ARE WE READY TO BEGIN THE GARDEN TOUR……………..?
LET’s DO IT!
I’m LEAVING The STATION HERE ready to GO back to MY PUB …………
I MUST PACK UP THIS NIGHT and HEAD OUT in THE MORNING TO MEET UP WITH THE GROUP!
AS YOU KNOW WE MET UP AT PETERSHAM NURSERY from the FIRST BLOG.
GO BACK HERE IF YOU MISSED THAT!CLICK HERE!
WE camped for a week in SHERBORNE.
I in an APARTMENT close to THE ABBEY………….recall The BELLS TOLLED EVERY 15 MINUTES!
Dinner at DAME SYLVIA’s HOUSE the FIRST NIGHT!
Look how my HAIR TINSEL matches HER ART WORK!
NEXT DAY WE START TOURING!
GARDEN NUMBER ONE!
HOLD ON LADIES & GENTS!!!!!!!!
I’m NOT SUPPOSE TO HAVE MY TRUSTY PHONE OUT!!
THE THINGS I DO FOR YOU
DEAR READERS!
BUT I’m WITH THE HEAD GARDENER who is 24 years old!!
HE SAID IT’s OKAY!
JUST DON’T POST ON THE INTERNET!
SO, NO NAMES HERE and MY BLOG is NOT THE GRAND INTERNET!
IS IT?
DON’T TELL………I GOTTA SHARE WITH YOU DEAR READERS…………..THIS MUST BE ADMIRED.
AS WE DESCENDED the CIRCULAR STAIRS DOWN AND ENTERED INTO THIS.
MY MOUTH WAS HANGING OPEN………….MY EYES WERE ABLAZE!
I DESCENDED A CIRCULAR STAIRCASE AND MY MOUTH WAS HANGING OPEN.
JUST ME AND THE HEAD GARDENER.
I wanted to know if HIS MOTHER was HAPPY HE WAS A GARDENER?
The answer was YES!
SHE GARDENS TOO!
I wanted to Know if his parents had been there?
Again the answer was a BIG YES!
ANOTHER PHOTO almost the same as you can see the arch going into the next room………
DO YOU NOTICE ANYTHING FUN ON THE STATUE?
I MISSED THEM THE FIRST GO AROUND!
I WAS TAKING IN ALL THE STONE AND BEAUTY!
RELICS REALLY!!!!!!
SO, HERE I did a PIVOT to SHOW YOU DEAR READER how I came down into this room!
Which has a NAME but for Privacy reasons I will OMIT THAT!
MARY DECIDED TO FOLLOW THE CONTESSA!
(Looking at me with MY PHONE!)
SMART WOMAN!
AGAIN I AM PIVOTING………….
TURNING 180 degrees looking back from where I just was……
NOTE THE DRAINAGE GRATE!!!!!!
OKAY, here I may let a little bit OUT of the BAG!
I adore the half arch on top……..found at a DUMP/RECYCLE PLACE.
WHAT VISION!
What is inside don’t ask me; I forgot to ASK!
I was getting the TALE on the MOSAIC’s on the FLOOR……….
YOU see they came from one of HIS PRODUCTIONS!
The MAN that resides here is in THEATER.
Those MOSAIC’s were PROPS for the stage production of a MUSICAL were there was a lot of MEOWING.
THIS OLD GUY was a PROP in A MOVIE.
(There were Children Involved!)
YOU could climb to the TOP of him and take in the VIEW!
SEE VIEW BELOW!
BEAUTIFUL VERDANT PASTURES!
I choice to stay HERE and LOOK for COWS and TURRETS!
THE HOUSE.
WHICH WAS AN OLD MONASTERY.
IN FACT A MONK was found on the GROUNDS when they DUG up something.
(THEY RE-BURIED HIM.)
I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE HERE!
THE BEAUTY AND THE HISTORY JUST SPEAK TO ME!
I WOULD NOT EVEN HAVE TO SEE THE INSIDE!
