CONTESSA’s GARDEN in MAY 2021.

May 18, 2021 93 Comments

Welcome to My GARDEN and Front door!

As you enter my home down the stone path you will encounter WHITE SWAN the Rhododendron.

She does not have much fragrance which was an ACCESSORY ALL PLANTS had to have when I began this venture 27 years ago!But the white Rhodi I planted under her DOES!Do you think I can recall THE NAME………HECK NO!

This year was THE BEST YET for BOTH.

I own TWO Peonies……………This one is tucked away and hidden and THANK GOODNESS I WALKED OVER THERE WHEN I DID or I may have MISSED THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE!

I can not bring myself to pick these FLOWERS……as they last so much longer in their natural habitat!

THE FRAGRANCE IS BEYONG DIVINE!

They are EXPENSIVE but so worth the JOY they give YOU!

BANKSIA ROSE CASCADING over a swing that probably should NEVER BE USED AGAIN!

Those RED ROSES are coming out of MY PEACE rose…………….I need to cut those branches off!

History of the PEACE rose is:

It was developed by the French rose breeder, Francis Meilland, between 1935 and 1939 who, when he saw that war with Germany was inevitable, sent cuttings to friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany and the USA. History tells that it was on the very last flight before the German invasion of France.

Elegant White Meidiland® Rose

Blooms all Season

Slopes and Banks Groundcover

Disease and Insect Resistant

The White Meidiland® Rose, Rosa ‘MEIcoublan’, is a hardy groundcover type rose with large 4″, double, white flowers that are produced all season long.

Glossy dark foliage covers branch stems and keeps this plant looking full all season long.

It does well on slopes and banks and is also disease and insect resistant. The White Meidiland rose may die back in winter, but will grow and flower from new canes.

This rose has its own root. The advantage of own root roses is that once established they are very resilient. If winter’s freezing breezes kill the top growth, the rose will grow back in the spring, and the recovered rose will look the same as the one you purchased.

This rose generally does not need much pruning. But if pruning is needed, do it in late winter to early spring.

CONTESSA LOVES THIS ROSE AS IT BLOOMS AND BLOOMS NOT MUCH FRAGRANCE BUT IT COVERS THOSE UGLY CONCRETE WALLS THAT MAKE UP OUR TERRACES!ALONG WITH STAR JASMINE!I like it better than the CARPET ROSE!

YES!!

I HAVE A THING FOR CHERUBS AND URNS AND CONCRETE POTS!

I would LOVE something to grow up the FOUNTAIN BASE.

Have tried in the past and NOTHING has worked………….even doused it with yogurt!

THE ITALIAN MADE IT!

WHICH MEANS UGLY AND STRONG!

Here I am celebrating MY GRANDDAUGHTERS FIRST BIRTHDAY!

CHARLOTTE

I made a cake with roses for HER.

This Yellow vine is called ITALIAN JASMINE here in CALIFORNIA!HAS FRAGRANCE and is a HUMMING BIRD ATTRACTOR!

I had to move it THREE times before it TOOK OFF!The FRENCH DAY BED Took years to find its spot in the yard as well…..

IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT!

NEW DAWN………I THINK!

A CLIMBER AND THIS IS YEAR THREE FOR THIS ROSE IN MY GARDEN!

BRAIN FOG HAS ARRIVED TO ME at the AGE of 60!

MY memory was one of MY BETTER ASSETS!

CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT GIFT OF AGE TO BE GIFTED!

BOLERO THE BEST FRAGRANT ROSE I HAVE FOUND!

PROLIFIC TOO!

White Meidiland Rose

ST. PATRICK ROSE

Guess WHO with his KONG!

THE FABULOUS CHEERIO DISPENSER !

Never to be forgotten……..gifted by one of my READERS HERE!

Guess I should edit the neighbors garbage cans but this makes it MORE REAL!

WHITE SWAN with BLACK BEAUTY!

MISS BETTY.

7 weeks old.

In the distance to the right are the Vegetables planter boxes.Nothing to show there yet!

Last year we planted 7 fruit trees on this second terrace.

