FLOWER
HOUSE l GARDEN l LIFESTYLE
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CONTENTS
May • June 2025
“Just
52 Gentleman Gardener
On the grounds of his East Hampton country home, Marshall Watson curates garden “rooms” as authentic and elegant as his world-class interiors.
62
French Connection
The team at Decorations Lucullus blends Acadian and Creole influences with authentic French materials and antiques in this résidence secondaire located just outside of New Orleans.
72
Coming Home
Designer Libby Smith returns to her childhood stomping grounds in Rye, New York, and helps her parents redecorate the house where she grew up.
82
The Potter's Wheelhouse
In this excerpt from her new book, Life With Flowers, ceramicist Frances Palmer reveals how spending time in her garden, whether tending the plants or simply being still in the moment, re-energizes her artistic spirit.
ON THE COVER
Ceramicist Frances Palmer’s talent for making striking vases is matched by her passion for growing and arranging the beautiful flowers that fill them.
Read an excerpt from her latest book, Life With Flowers (Artisan), on page 82. Photograph by Frances Palmer
living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly. “One must also have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” —HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
PHOTO BY TRIA GIOVAN
Wallcovering: Mural on reflective mica. Natural Agate in Twilight
Make a statement with these Peridot and Pearl earrings ($5,700) by Singhvi, singhvijewels.com. For more handpicked jewelry, see page 22.
17
From the Field
Celebrate summer’s arrival with colorful tabletop décor, handpicked jewelry, and the latest books on gardens and design.
28
John’s Almanac
John Coykendall, master gardener for Blackberry Farm, shares gardening wisdom he’s gathered through years of hands-in-the-dirt experience.
36
Gardens
Crown of the noble Caetani estate in Italy, the Garden of Ninfa continues in the beloved embrace of its long-ago roots.
42
Travel
When planning a visit to the Garden of Ninfa, you’ll find other gems along the way. Marion Fox shares a few of her favorites.
IN EVERY ISSUE
Watering Can 12
What’s Online? 50 Sources 92 Floral Moment 96 36
PHOTOS BY DAVID HILLEGAS AND NGOC MINH NGO
WATERING CAN A Note from the Editor
ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCENES in the Jane Austen film versions of her books appears in the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice the one with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle playing the romantic leads of Darcy and Elizabeth (“Lizzy”). A nature-loving girl, Lizzy is a gentleman’s daughter who scandalously sports a bit of a tan from all her walkabouts in the countryside. Darcy, though an aristocratic and citified dandy, is fond of a good stroll in the gardens and a brisk gallop across hills and dales. In this scene, Lizzy has unconventionally walked 3 miles from home to check on her sister, Jane, who’s taken ill and ends up ensconced at Netherfield, the country home that Darcy’s friend Charles Bingley shares with his snooty sisters. As Lizzy crosses the stile onto the property, she splashes into mud. At first, she is miffed but then incipiently amused at herself. She strides on and suddenly encounters none other than Darcy. They, having already established a budding love/hate attraction, each register an awkward but not unpleasant surprise. Darcy cheekily remarks on Lizzy’s coming on foot, and she sarcastically commends his powers of observation. She then asks if he will accompany her to visit Jane, and he obliges.
When Elizabeth arrives at Netherfield, the Bingley sisters snidely ridicule her for having walked, muddied her hem, and garnered a tan. Then one sister, the single one, attempts to prod Darcy to confess his disapproval of such behavior, but Darcy retorts that the exercise only brightened Lizzy’s
fine eyes. With this one brief counter, the Bingley sister’s hopes of any romance with him are dashed, but we applaud his appreciation of the outdoorsy girl, heroine of our tale.
Now, I’m not maintaining Darcy and Lizzy’s mutual love of the outdoors clinched the deal in their love story (spoiler alert—they get married in the end), but these two do have a particular bond that seems to only be enhanced by their love and enjoyment of the world beyond the casement windows of richly appointed drawing rooms.
I’ve certainly experienced this phenomenon in my life, whether strolling in the country, entertaining outside at my home, or traveling to nearby and far-flung lands that boast glorious garden scenes, all with my very own “Darcy.” Another favorite scene of mine is from Genesis and refers to the first couple “walking in the garden in the cool of the day.”
What’s your favorite outdoor spot/scene/story? You may find one among the beautiful features in this issue.
Love and SDG,
Margot Shaw EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Please send your comments, triumphs, challenges & questions to: wateringcan@flowermag.com OR Letters to the Editor I FLOWER Magazine I P.O. Box 530645 I Birmingham, AL 35253 Get the FLOWER email newsletter! Sign up at flowermag.com/news
BY
PHOTO
CARY NORTON
VOLUME 19, ISSUE 3
MARGOT SHAW FOUNDER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Karen Carroll EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Julie Gillis MANAGING EDITOR
Ellen Shanks Padgett ART DIRECTOR
Amanda Smith Fowler STYLE DIRECTOR
Julie Doll EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
DIGITAL
Jason Burnett DIGITAL GENERAL MANAGER
Carrie Clay ASSOCIATE EDITOR
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
John Coykendall, Alice Welsh Doyle, James Farmer, Marion Laffey Fox, Elaine Griffin, Tara Guérard, Frances MacDougall, Tovah Martin, Cathy Still McGowin, Charlotte Moss, Matthew Robbins, Margaret Zainey Roux, Frances Schultz, Sybil Sylvester
For editorial inquiries: editorial@flowermag.com
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ADVISORY BOARD
Paula Crockard, Winn Crockard, Gavin Duke, Gay Estes, Katie Baker Lasker, Mary Evelyn McKee, Michael Mundy, Ben Page, Angèle Parlange, Renny Reynolds, Scott Shepherd, Mish Tworkowski, Remco van Vliet, Evie Vare, Louise Wrinkle
Celebrate summer’s arrival with colorful tabletop décor, hand-picked jewelry, and the latest books on gardens and design.