SOLD TO THE WOMAN STANDING IN THE GARDEN with HER MOUTH A GAW GAW!
SOMEHOW, I DO NOT THINK THEY WILL EVER WANT TO LEAVE!
They had TEA and CAKE for US in an extra kitchen off the GARDEN…….
NO, I didNOT GET INTO THE HOUSE!
The Ladies who served; I told them to tell the OWNER that an ANCESTOR of
GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE was THERE and was so enthralled with the entire GARDEN and HOME.I had yet to see the PRODUCTION of HAMILTON………..as the cost was outrageous and to get seats well that too was NO EASY FEAT!However, MY GREAT TIMES 4 GRANDDADDY ON MY FATHER’s SIDE is MENTION IN A SONG IN THE PLAY CALLED HAMILTON and that was enough to give me GREAT JOY!
(MY GRAND DADDY WAS BEST FRIENDS WITH GEORGE WASHINGTON & NAMED His kids GEORGE and MARTHA!)
The Ladies assured me they would tell Him as he was due home the following DAY!
I ADORED THIS GATE as I have BALUSTRADES VERY SIMILAR TO THOSE that came from the owners of
THE MARK HOPKINS HOTEL IN San Francisco ESTATE IN HILLSBOROUGH!
MY first idea for my BIG kitchen was a CENTER island table made with these Balustrades!
I still have the tear sheet that came out of a MAGAZINE over 30 years ago and YOU know THAT magazine was EUROPEAN!
WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT IDEA?
Well, the BALUSTRADES need to be striped of white paint that was full of LEAD.
The ITALIAN started which took A LOT of time and than HE LOST HIS MO-JO.
Can you believe THAT?He NEVER loses his MO-JO on anything!!!MY TAVOLA NEVER Became a VISION!
Maybe because there is NO room for it NOW with a LOVE SEAT,A CHAIR a coffee TABLE and an old round woman’s retail clothing RACK holding the pots and pans in LA CUCINA!
I WOULD NEED A BIGGER KITCHEN FOR IT TO LOOK GOOD AND THAT ISNOT GOING TO HAPPEN SO I GUESS I SHOULD SELL THE BALUSTRADES?
OR HAVE HIM MAKE A GATE?
LIKE THIS!!!!!!!!
OR BETTER YET CALL THAT SON of MINE WHO IS A TABLE MAKER!!!!!!!
GARDEN TWO!
First STOP to PICK up DEBRA’s FRIEND at THE PUB!
I liked her LINEN she liked MINE!
THE HONORABLE MR.JAMES & MRS.LUCILLE NELSON’S GARDEN
FOREST LODGE
AS I stepped off the BUS I had stables and Horses to the RIGHT and the House to the LEFT!
My EYES landed HERE!
I quickly snapped this………as the group entered into the GARDEN area……..shall we GO TOO?
AGAIN the CLOUDS SPEAK TO ME HERE………..
Take a MOMENT and TAKE THIS ALL IN……………….DEEP BREATH before I CONTINUE.
YOU will NEED IT!
LADY LUCY in RED CASHMERE!
MARY & DEBRA making FRIENDS with THE FOUR-LEGGED TYPE!!!!!!
THATS ALWAYS A GOOD SIGN!
GOOD PEOPLE!
CARTWHEEL HEAVEN!
As a child I loved to do CARTWHEELS…DID YOU?I was better at them than HANDSTANDS.
This ROUND patch calls out for ARABESQUE pose……….One leg high over ones head basically the other holding the body still with NO BEND in THY KNEE!I was pretty good at that too at one time!
A SPLIT IN THE AIR!
OR
Perhaps an ATTITUDE would be the BETTER POSE HERE?
Another BALLET POSE!
I moved a little to the RIGHT for YOUR Viewing pleasure………..
Now to the Left………..are you watching The CLOUDS?
I REALLY MOVED LEFT…………….can you FOLLOW?
Do YOU LOVE TERRA-COTTA as much as I DO?I use to STALK the POT places in ITALY
Once the SHIP sailed with our belongings I was STILL BUYING POTS!!!!!!!