LEMON BALM on the ground then STAR JASMINE and then MEIDILAND ROSE.

A bit of a JUNGLE LOOK!

MY own FLOWER FLOOZY!

Her favorite is Santa Barbara DAISIES!

This FRENCH CHILD’s bed was the BOYS EASTER BASKET one year!LOOK WHO WILL ENJOY!

MY SON NICHOLAS WITH BETTY the puppy he gifted me for MOTHER”s DAY!

YOU have NOW experienced MY DOMAIN!

Says BANKSY!

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE PHOTOS!

THIS IS WHERE I WANDER WHEN LA MAMMA MAKES ME GO OUTSIDE!

WHICH LATELY HAS BEEN AROUND 2 in the AFTERNOON!

IT’s BEEN SO COLD HERE IN Northern California!

BUT IT’s NOT BAD IF ONE HAS TO BE OUTSIDE………………!!!

MOTHER says BUY what YOU LOVE. What speaks to YOU!

Keep reading those catalogs even if you do not plan to order.

Tear pages out of magazines that you enjoy and want to copy!

Walk the NURSERIES and READ the labels…….shade, full sun, etc.

Educate YOURSELF!

What ever you do ENJOY IT!I find I am more relaxed in the GARDEN.

Just sit and ponder……………MY GUESS IS YOU EARNED THAT TIME AND YOU MIGHT AS WELL ENJOY IT!

WE ARE READING THIS NOW AND LOVING IT!

IT was GIFTED TO US BY MY LAST GARDEN FLOOZY…………..STEPHANIE at Tendrheart4

She has a private account but just hit REQUEST……….MY GUESS IS SHE WILL LET YOU IN!

BE WELL,WILD AND WONDERFUL……….and thats an ORDER!

XXX

93 Comments

Leave your reply.

Jacqueline
· Reply

May 27, 2021 at 12:00 AM

Your garden is amazingly beautiful …. the result of hard work and a credit to you both. You are way ahead of us here in the U.K. ….. we had frost everyday through April and it rained pretty much everyday in May !!!! It is meant to improve now so, hopefully, the sun will come out and we might see flowers soon ! Gardening is SO good for us …. Apparently, the soil gives off good things for our mental well-being.
Banksy and Betty are stars ….. love Betty and the pink slipper ! XXXX
Martha Foss
· Reply

May 23, 2021 at 2:05 PM

Your garden is just beyond words!! The pictures are so wonderful and inspiring!! I love that you have peonies. Always, one I wanted to grow but haven’t been able to.

Your garden is abundant in flowers and charming in it’s entirety!!
kim
· Reply

May 23, 2021 at 9:51 AM

Elizabeth, Theses are fantastic tips and ideas. I so agree- pull the pages out you like and save! It so helpful to refer back when you start working on your garden and decide what to do.. This book looks great! I will check it out. As always your garden – and the photographs are gorgeous and always make me inspired to do more in the yard! Love these posts! xo Kim
Jill James
· Reply

May 23, 2021 at 2:05 AM

Hello Elizabeth, what a treat to see your garden in full bloom. Your roses are simply divine as are those peonies , I have just planted three new ones as I finally had success last year( fortunately not as expensive here). The rose you are unsure of its name does look like Eden ( called Pierre de Ronsard here ). I have two in my garden , starting pale pink and fading to almost white.
Betty is such a cutie and will bring you much joy , to say nothing of fit as walks will be in order as she grows.
I will do my best to be well, wild and wonderful . Enjoy your beautiful garden. xx
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

May 22, 2021 at 10:31 AM

Wow I always love your blogs but this is my favorite yet! I need you to come back down here and help me plant Banksia roses but I don’t think I have enough sun! I’m going to go get some right now! This is totally spectacular absolutely spectacular not a whiff of concrete anywhere all covered with fabulous flowers you’re a genius!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  May 23, 2021 at 7:25 AM
  
  THEY DO WELL IN PARTIAL SHADE!!!!
  Let ME SCOOT DOWN THE 101!!!!!!!!
  XXX
D. A. Squires
· Reply