AND STYLED
PRODUCED
BY AMANDA SMITH FOWLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID HILLEGAS
PREVIOUS PAGE: Miranda Fabric (to the trade) by Clarence House, clarencehouse.com • Weave Wildflower Basket ($198) from MEMOIRE DESIGN by Mainly Baskets Home, memoiredesign.com THIS PAGE, FROM TOP LEFT: Helia Bread & Butter Plate ($135) and Salad Plate ($150) both by Wedgwood, wedgwood.com • Glycines Pink & Green Embroidered Cocktail Napkin ($250/set of six) by D. Porthault, dporthaultparis.com • Springtime Yellow-Green Water Goblet ($285) by Varga, vargacrystal.com • Green Chinoiserie Placemat ($205/set of four) by Addison Ross, usa.addisonross.com • Silk Ribbon Service Plate in Cornflower ($215) by Herend, herendusa.com • Botanical Treasures Collection Dinner Plate ($485) by Anna Weatherley, annaweatherley.com • Palmerie Napkin in Sungold ($162/set of four) by Maison Venu, maisonvenu.com • Alfresco Placemat in Green ($21) by Kim Seybert, kimseybert.com • Rufolo Glass Service Plate ($49) by Vietri, vietri.com • Arcadia Gold & Platinum Dinner Plate ($470/set of two) by Baccarat, baccarat.com • Botanical Treasures Collection Salad Plate ($350) by Anna Weatherley, annaweatherley.com • Miranda fabric (to the trade) by Clarence House, clarencehouse.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Starburst Cocktail Napkins in Sungold and Punch ($82/set of four) by Maison Venu, maisonvenu.com
• Reed Placemat in Brown ($312/set of four) by Kim Seybert, kimseybert.com
• Lexington Presentation Plate in Anis ($275) by Mottahedeh, mottahedeh.com
• Oriente Italiano Dinner Plate in Meringa ($174) by Ginori 1735, ginori1735.com
• Spring Dessert Plate in Iris ($205) by Herend, herendusa.com • Spring Dessert Plate in Tulip ($205) by Herend, herendusa.com
• Oriente Italiano Dessert Plate in Meringa ($150) by Ginori 1735, ginori1735.com • Lexington Bread & Butter in Pomegranate ($120) by Mottahedeh, mottahedeh.com • Colors of Joy Harmonie Tumblers, Intense Set ($1,200/set of four) by Baccarat, baccarat.com • Prytania Napkin ($88/set of four) by Maison Venu, maisonvenu.com • Classic Napkin in Spring Green ($120/set of four) by Kim Seybert, kimseybert.com • Miranda fabric (to the trade) by Clarence House, clarencehouse.com
TOP TO BOTTOM: Hawaii Oval Necklace ($15,000) by Buccellati, buccellati.com • 18K Gold, Diamond, Aqua & Tourmaline Earrings ($40,000) by Gumuchian, gumuchian.com • Pastel ‘Muse’ Bangle ($22,100), Hinged Gold ‘Amulet’ Bangle ($15,600), and Pastel Venetian Glass Intaglio Thin Bangle ($14,900) all by The Definitive Collection of Elizabeth Locke, thedefinitive.com • Passage Grasscloth (to the trade) in Plum and Blue by Thibaut, thibautdesign.com
“Style—all
who have it share one thing: originality.”
— DIANA VREELAND
TOP LEFT SQUARE, TOP TO BOTTOM: One-of-a-kind Emerald and Onyx Earrings ($22,200) by Gyan Jaipur, gyanjaipur.com • Emerald Carved Leaf Earrings ($11,500) by Goshwara, goshwara.com • 18K Rose Gold Venetian Princess Pirouette Pave Diamond & Chrysoprase Flower Drop Earrings ($12,900) by Roberto Coin, robertocoin.com TOP RIGHT SQUARE: Rubellite, Peridot, and Pearl Bangle ($12,400) by Singhvi, singhvijewels.com BOTTOM LEFT SQUARE: Mandala Clip Earrings ($18,000) by Paul Morelli, paulmorelli.com • Platinum Sri Lankan Chryoberyl & Diamond Ring ($22,000) by Oscar Heyman, oscarheyman.com BOTTOM RIGHT SQUARE: 18K Classic Round Chain ($5,000), 18K Large Blue Sapphire Primavera Locket ($14,000), and 18K Small Paraiba Primavera Locket ($10,500) by Temple St. Clair, templestclair.com
TOP TO BOTTOM: The Flower Farmers: Inspiration and Advice from Expert Growers by Debra Prinzing and Robin Avni, Abrams • Life With Flowers: Inspirations and Lessons from the Garden by Frances Palmer, Artisan • A Life in Good Taste by Caroline Gidiere, Rizzoli • Sweet Pea School: Growing and Arranging the Garden’s Most Romantic Blooms by Marryn Mathis, Chronicle Books • Flower Couture: From My Garden to My House by Cordelia de Castellane, Rizzoli • Live with the Things You Love by Mary Randolph Carter, Rizzoli • The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood by Peter Dunham, Vendome Press • The New Romantic Garden by Jo Thompson, Rizzoli • Natural Living by Design by Melissa Penfold, Vendome Press • Fabric: Fig Leaf by Peter Dunham Textiles, peterdunhamtextiles.com
John’s Almanac
John Coykendall, master gardener for Blackberry Farm, shares gardening wisdom he’s gathered through years of hands-in-the-dirt experience.
Growing & Guidance
“EVERY MORNING DURING the spring and summer seasons, I look forward to walking through our gardens to marvel at the fresh beginning of a new day. At first light, the gardens begin to teem with life—leaves covered with dew sparkle like precious gems, insects stir among the various plants and flowers, and the cool morning air is filled with the sounds of honeybees making their way from flower to flower. Bees, along with other insects, play a vital role in our gardens. Without them, there would be no pollination. Then there are the beautiful butterflies with their colorful wings which add an artistic addition to the flowers they land on.”
At first light, the gardens begin to teem with life—leaves covered with dew sparkle like precious gems, insects stir among the various plants and flowers, and cool morning air is filled with the sounds of honeybees making their way from flower to flower.
—John Coykendall
Companion planting
The beauty of flowers in the garden is not only for us to enjoy. Each lovely bloom serves a purpose by giving what fruits and vegetables require: pollination.
Pollinators such as honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds appear and work their magic, allowing fruit-bearing plants to be even more prolific. Certain flowers are better at enticing the most effective kinds of insects—ones that create a natural barrier to difficult, predatory pests. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps help eradicate aphids and other bugs that wreak havoc in the garden. By pairing these flowers with their companion fruits and vegetables, we can enjoy a more abundant home garden with fewer pests and greater bounty.
PLANTING 101: Direct sow after the last frost in spring when the soil has warmed. This edible annual herb prefers welldrained soil and is loved by honeybees.
FUN TO KNOW: In Roman times, Pliny the Elder proclaimed borage to be an antidepressant, giving courage and comfort to the heart. It was once believed that if a lady slipped a bit of borage into a promising man’s drink, it would give him the courage to propose.
COMPANIONS: beans, cabbage, squash, cucumbers, peas, strawberries, tomatoes
ATTRACTS: hoverflies, lacewings, parasitic wasps
REPELS: cabbage worms, tomato hornworms
PLANTING 101: Easy to start from seed or direct sow, calendula enjoys full sun or partial shade. If dead flowers are allowed to drop, it will reseed itself.
FUN TO KNOW: During the Civil War, doctors used dried calendula petals to treat wounds. As a poultice, the petals were known to stop bleeding and promote healing.