SMALL ONES……..well KIND OF!
Now, I know some of YOU with TASTE are having WINDOW LUST as I DO!!!!!!!
Not only the ARCHED windows but the BIG paned window that almost goes to the GROUND!
Makes ALL the DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD!
Here in AMERICA we would be AFRAID to DO THAT!
WHY?
FOR FEAR THE ROBBERS WOULD STEP RIGHT INSIDE!
That’s when THE FEROCIOUS BANKSY comes in HANDY!
NO ROBBER WOULD GET PAST HIM!
I LEARNED A NEW WORD! THIS IS CALLED A RILL………..
A POEM READ AT LUCILLES SISTER’s FUNERAL………………..
She had engraved on the Pyramid in the GARDEN at the end of The Rill.
I cut off just ONE WORD.
Which I think would be MAKES.
VERY TOUCHING and I love the RILL and MIRRORED PYRAMID!
ADMIRING THE STEPS…………
DO you SPY The LITTLE DOG taking a SWIM…….ONLY THE HEAD IS OUT!
GUNNERA the BIG PLANT LEAVES and I NOW HAVE SOME IN MY POSSESSION!
MAJESTIC……………why would ONE NEED TO LEAVE?
LOOKING A BIT SAD I AM…………OR IN DEEP THOUGHT!
WONDER WHAT I WAS DOING ON THAT PHONE!
THE COMPOSITION of THE TURBAN THAT CAME FROM RUSSIA,
THE SUNGLASSES on MY KNEE, THE HAND JUST SO ALL MAKE for AN INTERESTING PHOTO too BAD MY EXPRESSION IS NOT MORE UP BEAT!
Just PASSING BY ANOTHER OLD CHURCH………………..
A VINTAGE SHOP in SHERBORNE!This is what YOUR CONTESSA use TO DO!
OH SHARI…….I SNAPPED THIS PHOTO FOR YOU!
MY GIRLFRIEND DEVINE has these DOGS…..they travel to the JOB-SITE with her DAILY.
She is a LANDSCAPE DIVA!
Evidently, these DOGS LEAVE AN IMPRESSION as SHARI has DONE THREE HOUSES on MY STREET and TWO of those NEIGHBORS have RUN OUT AND BOUGHT THIS BREED OF DOG!!!!!!
THE INSIDE OF THAT ABBEY who’s BELLS TOLL EVERY 15 MINUTES even ON THE WEEKEND!!!!
ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!!!!!
LOOK I CAUGHT A FLOWER DISPLAY IN THE WORKS!
I LOVED CATCHING HER in ACTION and she was HAPPY TO GIVE ME A SMILE!!!!!!
Contessa at SHERBORNE ABBEY……..do note the ceiling!
OKAY!!!
ZOOM IN READERS!!
MY APARTMENT with my TWO ROOMIES was the second FLOOR straight a head all THREE WINDOWS!On the LEFT, LIVING ROOM.MIDDLE WINDOW THE ROOMIES BEDROOM.On the Right KITCHEN.My Room faced the side of the ABBEY where the BELLS DID TOLL…….
MORE GARDENS TO COME…………MORE TALES TO TELL………..KENSINGTON PALACE………
INSTAGRAM MEET UPS……..and MORE!!!!!!!!!
THIS WEEK AT THE ANTIQUE SHOW IN San Francisco with MY YOUNGEST SON!
STAY TUNED FOR MORE!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Linda Clark says
Omg! Love all the photos ! The clouds were amazing ! The gardens are beautiful.
I love it.
PS :I still do cartwheels my grandchildren are so jealous they can’t ! Heeeee…
LA CONTESSA says
BRAVA!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT IS AWESOME……………HOW OLD ARE YOU?I MUST KNOW!!!!!