May 21, 2021 at 10:15 AM

A profusion of beauty… the flowers, Betty, you. I know I was not alone swooning and gazing and feeling utterly transported. It is a magnificent garden, I love the wildness of it all ~ The Contessa’s Secret and Most Magical Garden. We inherited a long established peony cutting garden in CT from the previous owners. It was a heartbreak to leave that garden knowing we could not plant peonies (or blue hydrangeas or lilacs or daffodils or most roses) in Florida. Speaking of roses– do you know of ANY rose that would do well in south FL?? We recently had to take down our Dutchman’s Pipevine for a number of reasons, but still have the exotic passion flower vine and should have 6-10 monarchs soon… the chrysalis is so gorgeous–prettiest shade of green encircled by a strand of gold. Nature’s majesty… XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 23, 2021 at 7:29 AM
  
  NO I HAVE ONLY BEEN TO FLORIDA THREE TIMES………and once I was a small child.
  I have no idea of what rose would do well…………WE do have a couple of READERS from FLORIDA maybe they will chime in!
  Passion flower VINE…………..sounds DIVINE!!!
  XXX
Elizabeth
· Reply

May 21, 2021 at 9:27 AM

Everytime you feature your beautiful garden I am reminded of the fabulous gardens in England. Your space is AMAZING!!!! I am in awe of all of your knowledge and work to create this work of art!
As for your new pup, SO CUTE and will definately keep you on your toes!

Have a fabulous weekend Elizabeth!
Pipistrello
· Reply

May 20, 2021 at 10:35 PM

Ciao Bella,

What a delightful tour of the Giardino!! You’ve mentioned it being terraced before but I think this is the first time I’ve seen the long and high views in your pics, and your street frontage. It’s very grand! And, of course, quite a job to keep it looking the perfect balance of wild and cultivated. Luckily Banksy is on hand to ensure the lemon balm stays in check – what a good little gardener’s helper, hahah!!

Happy Birthday to Charlotte!! Her cake looks divine!

Baci xx

ps: Sorry to read in the comments you’ve got vertigo now! How debilitating. I hope it isn’t making you seasick, too. That’s just too miserable!! xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 23, 2021 at 7:31 AM
  
  NO FUN………………..HARD TO READ COMPUTER AND TYPE for any length of time.
  XXX
Karen Persson
· Reply

May 20, 2021 at 2:12 AM

Hi Elizabeth!
What a wonderful tour though your garden. I love the color combinations and all the amazing flowers… plus everything about it. I remember how it looked when I was there in 2018 and 2019! Even more glorious in real life, plus with the fragrances!

Betty is so cute! Has it helped at all to not have the chickens anymore? Hope your health keeps improving.

See you in July! ?

Lots of love and hugs,

Karenxoxoox
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:46 AM
  
  I find myself coughing MORE when I do go into THE GARDEN so NO to answer your question!
  The cough has calmed down overall but am taking something for it now.
  Too much to go into here………….
  YES SEE YOU IN JULY!
  XOXO
Candace Wilson Culp
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 7:46 PM

You are so blessed by such beauty in the garden and in your heart. Marvelous, especially to those of us with only a porch garden. Your vivid descriptions and information will be tucked away for my make believe garden.
Please kiss Betty and Banksy for me!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:43 AM
  
  BOTH NAPPING AT THE MOMENT BUT I WILL DO!
  HOPEFULLY YOU CAN GET UP TO VISIT SOON!
  XXX
Joan
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 6:20 PM

I am sure you have discovered by now that the red roses blooming on a grafted rose of another color are from the old
root stock which the rose you have was grafted onto….very hardy rootstock but the flower not so great or appreciated. Yes, cut off that part…I guess. I have not had that problem but I have discovered shoots from below the ground below the graft and one must cut them off as they drain the grafted rose’s energy…..
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:42 AM
  
  YES……………..I KNOW!
  DRIVES ME MAD!
  I GUESS I DIDNOT KEEP ON TOP OF IT SO I AM PAYING FOR IT NOW!
  XXX
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

Author

May 19, 2021 at 5:36 PM

VIA EMAIL:
Elizabeth!
What a magnificent garden!
I grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia so have such an appreciation for all things beautiful and with character. Your garden made me think of czar’s palace gardens.

