June has come and The Garden is in full BLOOM.
I have done the FIRST DEADHEADING this past weekend and look forward to the next wave of BOOM!
This TREE ROSE is in my Front garden and I cannot recall the name for the LIFE OF ME!
ANYONE have an idea…….its NOT BALLERINA!
My Garden in the BACKYARD is mainly YELLOW and WHITE.
I read years ago to DO JUST TWO COLORS as it has MORE of an IMPACT…………..
Remember I did this GARDEN with THE ITALIAN and I had NO IDEA what I was doing!
I bought plants that spoke to me and that had a FRAGRANCE……………NOW I’M Paying for that FRAGRANCE as my allegeries are Driving me crazy!
I was NEVER ONE to pick and display as they last longer attached to the rose plant!
However, this year I have broken THAT HABIT!
This URN went to a FRIEND’s house we were going to for dinner.
She has PULLED me into the local GARDEN CLUB!
GORGEOUS ……….YES?
I see a CROWN Hanging off to the RIGHT!!!!!!
The YELLOW ROSE that changed color on me!
I think the FERTILIZER had something to do with that!
I am wearing a CAFTAN from BALI that came to me via AUSTRALIA!
QUEEN VICTORIA is SMELLING MY ROSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had NO idea her nose was in line with THAT ROSE when this photo was SNAPPED!
LIMONCELLO Roses behind the ELLIE BUST……….How many of YOU MISS our STAR Ellie from
HAVE SOME DECORUM BLOG?
She would be ALL OVER the NEWS TODAY if she were still alive.
I can see HER and STEPHEN ANDREW JONES going to town in the comment section!!!
I THINK OF HER OFTEN.
Me and my CAFTANS gardening and smelling…….
The well worn path from the nightly THREESOME headed to the COOP to collect the eggs!
THE ITALIAN ,THE DOG AND THE PIG…….
It’s always a GROUP PROJECT!
I should try and film that one night!
A LOT of excitement before going down!
It’s a BEAUTIFUL vision…TRUST ME!
BANKSY IN THE GARDEN!
As you can see I like the ROMANTIC LOOK where things self seed and grow wild!
More for the BEASTIE TO MUNCH!
I CAUGHT HIM EATING A ROSE BUSH!
One of my signs from my ANTIQUE SHOP which now resides on the back of a SHED in the VEGETABLE GARDEN!
I LOVE HOW THE ROSES ARE GROWING UP AND AROUND IT!
HH STOOD FOR HEN HOUSE.
BASIL on first TIER……..
ZUCCHINI & Tomatoes on second TIER.
BEANS in the last VEGGIE BIN.
THIS IS THE DOMAIN OF THE ITALIAN!
THE BEANS AND THE SUNSHINE BEAMING!!!!!!
PRETTY AWESOME PHOTO IF I DO SAY SO MYSELF!
ANYONE ELSE SEE A BALLGOWN?!!
T W I R L I N G!!!!
THE PINK ROSE WHICH SHOULD BE YELLOW!
I purchased THREE yellow roses on my 40th BIRTHDAY 18 years ago and this is ONE of those roses which remains nameless……….AT that AGE I thought I would NEVER FORGET their names!!!!!!!
W R O N G !
WHITE EDEN ROSE
A CLIMBER………..year TWO!
The ITALIAN made this grid for it to CLING TOO!!!!!!
I ONLY HAD TO ASK ONCE!
GARDEN CHAIR with SALLY HOLMES.
I planted this YEARS AGO and its the first time I have seen it FLOWER!!!!!!!!!
BOLERO and WHITE EDEN and a RAINBOW!
SEAFOAM ROSE…………..a ground cover or a climber.
Made in 1964!
I was FOUR YEARS OLD!
I ADORE THIS ROSE as it cascades over a bench!
This rose was a mistake in my GARDEN but LUCKY for it I like it so it has a place to hang out RENT FREE!
FOXGLOVE A POSIONOUS FLOWER FOR YOUR PETS and HUMANS!
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
Poisonous to: Cats, Dogs & HUMANS
Level of toxicity: Generally moderate to severe
Common signs to watch for: Drooling,Nausea,Vomiting,Abnormal heart rate,Cardiac arrhythmias,Weakness,Collapse, Dilated pupils,Tremors,Seizure and Death.
I LOVE THESE BUT FEEL I SHOULD PULL THEM OUT DUE To MY WANDERING PIGGY!!!
Come along WINSTON………..time for dinner!
FOLLOW THE MERMAID MAMA!!!!!!
HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY GARDEN……………..
STILL LOTS OF WORK TO BE DONE BUT THATS THE LIFE OF A GARDEN……..
ALWAYS SOMETHING TO IMPROVE UPON OR RIP OUT!