XX
Josephine Floyd says
I adore your posts, due to time difference I am usually sitting up in bed reading them sipping a cup of ‘hot water lge tablespoon cider vinegar, tsp. Turmeric ,1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbspn honey, juice 1/2 lemon’ getting ready to face the day. After reading your blog I am full of enthusiasm, juices flowing jump out of bed ,reenergized and off!!!!!!
LA CONTESSA says
I THINK I BETTER START SIPPING THAT!ALL GOOD THINGS FOR THY BOD!!!!!!
OFF YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!
GIVE ME AN UPDATE!!!!!
XX
Kathy L says
Breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. What a beautiful property.
LA CONTESSA says
SHE HAD DONE IT ALL HERSELF………well except for the HARDSCAPE!
IN the last 25 years!!!!!!
PRETTY IMPRESSIVE!That’s as long as I have been working on mine!I’m ready to BOMB MINE!!!
XX
Susan says
While you are so close to France, perhaps you could pop over and rescue Teddy, as promised.
LA CONTESSA says
I didNOT PROMISE ANYTHING regarding TEDDY!AS ELLIE WROTE the FRENCH DONOT ALLOW YOU TO TAKE HIM OUT OF THE COUNTRY EITHER………..it is NOT as simple as it ALL MAY SEEM.ELLIE GAVE TEDDY A GOOD HOME.UNFORTUNATELY, it didNOT WORK OUT for either of them to be together.Hopefully, Teddy has a new home is in a HAPPY PLACE.
Tracy says
Contessa,
You are so close…can’t you check on Teddy?….it’s not simple but it’s amazing what people can do when they work together…it is possible to give this dog a forever home that he deserves.
LA CONTESSA says
I am back in THE STATES.HAVE BEEN NOW for about a MONTH.NO I couldn’t JUMP TO FRANCE and BRING A DOG BACK how would I DO THAT?
I have a dog of my own a cat and a Pretty good size PIG!Who all co-habitat.
I NEVER PROMISED TO GO GET HIM………ALL OF OUR HEARTS WERE TORN APART.
IT’s BEEN TWO YEARS.
LETS HOPE HE HAS FOUND A NEW HOME.
I DO BELIEVE LOST IN ARLES BLOG SPELLED IT OUT FOR YOU ALL IN A BLOG POST WAY BACK THEN…………..
GO HAVE A READ!
Susan says
Thank you for the reply. Once the people who said they would do everything possible to save Teddy turned their backs on him, his fate was sealed. ):
Where there’s a will there’s a way, especially when $$$$ is available.
It still breaks my heart.
Tracy says
Susan,
I am still willing to help this poor dog. I do NOT believe that this dog cannot be rescued from this shelter in France. Unfortunately the people who promised they would find Teddy a good home have secrets they aren’t sharing, and Teddy is paying the price.
LA CONTESSA says
AS IT DOES ALL OF OURS!
SEE ANSWER TO TRACY!
Susan says
Dogs are being rescued all over the world. Constantly I read about tourists visiting places and meeting dogs and cats in need of homes … and they do just that. Rescue them and bring them home.
I never bought the story about the impossibility of adopting Teddy and taking him to the U.S. not for a minute. It may well be the shelter was wary of the person in France acting on behalf of people who promised they would adopt Teddy. But impossible. Never.
Humans don’t deserve dogs.
Jan sher-Tuckerman says
You are the ultimate adventurer. I relish your followings near and far. Much love. #welcomematalwaysout
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU!!!!!
I’ll GET THERE JUST NOT SOON ENOUGH!!!!!
XX
CSW says
How stunning – makes me feel silly I don’t get out more when I live here!!!
LA CONTESSA says
The same with me IN San Francisco……….I Grew HERE and HAVE NEVER WALKED THAT GOLDEN GATE !!!
XX
couldashouldawoulda says
my comments never work in wordpress…
here is my second go – love the pics and am silly i don’t go out to the gardens more!
LA CONTESSA says
THE CSW worked fine……….I think the REAL NAME THEY THINK IS SPAM!
SO for now on YOU ARE CSW!!!!!!!CODE NAME……….HA CAPITO?
