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My garden adventures – how a garden changes over time!
The world of COVID, the Pandemic and three surgeries have caused me to refocus my priorities. Once a full-time salesperson, I was consumed with working. Now it is time to further explore my creative side
Bring on SPRING! Oh the possibilities! Planning for a colorful spring & beyond!
Are you creating a new garden or revamping an existing one? Planning is everything so you are not distracted when those garden centers open this spring. After a long winter you will want one of
More than just the Ponte Vecchio!
The Arno River in the heart of Florence is spanned by three main bridges. Ponte alle Grazie, the Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinita. All are worth your time. Looking back to the Ponte Vecchio
Santa Maria Novella & Officina Profumo- Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella The Piazza Santa Maria Novella is a lively area with open air restaurants and shops and lots of open space to rest your weary feet! It is a short 5 minute walk
Hidden Treasures in Florence – Piazza del Limbo & the Ancient Baths
If you have the time to really stop and explore Florence you will find all sorts of hidden treasures like Piazza del Limbo walking through Borgo Santi Apostoli not far from the Ponte Vecchio but
Restaurant lingo in Italy
Deciphering the restaurant lingo while traveling in Italy can be confusing therefore, I'll try to help make some of the terms less confusing: Meals in Italy are a little different than in other countries, especially
The Historic Center of Florence Revisited
The Historic Center revisited: Florence, the symbol of the Renaissance, is such a wonderful city to just walk around and explore. Much of the city center is closed to car traffic, but watch out for
Florence revisited!
Recently I have been revisiting some of my blogs on Italy, especially after watching Searching for Italy with Stanley Tucci! I hope you find these updated versions informative and useful. In some cases, I have
MILAN, ITALY
If you are watching CNN's new series Searching for Italy with Stanley Tucci you know he went to Milan in the last episode. The show started with views from the top of the Duomo. Don't
Bologna- a Food Lover’s Paradise
In case you are mesmerized by CNN's new show with Stanley Tucci, Searching for Italy you might be interested in more information on this unique, beautiful and often underrated city. This past Sunday night, he
Where will travel take us in the future?
As the year winds down, and I think we'd all like to forget 2020, I wonder where travel will take us in the coming years and what it will look like? In the meantime, we
Villa Cimbrone Gardens in Ravello Italy
"The most beautiful sight that I have ever seen in the world is the panoramic view from Villa Cimbrone on a bright winter's day, when the sky and the sea are so vividly blue that
Open your Mind through Travel
How we approach life is often through a one way glass. Most of us live very insulated lives and don't really understand what others are experiencing as showcased these past few weeks. Travel allows us
Why are we still talking about traveling during a Pandemic?
Well this is certainly a hard time for everyone so why are we still talking about traveling during a Pandemic? It's scary, new and very different from our daily lives. However, travel makes life richer,
Welcome to the Amalfi Coast & Sorrento
Welcome to the Amalfi Coast! After leaving Naples you head south to the land of lemons! Sorrento is known as one of the world's most charming and romantic old towns with its many cafes, shops
Capri, Island of Romance and Enchantment
Even after three trips to the Amalfi Coast I still can't get enough. Not sure when we will all be able to travel again so I thought I would bring you more of my Italian
Come Fly with me to Ravello, Amalfi & Atrani
Continuing on our tour of the Amalfi Coast, come fly with me to Amalfi and the hilltown of Ravello. Amalfi, a truly medieval city has the grandest cathedral anywhere in the Arab-Norman style. The Duomo
Hiking on the Amalfi Coast
So let's continue our tour of the Amalfi Coast! This time hiking on the Amalfi Coast. For those so inclined there are plenty of hiking adventures to be had. We chose the Sentiero degli
“Positano bites deep” in the words of John Steinbeck
Continuing on our tour of the Amalfi Coast we come to Positano! The jewel of the Amalfi coast is most likely Positano, the most photographed fishing village in the world is southeast of Naples. John
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE AMALFI COAST
The Ultimate Guide to the Amalfi Coast
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki is the traditional Maori name for Mount Cook the highest mountain located in the Southern Alps of the South Island in NZ. After leaving Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepard we
Standing strong in Lake Tekapo
The most famous church in New Zealand is undoubtedly Church of the Good Shepard. It is always crowed with visitors looking for the selfie and photographers and for good reason. The landscape surrounding this beautiful
The World Down Under – Wanaka, NZ
Kia Ora as the Kiwi's say! One of the best times I had in New Zealand, last October, springtime in NZ, was my time doing photography in scenic Wanaka. Okay, I did get to photograph
Land of Lord of the Rings – Glenorchy
Land of Lord of the Rings - Glenorchy, NZ
Spa Day in Queenstown – are you in?