Do you take care of your garden yourself?

I inherited a complicated garden with my house. It has lots of cacti and other kinds of plants. Its beautiful but has been neglected. And I know nothing about gardens!
So it’s been really stressful to find the right team who can take this project on! I think I found it but of course everything is so slow going! And I want everything to be done now. This is such a lesson in patience and letting go of perfection. Even when they plant something beautiful but it’s still in its beginning, early stages so we have to wait and see how it does in the spot.
Maybe patience and trusting the process comes with time.

Luba
Lisa Thomson
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 5:01 PM

Wow, your photos are fantastic, LA CONTESSA!I am inspired to try to paint one or two of the images! Betty is so sweet! How is Banksy adapting to his little sister? I think the red roses may be a “wild” variety. Thanks for the gorgeous tour of your incredible garden!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:40 AM
  
  PLEASE DO PAINT AWAY BUT I HAVE TO SEE THEM SO SEND PHOTOS!
  THE RED ROSES are from the original grafting!YOU MUST CUT OFF SHOOTS…………….I have been remiss!
  YOU ARE SO WELCOME!
  XXX
Mary Ann Pickett
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 4:32 PM

YOUR ROSES!!! I COULD SMELL THEIR SCENT THROUGH MY LAPTOP. How cute is your little pup! Are you getting any sleep at night? I want to meet her.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:38 AM
  
  FUNNY!
  THAT WILL BE THE NEXT NEW TECHNOLOGY!SMELLS THROUGH LA COMPUTER!
  YES we are sleeping first two night she slept through the night!Now that she eats more she does wake up once to pee!
  WE TRADE OFF who gets up!
  XXX
Jennifer Lively
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 4:11 PM

Your garden is truly a paradise! I wish we could grow peonies in San Francisco! I love your assortment of white roses that are so Lush and full.
Truly resplendent!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:36 AM
  
  THANK YOU!
  YOU SHOULD TRY ONE PEONY…………….XXX
caroline walker
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 3:31 PM

Contessa, your our garden is indeed a feast for the eyes. Some thoughts from gardeners of the past. “Unlike a painting, it is a living picture, which changes as the years pass. These changes create problems, but also challenges, and herein lies the fascination of gardening. The picture is never finished; opportunity is always there for tomorrow.” (The Viscountess Ashbrooke on her garden in Cheshire, England). ” It is impossible to garden and keep an agitated mind. Working in a garden gives health and sleep.” (Clare Crossley of her garden in London). I enjoy weeding and scrabbling on all fours under my shrubs doing battle with bindweed and outwitting the ground elder. After a long session I am almost an ambulance case. One day I may find myself marching through the Golden Gates before my time ripped to bits by the thorny arms of ‘Cerise Bouquet’. But to me it is worth suffering such indignities when I remember the years I have spent in a kind of delirium, always with an eye to the next season and its unknown delights.” (Sally, Duchess of Westminster on her garden in Gloucestershire). The endless delight of a garden, no matter what size, is that you can always be altering and hopefully improving it. Over the years as I have learnt more about plants, I have become increasingly selective, but one thing is certain; I shall never be satisfied, so I shall never have finished my garden. (Jean Players on her garden in Derbyshire.)

A garden! What more can you ask of life?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:31 AM
  
  OH CAROLINE THESE QUOTES ARE FABULOUS!
  LEAVE IT TO THE ENGLISH!
  XXX
Barbara at Mantel and Table
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 3:24 PM

Absolutely gorgeous!! I could wander your garden for hours! Thanks for the tour – a little bit of beauty in my busy day! 😉
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:28 AM
  
  WE ALL NEED BEAUTY THROUGH OUT OUR DAYS…………
  THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!
  XXX
Penelope
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 1:25 PM

Glorious wild abundance! It seems so effortless but I think I it takes a lot of effort to creat and maintain. It is truly a magical place. Enjoy and thanks for sharing it at its peak.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:27 AM
  
  Especially when you have an ITALIAN who wants to cut things DOWN!!!!
  JUST LEAVE IT I SAY ONCE IT STOPS BLOOMING YOU CAN MAKE YOUR PATHWAY!
  XXX
Dinner Party Guru
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 12:49 PM

Elizabeth
The garden is really showing out!! Just beautiful all the roses it must smell heavenly.