SO, Happy your BLOG arrived in my EMAIL!I did a LITTLE DANCE!!!!!
Send me an email about the scoop on THE WEDDING!!!!I MISSED EVERYTHING all I know was that it was very WINDY for HATS!!!!!!
XO
Parnassus says
Hello Contessa, Those gardens are a delight! I am a sucker for old stone and green vistas, and the winding stone steps are so evocative. I know that gardens like these involve an incredible amount of work, planning and expense, but how incredible to have this basic landscape and features to build upon.
–Jim
LA CONTESSA says
YES,
IT takes a BIT of Money and Time!!!
AND in MY CASE HELPING HANDS!!!!!!!!
The END RESULT is SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!
THANKS for the visit JIM!
XX
Taste of France says
I love that your linen outfit is exactly the shade of the grass. We can leave it to you to be coordinated wherever you are.
I also admired those semicircular steps–they look posed on the terraced hill, which would be quite a feat for keeping them level, without buckling. My husband had the steps to our terrace redone in old stones to please me BUT the stones are very uneven, and I avoid the steps because my eyesight is bad (and so are my knees) and I usually stumble on them.
I was able to do a cartwheel past age 50, but haven’t dared in years. Will give it a shot. But I can still do the splits. Not an arabesque, though–that takes not only flexibility but also balance and strength.
Despite the hints (I guessed a certain composer of successful musicals), I wasn’t able to confirm nor find the exact address. I usually am very good at such detective work, so Mr. Discreet’s secret hasn’t been ruined.
Did the church bells toll once at a quarter past the hour, twice at half past and three times at a quarter till?
LA CONTESSA says
NOPE, NOT A COMPOSER!!!!!!PHEW!!!!!!
I thought someone is going to GUESS RIGHT AND SPELL OUT HIS NAME!!!!!!
PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT IF YOU ARE A SMARTY WIZ KEEP TO YOURSELF MADAME SANDRA SALLIN and ANYONE ELSE IN HER LEAGUE !!!!!!!!
YOU know I cannot recall THAT…….But my HUNCH SAYS NO!!!!!
I wonder if I can get one of my ROOMIES TO answer that question!They are NEW to BLOGS and YOU know how it is to GET those NEWBIES TO C O M M E N T!!!!!!!!!!!Perhaps, because they HOLD the ANSWER it will BURST FOURTH and they will TELL US!!!
YOU CAN DO THE SPLITS!!!!!!!TALK ABOUT FLEXIBLE MADAME!!!!!!!!!!
WOW WOW WOW……………..
I’m SUPER IMPRESSED!
Now do NOT go pulling something IN YOUR BODY trying to do a CARTWHEEL FOR ME!!!!!!!
I WANT YOU TO LOVE ME FOREVER!!!!!!
XX
debra @ 5th and state says
To whom the bells toll…….. aka Contessa,
how on earth did you get me to smile for a camera shot?!!??
lovely post once again, love the photos from the “mystery garden”, hope no one guesses!
How lucky to be in the abbey as a florist is at work!
your photos and stories are enchanting dearest!
xoxox
LA CONTESSA says
I WILL DELETE THE NAME if SOMEONE COMES UP WITH A NAME!!!!!!!
I have made an ANNOUNCEMENT in another comment section NOT TO SPELL OUT THE NAME!GOTCHA COVERED TOUR GUIDE DEVINE!!!!!!!
AND OF COURSE I GOT YOU TO SMILE!!!!THATS MY JOB IN LIFE!!!!!!!
YOU KNOW I LOVE THOSE BELLS A RINGING………..just wish I could have slept more and that had nothing to do with the BELLS!
XOXO
[email protected] says
Oh Elizabeth, every photo is a joy and every word shows how excited you were to be there! Your green dress makes you look as if you are truly made of garden, how wonderful. I can’t wait for your next installment. Xxx
LA CONTESSA says
I WAS EXCITED TO BE THERE……….it was all so MOVING for me!AS YOU KNOW I needed to ESCAPE my AMERICA and get AWAY from ALL that was a HAPPENING OVER HERE!!!!!