THERE IS SOMETHING SOOTHING ABOUT A GARDEN EVEN IF IT’S NOT PERFECT!
Mrs Rose says
Elizabeth,
Your garden is breathtaking!!!
The local garden club will learn so much from you.
Mindy
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU for your SUPPORT in ME!
I’m not SO sure about that!
XX
Nancy Case says
Elizabeth this is a garden of dreams! It has life and personality that speaks to you saying I want to share my beauty with you. The roses are simply stunning and each one so unique and grand. You can tell a garden that has been loved and nurtured, strolled through, praised and appreciated. It rewards you and keeps on giving. Blooms abound, fragrance lingers, and Elizabeth’s garden blesses us all! Thank you for sharing. You make our lives better. xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
YOU made MY DAY!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!
XOXO
Heidi says
Hi Elizabeth,
All I can say is WOW! Your garden is a magical place and I love that you so happily share it with us here! I just got the go-ahead for a complete redo of our landscape, I’m hoping to achieve something just as lovely as yours, but with plants that the deer and skunks and raccoons and turkeys won’t eat! I know it will take a long time to even come close, but at any rate I’ll be using the beauty you’ve created in your special garden as my inspiration!
Xo Heidi
LA CONTESSA says
OH MY GOSH………..I WANT TO SEE BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS!REMEMBER IT TAKES ABOUT THREE YEARS FOR YOUR VISION TO COME TO LIFE!
SO EXCITING!!!
I HOPE TO POP DOWN WHEN IT IS COMPLETED!
XX
Bonnie Schulte says
I had to laugh when you mentioned the SEAFOAM rose and you were 4 years old in 1964…DH and I were married in 1964, when I was 24 years old. Good grief, I am an old lady… Anyway, I love your grounds, with all of your beautiful roses, everything, statues and urns. It really is magical and romantic. You and the Italian have the “touch”…yes, I too miss Ellie’s blog. So sad she had to leave her family, and all of us too. I think of her often too, even tho we never met in person, I felt I knew her. Love the photo of the “ball gown” More magic!!!
LA CONTESSA says
SHE WAS A FORCE……………
I THINK WE ALL FELT AS IF WE KNEW HER……..OR WERE APART OF HER FAMILY!!
THAT TAKES A SPECIAL PERSON TO DO THAT!
LUCKY YOU TO BE MARRIED ALL THOSE YEARS!!!!!!!
XX
juliet brown says
Your garden is stunning and I am slightly smitten with Banksy – he is just adroable. As for the rose with no name – she shed it, whatever she was called – she is done with it! She needs you to give her a new one 🙂
LA CONTESSA says
SHE SHED IT!!!!!!!!!
OH HOW I LOVE THAT!!!!!
WILL DO!!!!!
XX
Karen Persson says
Sooooooo beautiful and I feel so privileged that I was invited to your luncheon and was able to marvel at your breathtaking garden and house! It’s all so beautiful. You’re so talented with taking photos, writing and capturing the atmosphere!
So inspiring! t
Thank you, Elizabeth, for all the joy you spread!
Love,
Karenxoxo
LA CONTESSA says
YOUR trip was PERFECT!!!!!!!YOU cold not have come at a BETTER TIME!
XO
Karen Persson says
I shall be back! I’m so fortunate to have met you!
xoxoxo
Naomi says
Holy smokes. you are like the chelsea flower show!!! You have the green thumb undoubtedly.
Your garden is so charming and seems a happy place which I am sure you are a big part of being that way 🙂
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU……….Yes you went to SPAM for some unknown reason!BUT I HAVE FIXED THAT!
XX
Couldaswhouldawoulda says
Not sure if my comment went through?
if it didn’t – LOVE your garden!!!
you are the Californian chelsea flower show
LA CONTESSA says
That is a BIG COMPLIMENT……….especially coming from a LONDON GAL!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!
XX
Naomi says
I think wordpress hates me bc none of my comments are going through…
me piace molto il tuo giardino
LA CONTESSA says
If you have not commented BEFORE………….which I think maybe you have I have TO APPROVE YOU first!From here on OUT it should show up immediately!XX
Naomi says
it finally went through!
but seriously you have a garden very much like you – it is funny how gardens take on the personality of the owner 🙂
LA CONTESSA says
I AGREE………just as owners of DOGS LOOK LIKE THEIR DOG!!!!!!!XX
Susie Craig says
Have you visited Ninfa? I have just visited this glorious garden filled with about 1200 roses from approximately 250 varieties. Absolutely glorious, nearly as beautiful as your garden.
I am envious of your beautiful space.
LA CONTESSA says
I HAVE THE BOOK!