Looks like little Betty is snuggling in just fine. She looks like such a sweet girl … I love her expressive eyes.

Enjoy this lovely season and take care of yourself and the rest of your bunch there.

Xox
Amanda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:25 AM
  
  SHOWING OUT is a GOOD DESCRIPTION!
  IN A BLINK it will be GONE!
  I BETTER GET OUT THERE TODAY AND SNAP A FEW MORE PHOTOS!
  THANK YOU!
  XXX
Ellie's friend
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 12:34 PM

How having a tour of your garden has brought a smile in my mind’s eye! So beautiful! My 28 peonies have grown from one inch above the ground to 6 inches in a week! Now it’s raining. As long as it doesn’t change to snow, it’ll be okay! Are you looking for a name for Betty or is it going to be Betty forever? I think Speranza would be a nice name.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:22 AM
  
  BETTY FOREVER!
  AS THAT WAS MY MOTHERS NAME and my SON CAME UP WITH THAT IDEA WHICH I LOVED!
  PLUS BETTY AND BANKSY sound good together!
  28 PEONY!!!!
  DO THEY ALL BLOOM at the same time or do a few come later?
  XXX
  - Ellie's friend
    · Reply
    
    May 22, 2021 at 1:38 AM
    
    I think Betty and Banksy sound great together! About 16 are planted together — several bloom all at once but Itoh peonies seem to last longer in bloom than garden peonies. Also at maturity they may have up to 80 flowers on one plant. The stems have blossoms on side stems not just on the end of stems. The others are in different flower beds and they seem to have varying schedules, depending on the moisture of the location. They are a cross between a tree peony and a garden peony. Tree peonies don’t usually grow here. One advantage of these peonies is that they don’t need to be staked. Last year one stalk was at my eye level — about five feet. Peonies are supposed to be deer resistant which is why I planted them. Having said that a deer ate some last year but it was at the end of season so no harm was done. I happened to be at a greenhouse on its very last day of the season about 4 years ago – they were clearing them for $2 each — normally they sell between $70-$100. so I bought about $1760 worth for $64.
Dee Tivenan
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 12:23 PM

Gorgeous post.
How are you feeling?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:20 AM
  
  THANK YOU………..
  NOW HAVE VERTIGO!
  XXX
Diane Ruebel
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 11:41 AM

Your garden reminds me of the best of French and English because it’s a bit wild and full of whimsy. Thank you for sharing.

Diney on Camano Island
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:19 AM
  
  WELL I LIKE THAT DESCRIPTION!
  THANK YOU FOR THE EARLY MORNING SMILE!
  XXX
Hilda Smith
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 10:37 AM

I love all the beautiful flowers, such colour. And all your nooks and crannies, places to relax and those urns are DIVINE. BeTty seems to like the garden too. Enjoy it all. xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:18 AM
  
  PROMISE………..YOU BE WELL!
  XXX
Heidi
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 10:30 AM

Hi Elizabeth,
Oh my goodness. Seeing all the beauty here just fills me up! I love your garden and the abundant roses are just wonderful. The smells and sounds, the gravel underfoot, the little paths going here and there. It’s all so lovely.
The red rose is the probably from root stock the other rose was grafted onto. I have one growing and blooming profusely where the Cecil Bruner was before it was blown over and destroyed by wind and animals. I wanted to dig it up, but it was covered with buds so we left it and it’s gone crazy! A spot of color even if the roses themselves aren’t that pretty. I decided to plant roses in containers (after reading your last Garden Floozy post!) and have purchased more every week! They like my sunny back deck and are protected from animals. And make me so very happy! I think I’ll go look for an Eden rose today. I have a few more spots I can fill!!
Thank you for sharing your own personal Eden, and for always inspiring me!
XO Heidi’s
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:18 AM
  