This trip was in the works for over a year and I was ALONG for THE RIDE!YOU and the OTHERS were a BONUS to be able to MEET UP and dine sip TEA and walk PORTOBELLO ROAD with……………..XX
Libby says
I have more incentive after seeing the lovely gardens. Fortunately, I have a gardener now for cleanup so more time for me to do the fun stuff. Love seeing your distinctive apparel. How in the world do you pack?!
LA CONTESSA says
IT is NOT HARD AT ALL………14 days so I take 7 outfits!If I did carry on I would do 5 outfits!I had to take raincoat umbrella and sweater type coat NOT knowing how cold it would be!Therefore, I checked my luggage and knowing I would find a FEW TRINKETS ALONG THE WAY!!!!XX
Libby Wilkie says
Yes, I learned about rills last year in the Cotswolds! I am here now, in London having been to Dixter and then Kew this week. Such absolutely beautiful weather we are having: I never want to return home! So glad your trip was such a success.
lisa thomson says
Fabulous tour, Contessa! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous photos of the garden tour. I felt like I was there with you. The history is mind boggling! That second home, the stuff of dreams. The mirror engraved with her sister’s funeral poem, was stunning. I love what you’re wearing for the garden tour as well. The linen, the color and the accessories are perfect. I also enjoy a candid photo of someone in a thinking mood. It doesn’t have to be always a smile, right? Great post. I look forward to the next one!!
Cara says
Love England and it will be our next trip!
Please tell us about the Gunnera; did you get seeds? How will it do in CA?
Great trip!
LA CONTESSA says
PLANTS AND I BOUGHT THEM HERE!!!!!!!
THEY LOVE WATER AND SHADE!!!!!XX
Nita says
Thank you!!! I feel so appreciative to see these garden photos! I’m planting something almost every other week, and keeping things alive here in Arizona! I even planted roses! Inspired yet again!! Banksy is so photogenic:) I’m glad Libby asked about your packing strategy, what an art in itself.
LA CONTESSA says
ROSES!!!!!
DID YOU DISCUS THAT WITH JAN?They are A HARDY PLANT!!!!!!
SEND ME PHOTOS!!!!!WHAT IS THIS I HEAR ABOUT A ROOT BEER START UP!!!!???
XX
Hilda Smith says
Wow what a wonderful trip and what fabulous photos. Didn’t you meet such lovely people too. Thank you for sharing your trip xxx
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU………I DID!
LUCKY ME!
XX
Leslie Anne Lord says
Oh my that garden is stunning!
The English really do know how to create an oasis of beauty in their landscapes…just lovely and what fun for you!
LA CONTESSA says
GREAT FUN!
THEY HAVE THE LAND OUT THERE IN THE COUNTRY SIDE!!!!!!
SO BEAUTIFUL!
XX
Robin Fink says
GORGEOUS CONTESSA!! I CANNOT BELIEVE
ALL
YOU GOT TO SEE AND DO!! Waiting for the next installment
XXo R
Pipistrello says
Ciao Contessa!
More glorious pics to swoon over!!! Your Tour has certainly got to be classed as Top Shelf!! No-one has made mention of the Grotto-Statue’s Accessory – are they sunglasses? Or is he holding a mobile phone to his head? I don’t know how to make the pics bigger on my computer so that is my best guess.
Isn’t Forest Lodge beautiful? You know in old novels, characters in English country houses are always “walking through” their windows onto terraces and gardens. It would seem that doors are usually left for Arrivals & Exits, or side doors are reserved for Tradesmen; Cat burglars aren’t usually mentioned!!
Your Ensembles are so complementary to the gardens – even your fuzzy hat picks out the detail of the fabulous ceiling in Sherborne Abbey! Well Packed, Madam!!
Looking forward to the next Exciting Instalment!!
Baci xx
LA CONTESSA says
SUNGLASSES!