COMPANIONS: asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, beans, potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes
ATTRACTS: honeybees, bumblebees, hoverflies, butterflies, and other pollenand nectar-seeking insects; will often attract hummingbirds
REPELS: asparagus beetles, nematodes, tomato hornworms
COMPANIONS: beets, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes
ATTRACTS: hoverflies, bees, parasitic wasps, squash beetles—its scent also attracts butterflies
REPELS: corn earworms
PLANTING 101: Once the soil warms in spring, sow seeds directly into the garden. Marigolds love at least six hours of sun a day. Deadheading will encourage more blossoms.
PLANTING 101: Easy to grow almost anywhere, cosmos can be transplanted or direct sown. Sow lightly, no more than ¼-inch deep. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and will self-sow.
FUN TO KNOW: Cosmos is Greek for “ordered universe of harmony.” Spanish priests named the flower after admiring their evenly spaced petals.
FUN TO KNOW: The marigold is sometimes called the “Gardener’s Ally” because of its abilities to attract pollinating friends while repelling pesty foes. It’s believed that feeding marigold blooms to chickens will produce more golden yolks.
COMPANIONS: cucumbers, lettuce, melons, onions, squash, tomatoes
ATTRACTS: ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations.
REPELS: nematodes, mosquitos
Calendula
Marigold
Borage
Cosmos
PLANTING 101: Because of their fragile root system, directly sow these seeds in the garden. Plant in full sun for the most blooms. They do well in poorer soils and often do not need extra fertilizer. Although considered annuals, they are able to perennialize in frost-free zones.
FUN TO KNOW: Nasturtiums were prized by ancient Incas of Peru as both a salad vegetable and a medicinal herb for treating respiratory issues, cuts, and burns. Thomas Jefferson recorded planting them with watercress, celery, and radicchio. Nasturtiums also inspired artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, William Morris, and Claude Monet.
COMPANIONS: beans, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, kale, melon, pumpkin, radishes, squash, tomatoes
ATTRACTS: hungry caterpillars which helps keep them away from cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Often pollinated by hummingbirds
REPELS: aphids, beetles, squash bugs, whiteflies
They like to stretch their “legs,” so dig deep and till up the soil at least 2 feet down for proper root growth. These aptly named flowers love between six and eight hours of direct sun each day and need long, warm summers to flower well. If in a windy location, plant along a fence or building to protect them from winds.
FUN TO KNOW: Before growing heavy with seeds, they are heliotropic, turning their flowers to follow the sun east to west throughout the day and then returning at night to face the east. They were grown by Native Americans and harvested for flour for cakes and bread or to eat as a snack.
COMPANIONS: cucumbers, pole beans; also pair well with climbing vegetables to provide support
ATTRACTS: all sorts of birds, butterflies, bees, hoverflies
REPELS: beetles
PLANTING 101: Direct sow sunflowers in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
PLANTING 101: Sow seeds right after the last frost. Alyssums grow in full sun to partial shade and need soil with adequate drainage. It’s a drought-resistant, coolseason flower that may fade in the heat of summer but will bloom again in the fall.
**Disclaimer:
FUN TO KNOW: Ancient cultures believed the plant could ward off rage and promote emotional balance.
COMPANIONS: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, eggplant, lettuce
ATTRACTS: The dense, honey-scented flowers attract butterflies, bees, predatory wasps, lady beetles, and hoverflies to assist in controlling pest populations.
REPELS: Sweet alyssum does not repel any insects but instead attracts those which are natural enemies of aphids and other insects that feed on plants.
PLANTING 101: Direct sow in full sun after the threat of frost. Zinnias need full sun and like a weekly 5-10-5 fertilizer. Water well and it blooms all summer.
FUN TO KNOW: It’s thought to represent friendship, goodness, and affection. A great “first flower,” zinnias are ideal for children to encourage their love of gardening. They ask very little of their gardener yet give back immensely.
COMPANIONS: beans, cucumbers, peppers, squash, tomatoes
ATTRACTS: Butterflies—they love zinnias for their easy-to-access nectar.
REPELS: mosquitos, ticks
Sweet Alyssum
Zinnia
Nasturtium
Sunflower
Garden of Ninfa
Crown of the noble Caetani estate in Italy, this historic garden continues in the beloved embrace of its long-ago roots.
BY MARION LAFFEY FOX PHOTOGRAPHY BY NGOC MINH NGO
Within minutes of seeing the Garden of Ninfa for the first time, I knew it was something special.
Located south of Rome, the English-style garden, built around the ruins of an abandoned Italian town, feels as if it was plucked from a fairytale. As our group took in the view, the garden seemed to demand silence for us to appreciate its surroundings—buildings covered in thick ivy and sinewy roses; knee-deep, lake-edge irises; and careless bunches of lilies around timbered trees. As we tiptoed through installations of seasonal blossoms, we heard a symphony of nature—the twittering of birds, the hum of winds blowing through lofty trees, and the insistent clacking of bamboo fronds.
Situated only a few miles from Cisterna in the lee of the Lepini mountains, the 260-acre garden, dotted with the graceful ruins of the Village of Ninfa, boasts an ancient lineage. Sacked and burned by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in the 12th century, the town miraculously recovered, only to be destroyed again in the 14th century. Two centuries later, the Caetini family took possession of the property with hopes of reviving the town, but a malaria outbreak frightened the populace away.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that the Caetani family began
to bring Ninfa back to life by clearing years of overgrowth to make way for replantings. Onorato Caetani led the efforts while his son, Gelasio, focused on restoring some of the buildings, including the town hall that he turned into a summer residence. Gelasio also planted species he collected during his travels— flora that continues to thrive today thanks to the favorable climate and frequent rains that refresh the River Ninfa.
After Gelasio’s death, his American sister-in-law, Marguerite Chapin, continued planning, planting, and coddling the garden. In 1940, she ordered a thousand Russell lupines and other varieties of spring flowers to add bolts of color. Her daughter, Lelia, took over the venture a decade later in conjunction with her husband, Hubert Howard, an English intelligence officer who lived in Italy. Lelia was a talented artist who cherished the diversity of mountain plants on hidden areas of the estate, including rock gardens with asters and yellow helianthus, along with wild mountain species that challenged Ninfa’s gardeners. Upon their deaths, Lelia and Hubert left the administration of the gardens to the Roffredo Caetani Foundation, a nonprofit named after Lelia’s father. The foundation continues to maintain and develop the garden exactly as Lelia and Hubert intended.