The last time I was in ROME I SO WANTED TO GO!IT was too far for me to go by TAXI……….
It is on my BUCKET LIST!
Send me a few photos to my email if you have time!
That GARDEN IS ME!!!!!!!
XX
Hilda Smith says
I adore following you around your garden. It must be heavenly with all the lovely fragrances. Sorry to hear you get allergies from them, but hey it looks like it is worth it. xxx
LA CONTESSA says
ABSOLUTELY!
XX
Amanda says
Absolutely stunning! Beautiful garden, thanks so much for the reminder about it taking time to do a garden! Was struggling with that recently until I reminded myself that only took over mums garden last summer!! Hope you enjoy garden club!
LA CONTESSA says
THREE YEARS than you can EDIT or ADD MORE!!!!!!!XX
Jane Swanson says
Elizabeth,
I am always delighted to see a post from you…and your garden looks great…I can almost sell those roses!
Yes, I miss Ellie. She was such a fun person, despite her horrific illness. She was able to say things we only thought about, and didn’t have the nerve to say. I sure wish her daughter would give us an update. Maybe you could do some research and find out if she is still going to school in France…and wonder what has become of Ellie’s husband? These blogs make you feel like you personally know these people and when they are no more you miss them (a lot).
Keep on doing what you are doing. From the followers and comment section, it appears I am not the only one who adores you…Janey
LA CONTESSA says
GRACE has graduated to my knowledge and I believe is back in Los Angeles.I would imagine the husband remained in FRANCE as his parents were still living.Gracie’s FATHER is in SEATTLE.
Thats all I know.
THANK YOU for adoring ME!!!!
Makes my DAY!!
XX
1010ParkPlace says
In my 20’s I learned “two colors rich, three colors poor,” so you’re right on track with your garden’s color scheme. We… your luncheon guests… were so lucky much of your garden was in bloom when we were there. The Foxglove… YES!! It’s beautiful, but could you live with yourself if something happened to Banksy? Happy gardening, sweet friend. xoxox, Brenda
LA CONTESSA says
RIGHT……….that BIG BOY Is a good part of MY LIFE!Belly rubs,snacktime,bedtime…..ETC!
XO
elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says
Elizabeth,
Every time I see photos of your garden I imagine it a the secret garden of a princess in the middle ages. It is romantic, beautiful, enchanting and I am sure that the pig, dog, and chickens talk while on their evening stroll about how lucky they are to have you and this space.
LA CONTESSA says
HA!
I still NEED a FOLLY to be YOUR DREAM!!!!!!!!!
I’m working on it!
XX
Sheila from the luncheon says
Love your garden – Iam jeolous- beautiful.
LA CONTESSA says
MANY THANKS…….XX
Jeanne- Collage of Life says
Your garden is just glorious Elizabeth! The pink, the white and touches of yellow…all my favorite. You look fabulous in your caftans! Love your joie de vivre! Jeanne xx
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU…………YOU have THE FARM I have The COTTAGE…………..but WE both have a VISION!XX
Melinda Bennett says
Holy smokes girl…there could never be any thing more beautiful than your garden..wild..rambling..uncontained….perfect..i wish it was mine..it does take a lot of work and dedication..i see you all on the evening jaunt to collect the eggs..you are a delight in my life..hope you like the garden club..so political here..and the want to only do flower arranging..i wish there was a club for outside gardens.. sending love. M
LA CONTESSA says
I will keep you INFORMED!This garden club does A LOT of BEAUTIFYING around TOWN……….
Flower bouquets for the hospital patients……………
Plus, deadheading a local rose garden in a park!
I think I will ENJOY ALL THAT and MORE.
MY GARDEN is a total FLUKE………..I need to be out there MORE which I hope to do this summer!
Hugs to YOU.I hope you are feeling better……….XO
kim says
Just gorgeous! I have dreams of getting my crud together and having lovely roses like you one day. So love all your varieties!! That last one looks like a dahlia? Am I wrong or is it just another rose variety? The wonderful thing about roses is they just keep giving, year after year. This post made me so happy. LOVE your yard! xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
NO DAHLIA’S YET KIM!
ALL ROSES……………….
I see you are in FRANCE NOW!!!!!!!!!
WE must meet up after that and do buy some baskets!!!!!!
XX
Anita @ Vue at Jindivick says
Dear Elizabeth,
I’ve been looking at pictures of your garden for a couple of years now, and I do believe its the best I’ve ever seen it.
I hope one day I will see it for real.
Cheers Bella
Neat xx
LA CONTESSA says
ME TOO…………..
WE had loads of rain this SPRING…….so that is why!WE have been in a drought before that…….the garden does LOVE WATER!We are having some very strange weather at the moment……….actually cold here today.I’m NOT HAPPY with that………..although the flowering plants thrive with it!