OH, YOU KNOW HOW TO DAZZLE ME!!!I better start READING OLD NOVELS of the ENGLISH TYPE!!!!
I’m afraid an AGELESS STYLE POST WILL COME FIRST………MAYBE NOT Lets see what I can POUND OUT THIS WEEK!
XO
Sandra Sallin-ApartFromMyArt says
I love Touring English gardens. I did so a number of years ago and the memory lingers on. The clouds in England are like no other. You gave me another great word for WWFs. rill. I can’t believe that people put up with bells ringing every 15 minutes. I’m writing this on my phone. Forgot my computer at my sisters house. I want to go on that tour. Looks like so much fun. Let’s hear it for English gardens!!!!
LA CONTESSA says
I think YOU SHOULD DO THIS TOUR THAN MEET UP WITH BOB!!!!IT’s ONLY A WEEK!
IT WAS GRAND…………….STILL SMILING!EAR TO EAR!
XX
Amanda says
Gorgeous photos, am so glad that you had good weather to see the gardens.Definately makes me want to see more gardens. I’ve started dropping heavy hints about s national trust membership for Christmas!
Looking forward to seeing further installments
LA CONTESSA says
THAT IS A BRILLIANT GIFT IDEA!!!!!!!!
HOPE HE IS LISTENING!!!!!!
XX
DA Squires says
This was the best way to spend part of a Sunday morning… how lucky we are to have such an intrepid (rules are made to be broken once in a while) and talented photojournalist documenting the gardens, the secret places, the clouds, the abbey, the bells, the pottery and stairs, even a statue from antiquity with a modern twist : ) Adored everything (and loved when Banksy made a surprise appearance with his flower crown –who is not besotted by this GQ porcine??!!) And how did you choose the pitch perfect ensemble for the backdrop?! Next stop…CHATSWORTH (w/ a copy of my book in your satchel to leave on a windowsill : ) BRAVO to another supercalifradgilistickexpealidocious post!!! XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
MY GOODNESS YES………CHATSWORTH IS ON THE BUCKET LIST but I understand it is in the middle of NO WHERE!!!!!!!
First I must make FRIENDS with THE QUEEN and perhaps get a lift in her NON STOP TRAIN!!!!!!!!LEAVING YOUR BOOK BEHIND WHERE EVER I GO!
SEND TO KENSINGTON PALACE for those KIDS!!!!!!!DO IT!Bet you get a THANK YOU!!!
YOUR only out the POSTAGE and if GEORGE see’s the cover your in LUCK!!!!!!!XO
Anissa says
What a wonderful journey! Beautiful gardens and lovely people! You look amazing and look right at home. Love your add ones about precious Banksy and the cartwheels. Thanks for always making me smile and giving me ideas for great places to visit and SHOP!
LA CONTESSA says
YOU MY DEAR READER are ALWAYS WELCOME!!!!!!!XX
Loree says
Beautiful, gorgeous gardens. I think everyone in England must be a gifted gardener. I am sure the rain helps. Our plants look really sad after summer but are now starting to perk up a bit. It’s been raining for 2 days – nothing short of a miracle around these parts.
LA CONTESSA says
MALTA……………keep the RAIN COMNG!!!!!!!!!!XX
Christine G says
Those are gorgeous photos, thank you. The colors are amazing.
Did you hear about the googly eyes that were put on a statue of your ancestor? I thought it made him look alive! ? No damage was done! Phew!!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/abc7.com/amp/georgia-war-monument-defaced-with-googly-eyes/4477266/
LA CONTESSA says
NO!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR SENDING!!!!!!!!!!
XX
Christine G says
Those are gorgeous photos, thank you. The colors are amazing.