KIA ORA! (“Hello” or “Be Well” in the Māori language) When I knew I was going to New Zealand the one thing everyone said not to miss was Onsen Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa
Whose up for a wine tour or Bungy jumping?
Where can you find La Dolce Vita? The Sweet Life can be found wherever you are in my opinion, not just in Italy. Recently I had an amazing chance to travel to New Zealand and
In search of La Dolce Vita! Anywhere 🙂
How do you decide on a new travel destination to put on your "I HAVE TO GO THERE" list? Is it a city, a beach, a mountain resort, a luxury accommodation? Do you want to
Mouth-watering Figs!
Figs love the Mediterranean climate in Italy. You can find these yummy fruits in family gardens all over Italy ripening from September - October. Depending on the variety they are available from summer thru fall.
Fiesole
Just a short bus ride from Florence up into the hills brings you to the town of Fiesole. The quick side trip lays fabulous views of Florence at your feet. The city is laid out
Lake Como – Villas on the Lake
Did you know Lake Como is only about an hour's ride from Milan? There are numerous grand villas that line Lake Como. Taking the slow ferry gives you a glimpse at a few! Villa
Lake Como – Bellagio – Villa Melzi
If you visit Bellagio be sure not to miss the famous gardens of Villa Melzi. The gardens are open to the public but the 19th century neoclassical villa is not. It is said these gardens
Bellagio- the “pearl” of Lake Como
This lovely village on Lake Como is known for its steep, narrow, stair lined cobbled streets with insane views of the lake. It is one of the most popular stops for tourists visiting the area
Lago di Como, a series, part 5
There are so many things and places to experience on Lake Como that I could go on and on! Here are a few more sites from the city of Como located only an hour by
Lago di Como, a series, part 4
On the shores of Lake Como in the town of Cernobbia is the 16th century Tivoli Palace named, Villa D'Este. This former palace from the Renaissance era was converted to a high end hotel in
Lago di Como, a series, part 3
Travel to any town in Italy and you will find beautiful churches. The Como Cathedral as it is known, is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and dates back to 1396. Architecturally fascinating, it mixes
Lago di Como, a series, part 2 -Brunate
When you are in the city of Como, Italy on Lake Como don't miss the chance to ride the funicular up to the small town of Brunate which sits 2346' above Como. Of course, if
Lago di Como, a series
If you have been to Como, Italy you couldn't have missed the steel sculpture, a gift to the city of Como designed by Daniel Libeskind. The contemporary sculpture called "The Life Electric" dedicated to Alessandro
The Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre can be found between Genoa and Pisa and is an easy train ride from Milan or Florence. The 5 towns of the Cinque Terre are a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching for
The Italian Riviera – Santa Margherita Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure is part of the Ligurian region on the Italian Riviera. We stayed at a wonderful hotel called the Imperiale Palace Hotel. We chose this specifically because they had both a pool and
Portofino, Italy
Well Portofino is probably the most photographed fishing village on the Italian Riviera! Whatever you have in mind, relaxing is in store since there is not much to actually DO here! Be prepared to just
2018 Italian Grand Prix
This is one of the longest running events on the Formula One circuit and has been held continuously since the World Championship was introduced back in 1950. With the exception of one year it has
Day tripping in CT at Lavender Pond Farm
In their effort to make the world a more beautiful place the owners of Lavender Pond Farm have created a little slice of heaven right here in Connecticut on 25 acres now filled with all
BUTTONWOOD FARM – SUNFLOWERS FOR WISHES
The Annual Sunflowers for Wishes is taking place now! - This is a blog I wrote several years ago on this wonderful place supporting a wonderful cause. Enjoy it again as well as the ice
The Magic of Georgia O’Keeffe @ NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden was founded in 1891 and is a National Historic Landmark world renown for its plant research and conservation programs. Georgia O'Keeffe was an American artist known mostly for her paintings
Boston – Happy 4th of July!!!!!