XX
Attridge says
Glorious Garden!!!!
Robin Fink says
Your garden is crazy gorgeous!! Where did you learn to do all this? My garden is mostly vegetables, and steep, and forest. We have tons of rosemary and lavender, but not even one rose. I have jasmine, does that count? I also have several Oleander. Lots of geraniums and herbs. A typical Umbrian garden, though I must say on my behalf, a {BIT} more manicured. Umbrians are countrified, and messy, untidy as an English friend said. Xxo, R
LA CONTESSA says
I learn by trying………….and READING.I would absorb the catalogs that came in the mail…….and wander the nurseries in the early years.The older a GARDEN gets the better it BECOMES!
XX
Diane says
This garden is the story of your life, Contessa. Thanks for gracing all of ours….
LA CONTESSA says
25 years in the works……..and still MORE TO DO!
THANK YOU for visiting SO OFTEN!
XX
Mithra Ballesteros says
I do enjoy imagining that trio taking their evening constitutional together. Not sure how he would fit it in amongst all his other responsibilities but do I recall that a garden folly is on the Italian’s list of upcoming improvements? I bet your readers would love a chance to help him design one!
LA CONTESSA says
YES, A DREAM OF MINE……….AND I HAVE THE DESIGN!
A TURRET WITH A CURVING STAIRCASE UP TO THE ROOF WHERE ONE CAN SIT AND SIP AND LOOK BACK ON THE HOUSE AND GARDEN.THE IVY IS THERE SO IT WILL EVENTUALLY TAKE OVER………CAN YOU SEE IT??!!!!!
XX
Carol says
Hello Contessa, I, too, miss Ellie. Her blog was an interesting, wild ride! I will never forget reading it to my husband as we drove up to LA for Thanksgiving a few years ago. He nearly crashed the car because we were laughing so much!
Happy to hear that Gracie graduated. After all the drama surrounding Ellie’s final year, thought she might not. I looked up David Decret. According to “My Life”, he is 50 and currently lives in West Hollywood. His family’s business is based in Los Angeles, so that makes sense. The company has branches in New York, Paris and Annecy (where his parents live). My guess would be that he travels around to all thoses locations but lives in West Hollywood. Maybe you should look him up!
Smiles, Carol
Carol says
Hello Contessa, I think the garden and ruin at Ninfa would be the perfect Folly for you!
Marilyn L says
A beautiful garden. I love your roses. Mine are suffering from our crazy English weather but a little sunshine will revive them. I admit to mingling colours though to brighten the dull days. Nothing more cheerful than a smiling red rose.
Karen says
Your Secret Garden is Enchanting, Elizabeth – like you! Have a good week, sweet friend! xoxoxo
Jan Schechter says
Always love seeing your beautiful garden! Thank you for a tour. Isn’t it gratifying to see how the love you put in by way of flowers pays you back yearly for a small amount of work! Miss you, hope all is well! J
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU……..I NEED TO CALL YOU!
XO
cindy hattersley says
Oh gosh…how did I miss this? I have a few roses that I purchased that were not on their own rootstock. I have learned in our climate that is not a good thing. They revert to the old (the fittest survives), usually that is Dr Huey or something horrible. Every once in awhile they are grafted to a good one. I have a couple in my yard like that. A David Austin Symplicity reverted to something wilder and peachier (also healthier) and I just left it. As you say a garden is an open book. We are always learning. Good Luck with your dinner. They will all be in awe of the Contessa’s hospitality…
LA CONTESSA says
This post was YOUR IDEA thats why I laughed when you had missed it!!!!!I know you donot get the email notifications……..SO, I WILL REMIND YOU!XX
Marlena says
Your garden is a dream!!!! So beautiful! I swear I can smell the roses from here. Also that that mistake peachy rose that was meant to be yellow is amazing….
KATHIE TRUITT says
It was absolutely divine getting lost in your garden this morning. First thing I do is take Lillian (the dog) for her morning constitutional and then sit down with a cup of tea to see what you’re up to. The instagram photos of the wedding are just so lovely and I can’t wait to see more…..but this trip through your garden first thing has completely changed my attitude and I’m going to look for loveliness in everything I see today. Thank you!
Juliet says
Your garden is breathtaking! I think of Ellie too . . . and you’re absolutely right, she would offering up her thoughts in that honest and in-your-face style. I miss her. Looking forward to your upcoming post on THE WEDDING. xo
Janice says
WEll girl you sure know how to entertain !!! Just invite some good looking talented gals over and fix a fancy lunch then show them around your enchanting garden !! Sounds good to me
I hope to follow you on instragram
Janice
Cindy hattersley says
Absolutely magnificent!!