Ninfa’s great flower season arrives in stages from April until
ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Climbing roses planted within the last century create a magical moment on faded, ancient facades. • Dramatic white wisteria clusters reign supreme along the river’s edge.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Lady Banks roses create colorful contrast next to the pale, stone wall of a medieval ruin, one of many throughout the garden. • Within the protection of the palazzo wall, orange trees survive winter, bringing delicious rewards at the first whisper of spring. Pink ‘La Follette’ roses clamber up the ruins • Neon pothos combines with ‘Agrippina’ roses to make a trail up the tower’s wall. • A border of roses and other seasonal flowers surrounds the base of the tower.
From its underground springs to its diverse collection of plants and its gushing waterfalls, the Garden of Ninfa continues to magnetize people with its mysterious allure.
early May, displaying more than a thousand varieties of plants and trees. Apricot ‘Gloire de Dijon’ and white Rosa ‘Mme. Alfred Carrière’ dangle from the walls of abandoned churches. Noble magnolias and cherry trees join forces with wisteria that drips from the lake’s bridges and other structures strong enough to support their heavy, gnarly branches. Countless rose bushes include early yellow Rosa hugonis and pale pink ‘Complicata,’ along with cultivars of white ‘Iceberg,’ red ‘Max Graf,’ hybrid musk roses, cream-colored ‘Penelope,’ ‘Ballerina’ pink, and an awe-inspiring collection of vigorous climbers such as Rosa filipes ‘Kiftsgate.’
Remarkably, Ninfa is located on a major bird flyway from Africa to Europe. In 1976, under auspices of the World Wildlife
Fund, 4.4 acres within the garden were set aside as a wildlife sanctuary with brush plantings and wetland creation to encourage birds to nest. The welcoming tableau of reestablished native vegetation beckons teals, mallards, gadwalls, herons, and others to pause there.
As one of the world’s most important organic gardens, Ninfa has experienced 80 years of experimentation and devotion to continue its heritage as a living paradise. From its underground springs to its diverse collection of plants and its gushing waterfalls, the Garden of Ninfa continues to magnetize people with its mysterious allure.
Tours available from March through November. Call 011-39-0773-632231 or visit the website (frcaetani.it).
The beauty of Ninfa continues thanks to the conservation efforts of the International Friends of Ninfa, a nonprofit consisting of 350 members, many of the them relatives of Lelia Caetani, who was the last private owner.
Pack Your Bags
When planning a visit to the Garden of Ninfa, you’ll find other gems along the way. Marion Fox shares a few of her favorites.
Atrip to the Garden of Ninfa is not complete without exploring two Italian treasures—the charming towns of Frascati and Castel Gandolfo—both located in the Alban Hills.
In Frascati, book a room at the Park Hotel Villa Grazioli. This historic 16th-century villa features frescoed hallways, ornate vaulted ceilings, and meticulously designed gardens. Make time to stroll Via Battisti in the heart of town—the street leads to the Piazza San Pietro and the imposing Roman Catholic cathedral known as Cattedrale di San Pietro. If all that walking works up an appetite, stop by Pasticceria Purificato bakery for the worldfamous, honey-laced biscuits modeled after old, pagan fertility symbols.
Five miles southwest of Frascati lies the scenic town of Castel Gandolfo, home of the Pontifical Villas that served as the Pope’s summer residence for hundreds of years. The group of historical buildings, built in the 17th century, overlooks Lake Albano and one of Italy’s most remarkable gardens. Since 2016, the entire estate has been open to the public. You can even take a peek inside the opulent Papal apartments.
With Rome so close by, you must spend a couple of days in the Eternal City. This year is dedicated to Pope Francis’s Pilgrims of Hope, which includes 12 months of Jubilee events, so there will be thousands of tourists swarming the streets. Avoid the crowds by visiting some offthe-beaten-path spots. You’ll experience a more intimate side of the city.
Book a room at Hotel de Russie, located between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design for the Rocco Forte Group, orchestrated the interiors of this 5-star luxury hostelry. With its lyrical hillside location, the hotel was dubbed “Paradise on Earth” by French poet Jean Cocteau in 1917, an accolade that still rings true. Along with views of Piazza del Popolo, guests enjoy sipping libations at Stravinsky Bar located in the hotel’s Secret Garden. Don’t miss the short walk to Ara Pacis, a sacrificial altar dating to 9 B.C.
Another great choice is Hotel Lord Byron, named after English poet George Gordon Noel Byron who had a fascination with the area in which the property is located. Only a short walk to the Borghese Gardens and the Spanish Steps, the hotel
PHOTOS
HOTEL
VILLA
GRAZIOLI AND HOTEL DE RUSSIE
PARK HOTEL VILLA GRAZIOLI
HOTEL DE RUSSIE
Visit your local Kravet showroom or kravet.com to explore this collection.
reflects the style of the 1930s when it was originally built—think mahogany, rosewood, and marble. Known for its superb service, the Lord Byron also displays an art collection with pieces by many Art Deco painters. When in Rome, it’s essential to try your hand at Italian cooking. There are countless options, but Vio’s Cooking is a favorite among tourists. Violante Guerrieri Gonzaga offers more than just rolling dough and trimming pasta—it’s about the Italian lifestyle and passion for food. The class begins with a visit to the outdoor market of Campo de’ Fiori, a popular piazza that has supplied great Italian households since the 1800s. Then it’s up to the kitchen, outfitted for smallclass preparation and dining in an attractive tower room with sweeping domes and rooftop views. After making an entire feast and enjoying the results of your labor, be sure to walk across the street and visit the shop filled with Vio’s handpainted tabletop ceramics and hand-stitched linens—a chance to take home a memento of your experience.
Now is the time to pack your bags and don your walking shoes. Italy and its beautiful countryside beckon with a slower, simpler life, and that’s worth celebrating. Salute!
HOTEL LORD BYRON
BORGHESE GARDENS
VIO’S COOKING
Ravenna
Minimal Style Vanity Sinklegs
WHAT’S ONLINE
Must-Visit Estate Gardens
For garden lovers, exploring the well-known plantings at Biltmore Estate and Monticello is just the beginning. More beautiful American estate gardens await with something for every taste and interest. Whether you love 18th-century discipline, 19th-century grandeur, or 20th-century opulence, there’s an Eden for you. We’ve selected not-to-be-missed landscapes from California to New York, the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, and locales in between. Discover some of our readers’ favorite gardens and start planning your visits at flowermag.com/estate-gardens.