Did you hear about the googly eyes that were put on a statue of your ancestor? I thought it made him look alive! ? No damage was done! Phew!!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/abc7.com/amp/georgia-war-monument-defaced-with-googly-eyes/4477266/
Ellie's friend says
As I will never be able to travel due to health, it is especially enjoyable for me to see your lovely photos of English gardens. I was given some seeds for white allium that are 3 feet tall with huge blooms that I am going to try to grow by sowing the seeds outside. fingers crossed that they grow.
thanks for the lovely garden post ––hope you’re having fun antiquing! I wonder what happened to Teddy. Ellie loved that dog. –– he was huge but gentle; remember how he would lie on her white chaise? It was only when her mother in law tripped accidentally over him and ended up in the hospital that he had to be returned. Ellie begged me to take him but I’m allergic! I know you never promised to take him and he would never be sent out of France, but isn’t nice someone remembered him?
LA CONTESSA says
YES!
XX
Daron Baylis-Duffield says
Loved this Blog caan’t wait to read the follow-up.
All love
Daron
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU…..will start TODAY on THE REST!
XX
Penelope says
Such a lovely read about all your adventures and encounters in England!
It may have been your inspiration that lead me to book a garden tour in England next May including the Chelsea Garden show which I have always wanted to see. The time is now for bucket list items to get checked off and I so understand the relief of being away from our ugly politics for some respite.
LA CONTESSA says
HOW WONDERFUL!
There should be a NEW ROYAL BABY BY THEN AS WELL……….
I will NEED A FULL RECAP of your visit!
BUT PLAN to see you a few times before!!!!
XX
Heidi says
Hi Elizabeth,
Oh how wonderful everything is in those beautiful gardens. The greens are so green in England, aren’t they? You looked perfect there in your dramatic caftans and turbans!
I was so excited to begin planning our landscape renovation, and so disappointed that I’ve had to shelve everything for awhile. AGAIN, ugh. There’s just too much that needs to be done first, concrete, irrigation, and that sort of thing – or I’d just start putting plants in any way I could. In the meantime I look at my garden books and reread your blog and dream!
Xo Heidi
LA CONTESSA says
YES!
I know first hand it’s HARD TO WAIT for THAT BORING STUFF TO GET DONE, BUT IT HAS TOO……..SO KEEP ON KEEPING ON!READ AND TEAR from MAGAZINES!YOU can DRAW so START making drawings……..of plans on HOW YOU think YOU want it to BE!!!!!
ALWAYS plant in ODD NUMBERS…….3,or 5’s or 9’s!!The MORE the MORE IMPACT!!!!DON”T LISTEN TO THE HUSBAND OR THE FRIENDS!!!!!!SHOP BY YOURSELF!!!!!THATS MY BEST ADVISE!!!!!
XOXO
Diane says
Everything, a work of art. Again. Thank you for taking us along on your magic carpet…
LA CONTESSA says
GRAZIE………ANYTIME!
AS I SIT HERE SIPPING A COFFEE OF GOLD!
SANT’EUSTACHIO il caffe’a ROMA 1938
LA VITA E’ TROPPO BREVE PER UN CATTIVO CAFFE”
(Life is too short for BAD COFFEE)
I feel for ALL you STARBUCKS DRINKERS!!!!!!!!
AS THE ITALIAN SAYS…….why would I want to DRINK a CUP of MUDDY WATER!!!!!???
XO
1010ParkPlace says
Oh, what a grand and glorious trip!! I would have loved every minute of it… well perhaps not the bells tolling. The gardens and the architecture… the pond and the dogs! I’ve emailed Debra but must do it again as I haven’t heard from her. The terra-cotta pots, I’m with you on those and the antique stores… you would have needed a horse drawn wagon to pull me away! Looking forward to seeing more, sweet lady. xoxo, Brenda
Juliet says
Contessa . . . this trip is simply too fabulous for words! Looking forward to next installment . . . particularly KP! xo
LA CONTESSA says
AHHH………YES!YOU will LOVE HER DRESSES AND WHAT I SPIED IN THE GARDEN THERE!!!!!XX
Catherine says
What a wonderful time you had – oh, the beauty of English Gardens.
I hope all your fabulous photos are going in albums, Contessa?
The poem is so touching it brought a tear to my eye.
Much love xx