  YOU Are CORRECT ABOUT The ROOT STOCK!
  JUST MAKES ME MAD I BOUGHT A WHITE ROSE AND I WANT A WHITE ROSE!
  SOMEONE NEEDS TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM!
  SO HAPPY YOU GOT IDEAS FROM STEPHANIE!!!
  THAT BOOK SHE SENT ME IS FASCINATING AS THE WOMAN WHO WROTE IT worked for THE HUMANE SOCIETY!!Can’t recall her job title but a BIG HONCHO!
  XOXO
Robin
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 9:19 AM

Amazing garden!!
Rosemarie
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 9:02 AM

CONTESSA
Your garden awakens one senses. Truly delightful to view. So appreciate your sharing this garden of delight.
I came across this poem this morning by Thich Nhat Hanh and it’s perfect for your garden:
The mind can go
In a thousand directions,
But on this path,
I walk in peace.
With each step,
A gentle wind blows,
With each step,
A flower blooms.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:12 AM
  
  THANK YOU!
  A GORGEOUS SAYING!!!
  XXX
Vikki
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 8:46 AM

OMG!! You inspire me!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:11 AM
  
  OMG!! YOU MADE ME SMILE!
  XXX
sandra Sallin
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 8:05 AM

OH, it’s just glorious. Love loaning at your garden. Do you do all the gardening?You have the flowers and I have the dirt. We’r dealing with our garden again. Plants that didn’t make it. Irrigation that is not making it. You name it and it’s failing on my back hillside. So looking at yours make me drool. Of course I can’t go climbing up my hillside. I’d break my neck. The peonies are so beautiful. I’m glad you’re not cutting them. It must be such a treat to go wandering around your garden. Do you learn about gardening from books or your gardening club?

Betty has already grown so much. Love your garden tour.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:10 AM
  
  BOOKS AND CATALOGS………..were my info!Plus reading the labels at the NURSERIES.
  I can see her growing each day!!!
  XXX
Libby
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 7:59 AM

Beautiful, and so close to me. My wee contribution of a garden is not nearly as spectacular as yours, however the geraniums and succulents are doing well. I have been giving the geraniums a heavy sprinkling of cayenne pepper. So far, the deer are at bay. My downfall is water, or lack of, and deer.
And how wonderful to have Betty. I still so miss our Gibson. We haven’t gotten a new addition as afraid the dog will outlive us and we will worry about him/her. ?. Carry on, libby
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:08 AM
  
  OH LIBBY GET A DOG!
  I WILL TAKE IT!OR NITA WILL………….dont worry about THAT!
  POP DOWN ONE WEEKEND!
  XXX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 7:33 AM

Your garden is more spectacular than ever, Elizabeth! I love the variety and the colors. Betty will be a handful but so worth it. She’s adorable and will be into EVERYTHING! I love the patina on the base of your fountain and think it’s a strong needed contrast to all the plants around it. xoxox, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:07 AM
  
  OKAY………….but imagine if it was covered in MOSS!!!!!!!!!!!
  XOXO
Joan
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 7:32 AM

Love the garden…could your rose be “Eden”?
It looks like the one (a climber) that I have. YOU are REAL….and it is so refreshing to read your blog.
Thank you and I hope you are doing well…your positive attitude must help.
XO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:05 AM
  
  NOT ALWAYS POSITIVO MIO…………….
  SOMEONE ELSE SUGGESTED THAT NOT SO SURE NOW……………
  ITS A CLIMBER.PALE PALE PINK when in BUD than opens to WHITE!
  I AM SO SORRY I CANNOT RECALL……..I LOOKED FOR THE TAG YESTERDAY AND NO LUCK!
  XXX
Sunday hendrickson
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 7:26 AM

Wowsie.
Just beautiful, Bella Contessa!
Grazie….
Barbara Spain
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 6:40 AM