A fun stop is the top of the Prudential Tower where you have a 360 degree view of the city. Above is a view towards Cambridge. Look down onto Newberry Street and all those lovely
The Power of Capturing Moments and Memories
“Memories are not the key to the past, but to the future.” Corrie Ten Boom People ask me why I do what I do and why am I so passionate about it? Those who are
Chanticleer Garden
Just a short drive from Philadelphia, Chanticleer is one of the great gardens in this area. Once the Rosengarten estate, today Chanticleer is a contemporary garden situated in a historic setting. Garden Design magazine has
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens
Morikami celebrates the connection between Japan and South Florida. Little did I know that in the early 1900s, Japanese farmers arrived in southern Florida and formed an agricultural colony called Yamato, an ancient name for
Trade Secrets 2018- Wethersfield Garden
Thankfully the weather held out for the Sunday Garden tours this year unlike Saturday's Garden and Rare Plant Sale at Lion Rock Farm. Wethersfield Garden in Amenia, NY is a beautifully manicured ten acre garden
A Day in the Country- Trade Secrets
With Trade Secrets being this weekend in CT I thought you might be interested in this blog I wrote several years ago on the Saturday event which is always a widely anticipated event by plant
Garden Ornaments and its finally time to get out in the Garden!
Art in the Garden is certainly not a new idea. It provides a practical purpose as a place for the eye to rest or be drawn to. It can be artsy, a container, a sculpture,
Wynwood Walls ….
More from Wynwood Walls in Miami, FL Did you miss last week's blog on the history of Wynwood and Urban Graffiti Art in Miami, Florida? Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum with large painted pop
Urban Graffiti Art in Miami, Florida
I was thrilled to visit the Wynwood Walls Art installation again this year while visiting my son in Miami. Any lover of street art should make it a point to visit Wynwood! This area of
Vicenza
Do you love architecture? Then you will love Vicenza a UNESCO World Heritage Site! This city is a successful blend of old and new and the city of Palladio! Andrea Palladio Vicenza is
Verona’s Bridges
First thing upon arriving, after we were challenged by the hordes of traffic for The International Motorcycle Show and Motor Bike Expo, we made our way to the river and the Museo di Castelvecchio. This
Churches of Verona
Duomo Di Verona is the city's cathedral and can easily be reached from the Ponte Pietra. It was constructed on the remains of two earlier churches that were destroyed in the earthquake of 1117. An
Romeo, Romeo, where fore art thou – in Verona?
You know how the story goes.... those unforgettable words spoken by Juliet from that famous balcony supposedly in Verona- not really! Very touristy spot! I skipped Casa di Giulietta. There were however two real feuding
Venice – an elegant old city
Venice lies in a shallow lagoon in the Adriatic Sea surrounded by a string of islands and is an old, elegant city. It is the capital of the Veneto Region of Northeastern Italy. Venice was
The Magic of Venice
This city is abundant with art and architecture. Millions of people arrive daily to take in it's atmosphere and wander its narrow streets. Hopefully, there will soon be a ban on those mega cruise ships
Carnevale di Venezia
Carnevale Di Venezia is probably one of the most famous carnivals in the world! Beautiful costumes and Venetian masks create a magical atmosphere. The Venice Carnival is an annual festival like Mardi Gras held each
Asiago
Asiago is a small town in the northeastern Province of Vicenza located high in the mountains in the foothills of the Alps. Best known for its Asiago cheese of course which is a Protected Designation
Val d’Orcia – Montalcino
Montalcino sits on top of a steep hill with acres of olive groves and vineyards surrounding it. It was heavily fortified behind defensive walls and an imposing 14th century fortress topped with tall lookout towers
Val d’Orcia – Montichiello
The entrance to this village is through the Porta Sant’Agata (know as the 'city gate') and offers absolutely stunning views across the valley to Pienza from its perch high on a hill overlooking a magnificent
Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle
Greve in Chianti was our home base while in the Chianti region of Tuscany. From here we travelled to Siena then to Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, San Gimignano, Arezzo and Montichiello. As I detailed in a
Arezzo
Arezzo sits high on a hill on the western side of the Apennines toward the border with Umbria and is Tuscany's third largest city and one of the wealthiest located in southeastern Tuscany and feels
Lucca- Walled Historic Center
Lucca is known for its Renaissance walls that encircle the historic center of this city lined with cobblestone streets and mostly closed to car traffic. This is the former home of Giacomo Puccini the famous
Pienza – Val d’ Orcia
Pienza is a small town located in the Val D'Orcia, (2004 UNESCO World Cultural Landscapes) in the southeastern area of Tuscany. Situated between Montepulciano and Montalcino and South of Siena it is an easy day
Pisa- more than just the Leaning Tower!