A Historic Gem Reimagined
Designer Bethany Adams brought joyful color and a more contemporary spirit into a 1911 home in Louisville, Kentucky, that still pays homage to its outstanding architectural heritage. The homeowners and Bethany agreed on an essential goal: The design would not be an ode to the past but rather one that suited a young family and their needs. See more at flowermag.com/historic-gem.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Take it outside! Early summer days are calling us onto porches, decks, and terraces. Relax and take in this collection of inspiring outdoor spaces for dining with friends, chilling poolside, or simply enjoying a priceless view. flowermag.com/outdoor-living
THE MOUNT IN LENOX, MASSACHUSETTS
At High Hampton the comforts of a world-class retreat are paired with the familiar, relaxed pace of summer days gone by. Spend your mornings hiking to the top of Rock Mountain, your afternoons playing pickleball and your evenings paddling a kayak across our pristine lake. Here, the days are slow, the views are breathtaking and the moments are yours to cherish.
reservations available at highhampton.com/summer
Gentleman GARDENER
On the grounds of his East Hampton country home, Marshall Watson curates garden “rooms” as authentic and elegant as his world-class interiors.
BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLUE CARREON
If you know interior design, then you know the name Marshall Watson. Throughout his 40-year career, his work has graced countless magazine covers and dozens of showhouses, and he recently released his second book, Defining Elegance (Rizzoli 2025). But what you may not know about the New York City-based, Kansas City-bred designer is that his innate ability to create picture-perfect rooms is only rivaled by his inherent ability to cultivate breathtaking gardens.
“Gardening is in my DNA,” Marshall says. “My mother and father were both avid gardeners who relished everything from pruning simple hedges to propagating specialty roses. However, it took several years for me and my two brothers to acquire our green thumbs. Now it’s a labor of love and a perennial topic of conversation. We all share tips, swap plants, and even engage in a little friendly competition to see who can grow the most beautiful roses. It’s usually me, by the way.”
Take a stroll through the grounds that surround Marshall and husband Paul Sparks’s idyllic East Hampton estate, and it’s easy to see why he’s most likely to take home the prize. The property features multiple gardens laid out like interior rooms that cohesively flow together while also having their own unique personalities. “Over the years, I’ve discovered that many of the lessons I’ve learned about interior design can be applied to garden design,” Marshall says. “Whether indoors or outdoors, the best designed spaces are those that can be appreciated from every angle. They should also present a narrative that poignantly unfolds as you move through them.”
Behind a pair of lacquered Chinese Chippendale gates lies the walled garden. Named for its towering hedges and brick borders, it begins with a forecourt blooming with Roald Dahl, Autumn Sunset, and Eden Climber roses that infuse the area with color. Marshall compares the space to a “foyer” where he and Paul greet guests with cocktails before treating them to a sunset tour. The pebbled hardscape transitions to a French-inspired potager
bursting with tomatoes, lettuces, herbs, and root vegetables. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of 18th-century garden practices, Marshall strategically grows onions, marigolds, and other scented plantings amidst the bounty to organically deter insects. The potager also features pavers milled from the unsalvageable trunks of wild oaks, sassafras, and sand cherry trees that fell on the property during Hurricane Sandy. A pathway of these solid-wood discs leads to a staircase that ascends to the hilltop gazebo. Here, panoramic views of the lush landscape and Gardiners Bay can be enjoyed. Nestled among Japanese cut-leaf maples, variegated dogwoods, and mounds of roses, the structure’s classical and commanding presence projects the illusion of grandeur, but its history isn’t as deeply rooted as one might think. “The majestic ‘hill’ was actually formed from a giant mound of dirt that was dumped on the land before we owned it,” Marshall laughs. “The gazebo was a fortuitous find on a backroad in the Berkshires. I immediately pulled over when we saw the ‘for sale’ sign. Its craftsmanship was impeccable, and its proportions were perfect. The price seemed right, too, until I got the bill to transport it across the Long Island Sound.” Situated on a bluff roughly 30 feet above the butterfly-flocked pollinator garden is the seaside garden. It’s frequently the setting for moonlit dinners around the stately Italian-limestone-andgreen-marble pedestal table encased with contemporary Michael Taylor klismos-style chairs for comfort and contrast. The arrangement anchors the sweeping space with its weight and scale while its simple forms keep the focus on the postcardworthy vistas.
As Marshall reflects on his garden, he compares his work to what he does with his interior design projects. “Inside a home, I am constantly pursuing beauty, elegance, and perfection,” he says. “It’s controlled and attained by fostering symmetry, order, and balance. On the other hand, in the garden, I find that beauty comes from experimenting, learning, and making mistakes. Trust me—I’ve got a compost pile of murdered plants to prove it. The garden is a place for letting go and allowing Mother Nature to take over. To me, that is calming, liberating, and a nice change of pace.”
PREVIOUS PAGES, LEFT TO RIGHT: Located atop a man-made hill overlooking the potager and seaside garden, the gazebo has a been-there-forever look despite being a new addition to the property. It was made by a master carpenter who handcrafted it from wood and zinc. • “I am a student of gardening—I will never stop learning,” says Marshall. THESE PAGES, ABOVE: Chinese Chippendale garden gates lead to the forecourt. Their marine blue lacquered finish reflects the cool hue and smooth texture of Gardiner Bay’s placid waters. • OPPOSITE: A shady spot near the reflecting pool offers another option for waterside dining. Peonies, Japanese irises, and crabapple trees line the brick patio.
Marshall formed an allée of agapanthus along a pebbled walkway. The feathery purple plants were gifted from his brother and sister-in-law. Daisies and alyssum also line the path, which is punctuated by fastigiate American pin oaks at each corner.
“Over the years, I’ve discovered that many of the lessons I’ve learned about interior design can be applied to garden design.”
—MARSHALL WATSON
For more information, see Sources, page 92.
OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The trunk of a Korean lilac is wrapped in euonymus. Crystal Fountain clematis grows beneath it. • Zephirine Drouhin climbing roses sprawl across the pool house pergola. • A French wire spire supports tomatoes and brings a sculptural, vertical element into the potager. • Sculpted boxwoods and David Austin roses frame the entry. ABOVE: London plane trees hover above the seaside garden and its bluestone terrace.
“The most successfully designed spaces are th
ose that can be appreciated from every angle.”
—MARSHALL WATSON
A view of the reflecting pool, pool house, forecourt, and gazebo as seen from the secondstory primary bathroom.
FrenchConnection
The team at Decorations Lucullus blends Acadian and Creole influences with authentic French materials and antiques in this résidence secondaire located just outside of New Orleans.
PRODUCED AND WRITTEN BY MARGARET ZAINEY ROUX PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA ESSEX BRADLEY
“P
erfection is the enemy of beauty.” It’s a powerful notion yet also a tad ironic coming from Patrick Dunne, the legendary New Orleans antiquarian and decorator known for his unerring eye.“I find stories where others find flaws,” he says. “To me, a timeworn piece of wood or a slightly tattered textile is special because it’s a survivor. It should be appreciated and celebrated, not picked over or pushed aside.”