Such a wonderful way to start this day with a “scroll” through your lovely garden!
Miche
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 6:26 AM

Your garden is beautiful, inviting and interesting. Thank you for the tour. I love roses and from you I have learned about varieties I haven’t seen before.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:03 AM
  
  HAPPY TO BE OF HELP!
  JUST BUY WHAT SPEAKS TO YOU!
  XXX
Michelle Foley
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 6:12 AM

Your garden haven is spectacular! What a retreat to have. Perfect meditation place!!! And Miss Betty is adorable!!!!….xo m
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:02 AM
  
  I’m in GOOD COMPANY NOW!
  NEVER A DULL MOMENT!
  XOXO
Leigh Higgins
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 5:57 AM

Loved seeing this wonderful post of your beautiful garden, and the wise advice at the end. Enjoy Miss Betty.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:01 AM
  
  MANY THANKS……….it was fun to do!
  XXX
Kathy L
· Reply

May 19, 2021 at 5:42 AM

I thoroughly enjoyed a tour of your beautiful gardens, especially since the floral landscape has just begun in New England. Many years ago I read that seeing fresh flowers in person causes a release of endorphins, so I had a big bouquet of fresh flowers on my kitchen table for decades. I’m certain that a stroll in your gardens brings you an abundance of joy!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 7:00 AM
  
  THAT IS A BRILLIANT IDEA!
  I HAVE ENOUGH THIS YEAR TO SNIP AND PLUCK!
  JOY is one of MY FAVORITE WORDS!
  XXX
  PS. THE RUGOSA INN in EASTHAM is now owned by JOEY of the TACO TRUCK FAME!HE has the sibling to BETTY!!!
  I HAVE A ROOM ALL PICKED OUT!I MUST RETURN…………..
Jen
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May 19, 2021 at 5:39 AM

Oh what a joy to see your heavenly garden through your eyes. It is all magnificent. Do you use any kind of fertilizer, or manure to achieve such garden goodness?
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 6:57 AM
  
  JUST OUR COMPOST……….
  THE ITALIAN MAKES WITH OUR LEFTOVERS…………..
  SINCE NO MORE CHICKENS WE HAD MORE THIS YEAR!
  HE BUCKET DELIVERS TO EVERY FLOWER BED!
  BLESS HIM AS I CANNOT DO THAT ANYMORE!
  I USE EB STONE ON THE ROSES.
  XXX
Tara Dillard
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May 19, 2021 at 5:06 AM

God Bless Miss Betty and her too kissable tummy ! More, the son knowing to gift her to you !!

Under the heading, Unasked Advice…………………Don’t try it, I still LOVE you. But I think you will like it.

Rule of Focal Points in the Garden: Just Let It Touch. What? Focal Points grazed with foliage……….or engulfed. You’ve got the ENGULFED.

Concrete pots, you know will not be moved………………let a bit of ‘Duck Foot’ Ivy grow on them. A tiny leafed ivy, shaped like a Duck’s foot, SLOW GROWING. Get the lush on. With IVY the smaller the leaf, the slower it grows. No stress.

Pots become prosceniums: lush green accent, increasing impact of their plantings, shapes, adding softness to concrete & stone.

Hate the idea?, move along, it IS INDEED YOUR GARDEN !!! And GORGEOUS.

Wish I could hear your garden. Water, birds, wind thru foliage…..sounds coming from the house, talk & laughter from a luncheon inside the house wafting into the garden. The Italian calling your name. The sound of your slippers on the gravel……………more. Especially your laughter amongst the foliage/blooms.

Peonies are amazing, just seeing yours, the scent carries.

How would Beverly Nichols write about your garden?

