They will range from very simple to elegantly grand and luscious.
I love all different types of gardens, but my favorites have an architectural look and symmetry.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t also love a more wild English garden.
And while I do love color–sometimes, there is nothing more thrilling IMO than many shades of green, white and chartreuse. And a little blue is always refreshing.
The most important thing is that the garden should enhance the home, both inside and out. (I guess that’s pretty obvious.)
Some of these gardens will have homes attached and some are in a more park-like setting.
Some are European and some are in the US.
Wherever they are… I hope that after viewing this post, that you will feel transported and rejuvenated.
I certainly do.
And with that, please enjoy 20 of the most magical, exquisite gardens and landscaping.
[Please note that many of these images are not credited, because I could not find the original sourced despite my efforts to do so. If you happen to know it, please let me know and I’ll add it in.]
Let’s begin gently with a quiet, tranquil space which once belonged to the incredible interior designer, John Saladino.
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The two images above aren’t quite as clear as I’d like and believe me I looked, but came up dry.
However, I had to include this one because I LURV it; the house too!
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White Lilacs! Imagine how wonderful this smells!
Imagine how delicious that lavender scent is!
It’s raining Wisteria – Magical!
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The Sundial Garden at Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Shropshire, photographed early in the morning, in July by Joe Wainright. If you love beautiful gardens, please check out his website. His photography is gorgeous!
Gresgarth Hall and Gardens
Gresgarth Hall Herbaceous border designed by renowned landscape designer Arabella Lennox Boyd
mmmm…
photographed by Helen Norman for Southern Living Magazine
Okay, I was seduced by that incredible moulding! Wonderful home!
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Love me some hydrangeas!
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Is this for real?
Wowza! Is this also for real? (interesting info in the link about Marella Agnelli if you don’t already know who she is)
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An old English stone home and climbing roses. It really doesn’t get any better than that.
I hope you enjoyed these gardens! Which ones were your favorites?
A couple of important notes before I sign off.
99.999% of you do not have to read this part because it’s not in you to be unkind.
However, I am sad to say that I have had to turn on comment moderation. While I love hearing from you, occasionally, there are one or two who feel that it’s okay to say things in the comments which are designed to malign, embarrass or make me look like I’m a clueless idiot.
I definitely am a clueless idiot at times, but I’m also very sensitive as most of us are. It is absolutely fine if you don’t like me, my writing, my anything. If so, please move on and go about your business. The blog is elective reading.
Thank you for your understanding.
***A final reminder***
There’s a deadline. Monday, the 30th of May at 11:59:59PM, the chance to order the paint collection + get the laurel’s rolodex at a discount will expire. This is only for people who wish to purchase both at the same time. There is no code for this option, you will be asked if you would like to purchase a rolodex at a discount when you go to purchase the paint collection.
Those who already own a rolodex are privy to a special discount code which is also expiring on Monday at 11:59:59PM. If you would like to purchase a paint collection, and no longer have the code, please contact me and I’ll give it to you.
I’m very grateful to all of you. This blog has enriched my life as I hope that it has enriched yours.
Please have a happy, safe holiday weekend!
xo,
PS: I’m not done with gardens yet. Please stay tuned for some far more petite and/or city gardens and more container gardens.
Original article and pictures take http://laurelberninteriors.com/2016/05/28/exquisite-gardens-landscaping-ever/ site
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