Walls painted by 18th century artist Jean-Baptist Pillement
(More here) at Haroué, a palace in Lorraine…
The French Chateau… more here
Christian de Nicolay-Mazery
My birthday is at the end of May…and the accompanying
effusion of self-love (!) with which I regard myself
for a week or so before my “special day” often leads
me to extravagant and serendipitous finds.
I was thrilled to find one pair of late 18th or early
19th century silk shoes, and then stumbled upon
this tattered silk pair inscribed with a wedding date c1773.
I’m happy with just a few tangible and tattered pieces that
are a wispy connection to a far off time…little triggers
to my imagination. When they intersect with my love
of gardening…perfection.
Though my favorites garden roses are 19th century
Bourbons…here are a few modern roses with an old rose
look. They are reliable, easy roses with old fashioned
blooms on a nice shrubby bushes that look lovely
in a garden border. Or, when it’s pouring outside..
in a line up of votive glasses inside…
Love that particular shade of blue with peachy pinks…
The two tone pink is Pierre de Ronsard (also known
as Eden) introduced by Meilland, France in 1987.
From David Austin’s rose collection: the peachy bloom
is Cressida, the light pink Evelyn was developed for
Crabtree & Evelyn’s rose fragrance here.
A Duchesse Brisee tucked into a window recess…
Also from The French Chateau …fits my “nose
to the window” mood…waiting for the bright
days of Spring to return…
A bouquet of peonies and foxgloves rescued from this
morning’s downpour!