It was this philosophy that resonated with Lafayette residents Germaine and Jerome Smith 20 years ago when they met Patrick at his former French Quarter emporium, Lucullus Antiques. Subsequently, it was the same philosophy that made
PREVIOUS PAGES: The entry’s faded pink hue echoes the color of the roses that climb the wrought iron fence in the front yard. THESE PAGES, ABOVE: Homeowner Germaine Smith and interior designer Nathan Drewes sit on the front gallery of the Old Metairie cottage. OPPOSITE: A Louis XV Duchesse en Bateau, clad in sumptuous Rubelli silk and placed on the diagonal, is one of the interesting French antiques in the drawing room.
Patrick and interior designer Nathan Drewes of Decorations Lucullus the perfect team to task when the Smiths decided to build a weekend retreat in Old Metairie, a quiet hamlet a few minutes outside the Crescent City.
“Patrick, Nathan, and I see eye-to-eye on everything, so I wanted them to be a part of the process from the very beginning,” Germaine says. “They have contributed to many historic projects over the years, so I knew that their insight and experience would be invaluable as we embarked on building a new house with old Louisiana charm.”
Designed by architect Kevin Gossen, the structure is rooted in the Acadian Cottage style that became prevalent in the late 18th century when the Nova Scotians migrated to Louisiana and settled in Acadiana, the region that includes the Smiths’ hometown. For the front gallery, the architect employed modern construction methods that mimic old building practices—filling the poteaux-en-terre (heavy timber frame) with bousillage (a heavy paste made from moss and mud) and sheathing it with plaster in its final phase. He also used a split-shingle roof, solid wood columns, and board-and-batten shutters to honor the vernacular.
The use of authentic materials continues inside with rough-hewn ceiling beams and extra-wide floorboards salvaged from centuries-old buildings across the state. Any elements that were newly fabricated were instantly aged by skilled craftsmen who stepped in for Father Time. The rubbed-cypress mantel, washed-brick fireplace surround, and hand-glazed kitchen tiles are just a few of the new, perfectly-imperfect appointments that convey a little quirk and a lot of character. “When you cross the threshold, there is a subtle transition from rustic exterior to refined interior,” says Kevin. “This is intentional because the home is designed for the homeowners’ contemporary lifestyle and sophisticated aesthetic.”
To balance the weight and patina of the architecture, Patrick and Nathan composed a lighthearted palette which they introduced with a soft rose hue in the entry. The shade was custom-mixed to match a splinter of paint they peeled off the wall of a drawing room that hadn’t been touched since the 1830s. Instead of using standard white trim, the duo opted for an earthy gray as a nod to the natural stone that framed rooms throughout the Greek Revival architectural era. “There’s also a practicality to the gray color,” Patrick says. “It’s got a hint of grit so it’s friendly for housekeeping. No one has time for dusting baseboards anymore.”
As the footprint progresses towards the back of the cottage, the palette subdues and creates the illusion of spaces that have faded over time. To energize these sun-drenched whites and neutrals, Patrick and Nathan peppered rooms with a few bolder hues like ochre and peacock which were used for the upholstery on the Directoire daybed and sofa in the drawing room. They also pulled from the myriad of blues in the dining room and kitchen that prevail on the chippy Louis XVI trumeau, gingham chairs, English tile backsplash, and custom enamel Hallman range.
“We used colorful and textural fabrics and finishes to lend rooms a vibe that feels fresh but not new,” Nathan says. “Germaine and I also did a lot of tugging back and forth with the French influences to make sure they stayed tethered to old Acadian and Creole interiors which emphasized comfort and ease without sacrificing elegance.”
“To give the open floorplan a more classic sensibility, architect Kevin Gossman designed graceful cased openings to separate the drawing room from the dining room and kitchen. Between them, an 18th-century faience lavabo mounted to an antique armoire door hangs on the wall. The oil painting above it is a 19th-century still life.
OPPOSITE: Fresh cornflowers burst from antique iron urns on the buffet in the dining room. The blue hue is woven throughout the space on the painted Louis XVI trumeau, the chairs’ gingham upholstery, and a collection of Paris porcelain. ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Rustic reclaimed beams and extra-wide pine floorboards balance the dining room’s refined antiques. • Interior designer Nathan Drewes dreamed up the custom copper-and-brass range hood from a photo of one he had admired in the kitchen of a French chateau. • Although it could pass for a centuries-old antique, the custom worktable features electrical outlets for modern convenience. • Early 19th-century oil paintings hang above and below a gilded corbel topped with Chinese export porcelain.
ABOVE: The powder room is wrapped in a Robert Kime wallcovering. The gilded mirror is Louis XVI style, and the marble lavatory and sink skirt are custom. • OPPOSITE: The early 19th-century canopy bed in the primary bedroom is based on an 18th-century design.
Coming Home
Designer Libby Smith returns to her childhood stomping grounds in Rye, New York, and helps her parents redecorate the house where she grew up.
BY KAREN CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRIA GIOVAN
While living and building her design career in Manhattan, Libby Smith often found herself needing a quick break from the hectic pace. She would head to her childhood home in Rye, New York, less than an hour away by train, yet in many ways, a world away. The 1960s Colonial-style house, where her parents, Nancy and Turner Smith, have lived for several decades, “became a sanctuary for me—a refuge from the concrete jungle in the heat of summer and a quiet place to curl up by a fire in the dead of winter,” she says. “Aside from how beautiful the house is with thought-out architecture and landscaping, it’s also where we’ve made so many family memories, from big life events to everyday moments. It’s where I really learned what makes a house a home.” Libby carried those lessons along with her from New York to Charlotte, where she moved a couple of years ago as a newlywed. And in her professional life, the designer, who
PREVIOUS PAGES: “It’s a luxury to be able to cut flowers from the garden for easy arrangements,” says designer Libby Smith. Blue hydrangeas along the back of her parents’ Colonial-style house provide a clue to the palette found inside. THESE PAGES: In the living room, large windows look out to the beautiful garden and pool. Libby brought the outdoors in with soothing blues and a floral fabric by Elizabeth Eakins on a skirted table and on sofa pillows. “I love a patterned lampshade, and tossing a black-andwhite ikat in the mix is a little unexpected,” she says.
describes her style as modern-traditional with a blend of old and new, also keeps them in mind when creating welcoming interiors for her clients.