Here the Arno River continues from Florence dividing the city into 4 distinct areas as it flows to the sea. There is much to see in this city beyond just The Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Montepulciano – Val d’Orcia
Now we are seriously in the heart of wine country! Montepulciano is reknown for 2 wines in this region: Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. These are some of the very best
San Gimignano- the “Manhattan of Tuscany”
San Gimignano sits high on a hilltop about 24 miles northwest of Siena surrounded by soaring medieval towers. The walls are tall, the streets narrow and very typical of Tuscan hill towns. It was first
Naumkeag, a National Historic Landmark
Naumkeag was the summer retreat for NYC lawyer and diplomat Joseph Hodges Choate and his family. This property is a National Historic Landmark for its designed landscape created by Architect Fletcher Steele. The famous Blue
Siena
Siena is often described as Italy's best preserved medieval city! The streets are steep and narrow with the fan-shaped sloping Piazza del Campo (known as il Campo) and the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's subtly curved town
Villa Vignamaggio – Tuscany
Villa Vignamaggio sits on the Florence to Siena route with views across olive groves and cypress trees in the heart of the Chianti Classico region in Petriolo very close to Greve in Chianti and was
Villa Bordoni – Greve in Chianti
In 2007 David and Catherine Gardner opened Villa Bordoni, Country House Hotel and Restaurant, a small luxury hotel immediately above the town of Greve right in the heart of Chianti Classico region of Tuscany. This
Antinori Vineyards – Passignano, Italy
DO YOU LOVE WINE? Well we certainly do! What a wonderful wine tour and tasting we experienced here. You are surrounded by eras of ancient history. The Badia di Passignano is located in the
Florence – Churches
Santa Maria Novella The Piazza Santa Maria Novella is a lively area with open air restaurants and shops and lots of open space to rest your weary feet! I was blown away by the beauty
Michelangelo’s ‘David’- High Renaissance
Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael were stars of the Italian Renaissance and its artistic masterpieces. They were visionaries who changed the face of sculpture, architecture and painting. Michelangelo was obsessed with portraying the body
Florence – centro storico (historic center)
Florence is such a wonderful city to just walk around and explore. Much of the city center is closed to car traffic, but watch out for bicycles and mopeds and people looking elsewhere! We were
Maywood Gardens- Garden Conservancy
A private estate located in Bridgewater CT was the site of a this past weekend's Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days. I started in the amazing 4000 square foot greenhouse where they are transitioning from the
Florence, Italy – The Renaissance
The epicenter of the Renaissance in Florence started a cultural explosion. The Medici family led Europe into the Modern Age in the 15th century and out of the shadow of the Church. There was a
Florence – a very walkable city
Tuscany is a place I think, like no other. It captures your heart as soon as you arrive. It pulls you in and you feel at home. It is a timeless beauty! Its capital is
Venice: Part Two – Famous Landmarks
While exploring Venice you will notice six distinct neighborhoods called "sestieri". This city is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world with its rich history of
Venice: or “How to Survive in Venice with no luggage!”
Well this should have been a totally different story but is now a story on how to survive 3 days in Venice with no luggage! My dream trip didn't start out so dreamy! Sound familiar?
Trade Secrets 2017 – The Major General Ashley House
This eighteenth century house sits on an incredible piece of property overlooking the Housatonic River. Mature sugar maples, black locusts and an ancient willow make this property one to behold. The property is naturalized with
Trade Secrets 2017 – Coltsfoot Garden
One of the private gardens open this year for Trade Secrets was Coltsfoot Garden in Cornwall, CT. This is an enchanting cottage garden that along with the colonial home has been in this family for
Garden Conservancy Open Days – Cobble Pond Farm
The history of this garden goes back 250 years! Originally an Olmsted design it was carefully restored and updated by Kathy Metz, the homeowner, with some inspired help from others. With its formal and informal
Wynwood Miami
Wynwood is a neighborhood in Miami, FL that recently has attracted a lot of attention and for good reason! It has become a mecca for art, restaurants, bars, breweries and high end shopping.