In the spring of 2020, at the onset of a pandemic that prompted many in NYC to get away from the chaos and nest in proverbial greener pastures, Libby naturally migrated to Rye once again. “For the first time in a decade, my parents, brother, sister-in-law, and I were living under one roof, navigating not only this strange new reality, but also working remotely,” she says. Although grateful to be cocooning together, taking dips in the pool after Zoom meetings, and enjoying home-cooked meals around the dinner table, “We all began to notice that rooms so familiar and comfortable looked a little tired and worn,” Libby says. The passage of time—and perhaps a succession of beloved golden retrievers—had taken its toll on the extensive renovation and decoration Nancy and Turner had undertaken 20 years ago. “We started dreaming about how we could refresh and update everything, and I began pulling together hypothetical schemes,” Libby says. Those initial schemes morphed into reality over the next two years with mother-daughter shopping trips and almost daily phone conversations once quarantine eased and Libby returned to her own apartment.
Although Libby views every new project she tackles as a creative collaboration between designer and client, this
LEFT: Her mother’s office, previously red, took a significant turn when Libby found this green wallpaper by Peter Fasano. OPPOSITE: In her own bedroom, which now also serves as a guest bedroom, Libby employed the same logic she often does for clients: “I mix the high and low, especially for childrens’ spaces,” she says. The bed and shade fabric is by Quadrille, the chair fabric is by Lisa Fine, and the lamps are from Ballard Designs.
one understandably felt particularly personal. “My mom has a great eye, and I first fell in love with design and pretty things while tagging along with her to antiques shops after school and on weekends,” she says. Given Libby knew every corner of the house firsthand, as well as the backstories of the existing furniture pieces (many of which had been passed down through both sides of the family), she and her mother shared an instant shorthand as they embarked on the redecoration. But those intimate connections presented challenges, too. “It sometimes was hard to step back and see a space with objective eyes to determine what should stay, be reimagined, or let go, particularly since a lot of the objects had sentimental value or were things I’d become accustomed to seeing in the same spot my whole life. At times I had to forget I was the child and remember I was the interior designer,” she laughs.
The designer needed to establish a harmonious palette throughout to make the rooms feel more in convivial conversation with each other. “Previously, the colors felt a bit disjointed with red or pink here, black or gold there, and a lot of taupe everywhere, which seems odd now in retrospect knowing how much my mother has always loved blue,” she says. With paint, wallpaper, fabric, and Nancy’s extensive blue-and-white porcelain collection, Libby threaded a range of blues from room to room, letting them take center stage in some spaces and supporting roles in others. Verdant greens and floral patterns, particularly the Clarence House wallpaper that envelops the primary bedroom, speak to one of Nancy and Turner’s favorite pursuits: nurturing and enjoying their garden of profusely blooming flower beds, hedges, and borders that wrap around the house, wind down the terraced backyard, and edge the pool deck. “That wallpaper was kind of a dramatic choice that could have pushed their boundaries, but ultimately they trusted me,” Libby says.
“Most people have a strong emotional attachment to the house they grew up in, and that was definitely the case for me,” continues Libby. “But what a privilege to have had a hand in reimagining my parents’ interiors.” Now with the decorating journey complete, Libby can return to experiencing the house as a daughter who simply loves to come home.
“Previously, the colors felt a bit disjointed with red or pink here, black or gold there, and a lot of taupe everywhere, which seems odd now in retrospect knowing how much my mother has always loved blue.”
–DESIGNER LIBBY SMITH
ABOVE: In the primary bedroom, Clarence House wallpaper in a tree of life design provides a dramatic backdrop for a collection of blue-and-white porcelain. Details on the Matouk linens tie back to the deep blue of the floral pattern. OPPOSITE: A French table with cabriole legs belonged to Libby’s maternal great-grandmother, one of many family pieces she incorporated throughout the house. “I love the juxtaposition of modern art with traditional furniture and wallpaper,” Libby says.
“When we eat on the terrace, it’s usually spontaneous, but we still make it feel special with flowers from the garden— and fortunately my parents have lots of tableware to pull from,” Libby says. She gave the decades-old iron furniture, formerly green, an update with a fresh coat of black paint and cushions in seafoam fabric by Sunbrella. The handblocked Indian tablecloth is by Julia Amory.
the POTTER’S WHEELHOUSE
In this excerpt from her new book, Life with Flowers, ceramicist Frances Palmer reveals how spending time in her garden, whether tending the plants or simply being still in the moment, re-energizes her artistic spirit.
ESSAY, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND FLORAL DESIGN BY FRANCES PALMER
PREVIOUS PAGES, LEFT TO RIGHT: “Throughout the growing season, I try to walk in the garden each day to see what needs to be addressed and to simply take in the beauty of the flowers,” says Frances. • Hyacinth beans, coleus leaves, strawflowers, dahlias, and cup and saucer vines spill from a marbleized, three-spouted vase.
THESE PAGES: Frances’s abundant composition of garden flowers was inspired by Dutch still life paintings.
It’s no secret that I am happiest when
I am busy, and each day finds me trying to be as productive as possible, with various projects at different stages of development in the studio. When I travel, I’m not one for beach vacations, preferring to spend time walking around cities or taking in every detail of a museum or garden. In my own garden, however, I stand or sit and listen to the birds and insects, watch the bees as they make their way in and out of the boxes, and observe flowers moving when a breeze happens to blow. In these moments, the most active thing I do is clip or tie up a stem in the raised beds. For the most part, I try to just be, with no immediate task at hand or to-do list in mind
Often I’ll hold still and listen intently for the vibration of hummingbird wings or lean in close to admire the smallest bloom or take in the drama of an enormous flower head. As the herbalist Rosemary Gladstar said, “Talking to the plants is one way of talking directly to the spirit.” The flowers exist just as they are; they don’t take world events into account, but just blossom in their own fashion.
Even when the weather is lousy, I make sure to get outside and mosey around with no agenda in mind. The rain colors the garden in a way that invites ruminating among the raised beds when everything is wet. When I was a child and there was a downpour, I would use my mother’s opera glasses as binoculars and head to the yard with our family dog to study the apple trees. I often think of this and am amazed at how long ago that was. There is a sense of time passing as the seasons come and go, and an acknowledgment that each moment is meant to be savored.
When the news is stressful or a work problem feels overwhelming, I’ll head to the garden with a cup of tea and sit on a bench away from the bees. I breathe deeply to calm down and put things back into perspective before returning to my own hive of activity: the studio with its pottery wheels.
The daily time in the garden often leads to a creative breakthrough, even when I’m performing routine tasks. Among the plants, my actions may be rote, but it’s the repetitive motions that set me to pondering. In my head, I see the relationships with flowers that are about to bloom and the vases in my studio. I focus on the luminosity and colors coming through the leaves and petals, and the way that a passionflower vine wraps around a stake, for example. I like to move along the beds and pull out plants (I hesitate to call them weeds) that are crowding out others and keep things in check. I’ll stake flowers and deadhead where needed. All the while I can address any problems I may be having and hopefully come up with a solution that renews my spirit.
THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Bearded irises mingle with roses and tree peonies in a trio of wood-fired pitchers grouped to create the illusion of one large arrangement. • Frances combined ‘Sally Holmes’ roses with asters, fennel, tuberoses, Japanese anemones, and dahlias in a pyramid-style tulipiere. • “When I pulled these small terra-cotta vases out of the kiln, it was the prime moment of the first rose bloom. I seized the opportunity to showcase the vases and flowers together,” Frances says. • The stripes of this blue-and-white cobalt vase echo the markings of the passionflowers. OPPOSITE: Hydrangeas, Japanese anemones, and dahlias fill an earthenware vase embellished with clay flowers that Frances molded from those in her garden.
“In my head, I see the relationships with flowers that are about to bloom and the vases in my studio.”
—FRANCES PALMER, POTTER, GARDENER, AND AUTHOR
Fire
engine-red zinnias play in concert with marigolds and dahlias in a pair of white earthenware footed bowls. Nasturtiums trail over the sides, to dramatic effect.
From
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FROM THE FIELD
PAGES 17-26: Books information: The Flower Farmers: Inspiration and Advice from Expert Growers by Debra Prinzing and Robin Avni, Abrams, abramsbooks. com; Life With Flowers: Inspirations and Lessons from the Garden by Frances Palmer, Artisan, hachettebookgroup.com; A Life in Good Taste by Caroline Gidiere, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com; Sweet Pea School: Growing and Arranging the Garden’s Most Romantic Blooms by Marryn Mathis, Chronicle Books, chroniclebooks.com; Flower Couture: From My Garden to My House by Cordelia de Castellane, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com; Live with the Things You Love by Mary Randolph Carter, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com ; The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood by Peter Dunham, Vendome Press, vendomepress.com; The New Romantic Garden by Jo Thompson, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com; Natural Living by Design by Melissa Penfold, Vendome Press, vendomepress.com
JOHN’S ALMANAC
PAGES 28-34: Blackberry Farm, blackberryfarm.com TRAVEL
PAGES 42-46: Park Hotel Villa Grazioli: villa-grazioli.it/en/; Pasticceria Purificato: @pasticceriapurificato1946; Pontifical Villas: omniavaticanrome.org; Pilgrims of Hope: usccb.org/jubilee2025; Hotel de Russie: roccofortehotels.com; Hotel Lord Byron: lordbyronhotel.com; Borghese Gardens: villaborghesetours.com; Spanish Steps: colosseumrometickets.com/ spanish-steps/; Vio’s Cooking: vioscooking. com; Campo de’ Fiori: romesite.com/ campo-de-fiori.html
GENTLEMAN GARDENER
PAGES 52-61: Design: Marshall Watson, marshallwatsoninteriors.com, Book: Defining Elegance by Marshall Watson, Rizzoli, rizzoliusa.com
FRENCH CONNECTION
PAGES 62-71: Architecture: Kevin Gossen,
SOURCES
Who Did It & Where To Get It
gossenarchitects.com; Interior design: Patrick Dunne and Nathan Drewes, decorationslucullus.com
Antique wood flooring: Olde Wood Accents, oldewoodaccents.com; Entry: Antique lantern, sconces, trumeau, canape, lucullusantiques.com; Canape fabric: Scalamandré, scalamandre.com; Runner: Nola Rugs, nolarugs.org; Exterior and Gallery: Iron garden furniture: Lucullus Antiques, lucullusantiques.com; Lantern: Bevolo, bevolo.com; Drawing Room: Antique chaise, screen, oil paintings, bouillotte lamp, sauteuse commode: Lucullus Antiques, lucullusantiques. com; Dining room: Antique table, buffet, sconces, faience, wine glasses, napkins: Lucullus Antiques, lucullusantiques.com; Fabric on chairs: Pierre Frey, pierrefrey. com; Kitchen: Custom copper range hood: Decorations Lucullus, decorationslucullus. com; Range hood fabrication: Ray Bros. Inc., raybrosinc.com; Range: Hallman, hallmanusa.com; Backsplash tile: Stafford Tile & Stone, staffordtile.com; Custom center worktable: Decorations Lucullus, decorationslucullus.com; Center worktable fabrication: The Renaissance Shop, therenaissanceshop.com; Antique lantern, copper pots: Lucullus Antiques, lucullusantiques.com; Powder room: Antique chandelier: Renaissance Market, renaissance-market.com; Sink skirt fabric: Scalamandré, scalamandre.com Wallpaper: Robert Kime, robertkime.com; Bedroom: Antique chandelier: Lucullus Antiques, lucullusantiques.com
COMING HOME
libbysmith-interiors.com; Living room: Antique chinoiserie highboy: The Antique and Artisan Gallery, theantiqueandartisangallery.com; Floral fabric on table skirt and pillows: Marie Terese by Elizabeth Eakins, elizabetheakins. com; Wicker urn and pedestal: Mrs. Alice, mrsalice.com; Lampshades: Newport Lamp & Shade Company, newportlampandshade. com; Office: Wallpaper: Kori by Peter Fasano, peterfasano.com; Chair fabric: Persian Vine by Guy Goodfellow Collection, guygoodfellowcollection.com; Libby’s bedroom: bed fabric: Veneto, by Quadrille, quadrillefabrics.com; Shams: Truvy by Biscuit Home, biscuit-home. com; Chair fabric: Mughal Flower by Lisa Fine, lisafinetextiles.com; Lamps: Suzanne Kasler Gourd lamp by Ballard Designs, ballarddesigns.com; Primary bedroom: Wallpaper: Arbre de Vie by Clarence House, clarencehouse.com; Bed linens: Mirasol by Matouk, matouk.com; Lamps: Christopher Spitzmiller, christopherspitzmiller.com; Patio: Tablecloth: Mughal Jardin by Julia Amory, juliaamory.com; Dinner plates: Bunny Williams Campbell House, ballarddesigns.com; Cushion fabric: Sunbrella, sunbrella.com
PAGES 72-81: Interior design: LibbySmith,
THE POTTER’S WHEELHOUSE PAGES 82-88: Ceramicist: Frances Palmer, francespalmerpottery.com; Book: Life With Flowers by Frances Palmer, Artisan, hachettebookgroup.com
“Some people golf. We garden.”
— ALEJANDRA ROSSETTI
“Some people golf. We garden,” says Alejandra Rossetti, who along with her husband—whom she refers to as her ‘partner in gardening crime’—has been creating and nurturing their Hamptons oasis for almost a decade.
Tending to a massive bank of hydrangeas may occasionally turn into a high-flying athletic feat, but for Alejandra, it’s par for the course. “There is nothing more pleasurable for us than to be tinkering among the plants,” she says.
To see more of this garden, visit flowermag.com/rossetti-garden