Borgo Egnazia NOWHERE ELSE
"More than a Resort this is new concept in Hospitality"
Lecce – “The Florence of the South”
Lecce is located in the Puglia region in the heel of the boot in the Italian Peninsula where the Adriatic and Ionian seas are easily accessible. This city is over 2,000 years old and is
MATERA: a UNESCO World Heritage Site
SASSI di MATERA- Ancient cave dwellings This is a true walk back in time but amazingly people inhabited these caves until the 1950's. Before the Sassi (historical center) were abandoned this was one of the
Alberobello – a UNESCO World Heritage site
A small Town within the City of Bari, in Apulia's region of southern Italy known for its Trulli buildings. The area is part of the coastal plain to the Mediterranean where olive groves are everywhere.
Puglia, an undiscovered gem in Italy
Journey with me from the Amalfi Coast to Pompeii to Matera then on to Puglia, Italy!
Trade Secrets 2016
Another amazing Trade Secrets event! This year's Trade Secrets was held on May 14th and 15th. After 16 years it has grown exponentially to become the garden event of the season! Created by Bunny Williams
Road Tripping in CT
Every year we say it couldn't get any more beautiful and then the next year comes and surprises us. After an extremely dry summer here in CT the Fall is turning out to be amazing.
IN SEARCH of FALL FOLIAGE in VERMONT
Once fall comes around the air gets crisp and clean and we long for those vibrant colors that fall foliage brings in New England. It's time to carve pumpkins, buy mums and cornstalks, bob
Elizabeth Park, Hartford CT
Born of the American Park Movement, Elizabeth Park was officially opened to the public in 1897. Encompassing 101 acres, both West Hartford and Hartford share this treasure that is listed on the National Register of
Fascinating Facts about Cruising the Thimble Islands
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale a tale of a fateful trip, that started from this tropic port, aboard this tiny ship. Standing watch or just enjoying the sunshine Okay
Did you miss last weekend’s Open Garden Days?
Well the weather wasn't the best but the gardens on The Garden Conservancy Open Days are as inspiring as their owners. I had the pleasure to visit the garden of HIGHMEADOWS for the second time;
Trade Secrets Garden Tours 2015- Bunny Williams – John Roselli and Michael Trapp
"Bunny Williams' and John Roselli's longstanding love affair with their Falls Village home becomes abundantly clear after a stroll through the gardens. John's vegetable and cutting garden reflect his skills in the kitchen while Bunny's
Garden Tours – Part 2 – Trade Secrets 2015
As promised here is another garden from the Trade Secrets Garden Tours a few weeks ago. This property is TWIN MAPLES "Nestled atop Selleck Hill, Twin Maples seamlessly marries the classical and the natural: Formal
Trade Secrets 2015 Garden Tours
This year the Trade Secrets Garden tours were amazing private gardens that were so different with each showcasing a unique gardening perspective. "Rockwood Farm speaks to the landscaper/designer owner's affection for New England history.
BOSTON STRONG – “on the waterfront”
I had the pleasure of going to Boston this week on what was arguably one of the most gorgeous days of the year! I thought I would share my walking tour of the Downtown waterfront
SPRING FLING – a tour around the NY Botanical Garden
An explosion of perfume was in the air on Saturday at the NY Botanical Gardens! The sights and smells were overload to this devoted gardener. Even my husband was ooohing and aaahing! The Cherry trees,
Designing with Color
When planning your garden basic design color principles apply both inside and outside. Color schemes can be used in several different ways depending on the mood you wish to create. When talking about color the
A Burst of Springtime
Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Gardens "Some are no bigger than your thumbnail, while others are the size of your hand. Some mimic bees and butterflies, while others resemble a lady's slipper. Orchids can
“A Piece of Sky”
It's another snowy morning here. We are getting more snow... again. So in the midst of this very snowy and cold winter where I should be skiing instead of sitting inside the view outside is
Spectacular winter images
Winter can be cold and long for some of us in the country. Hopefully you are getting out and savoring all it has to offer. Here are some moments I have experienced that I would