Garden & Be Well, XOT
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 20, 2021 at 6:54 AM
  
  YOU ARE A DREAM MACHINE!
  OF COURSE I ADORE YOUR SUGGESTION!
  DUCK FOOT IVY……….MUST INVESTIGATE!NEVER HEARD ABOUT IT!
  OH BEVERLY and VITA would enjoy my ATTEMPT AT MAKING PRETTY!
  DO YOU KNOW I HAVE A BUDDY WHO CALLS ME VITA!!!?
  DO YOU KNOW I TEARED UP AT SISSTINGHURST?
  I DID……….I WAS SO MOVED!
  JUST LIKE I WAS AT YOUR COMMENT HERE!
  XXX
Nena
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May 19, 2021 at 4:49 AM

Breathtakingly beautiful. Thank you for always sharing your exquisite taste!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:58 AM
  
  OH THANK YOU FOR THAT………………BIG HUG!
  XXX
Diana Amato
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May 19, 2021 at 4:36 AM

I am enthralled with the proliferation of blooms in your garden this Spring. It is a gift to the senses. That yellow jasmine over the outdoor daybed is stunning, most certainly! Miss Betty will have a wonderful life wandering that garden because around every corner there is something beautiful to discover. I can imagine both Charlotte and Miss Betty turning that garden into a magical place for merriment and fun. When I think of peonies I can’t help but think of the multiple buckets of them this time of year at Trader Joe’s. They are definitely in my top 3 favorites for this time of year. I wonder where all the peony farms are?? Love your final directive: Be Well, Wild and Wonderful! So, I will!
Baci,
La Zingara
Diana
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:58 AM
  
  I THINK IN THE MIDWEST AND EAST COAST………..CHECK IT OUT!
  THAT JUST CAME TO ME UPON CLOSURE…………..I LIKE IT TOO!
  THE GARDEN IS DOING ITS DANCE THIS YEAR FOR ME………….It’s mY JOB TO GO OUT AND WATCH IT PREFORM!
  YOU BE WELL…………cant believe how tall your SON has gotten!!!
  XXX
Parnassus
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May 19, 2021 at 1:22 AM

Hello Contessa, I am just overwhelmed by the profusion in your garden. Not just the individual plants, but also the iron and other accessory pieces, and how you get everything to put on such an abundant display. I didn’t know peonies were expensive–I had one at my old house that put on a show every year–it was the only blossoming plant on the entire property.
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:55 AM
  
  Probably not in your hometown Jim as they are prolific back in the Midwest……..out here in CALIFORNIA its not really cold enough for them.Although they have gained STOCK at all my nurseries over the last 27 years!I think this year they were selling for $60.00 a piece!
  XXX
Martha foss
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May 18, 2021 at 8:43 PM

Your garden is definitely a treat for the eyes!!! Are you sure you don’t have a secret group of gardners helping you? I love how banksy finds his spots among the flowers!! Simply glorious!!!!

Xoxo martha
- LA CONTESSA
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  May 19, 2021 at 6:51 AM
  
  YOU MEAN BETTY………….
  BANKSY LOVES TO EAT THE LEMON BALM!!HE ALWAYS SMELLS SO FRESH AND CLEAN!
  THANK YOU GARDENER EXTORDINAIRE!
  XXX
Cara (S. FL)
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May 18, 2021 at 8:22 PM

Just lovely. Thank you!
Dee Black
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May 18, 2021 at 5:44 PM

Wow your garden is absolutely beautiful, how do you do all that and manage to look good, always. Betty seems right at home. Hello precious Banksy, always a treat to see your sweet face. Contessa your sense of humor makes me smile. Real = Genuine. Thanks for sharing.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:48 AM
  
  IT ONLY LOOKS THIS GOOD IN SPRING………………..THEREFORE I SHOW YOU THE PEEK PERFORMANCE!
  YOU MADE MY DAY!
  I HAVE HEARD “REAL” BEFORE BUT NOT GENUINE!
  I just say it HOW IT IS………..NOT ALWAYS A GOOD THING!
  XXX
  - Stephanie
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    May 19, 2021 at 5:37 PM
    
    I concur with Dee… Real = Genuine !!
    And yes, you do tell it like it is which is why you are so refreshingly charming.
    Spring in your garden is pure magic. The lushness, the roses and jasmine and statuary and PEONIES! And of course Betty and Banksy ~ the icing on the beautiful cake.
    Still smiling. Loved it all.
    xx
    Stephanie
    Tendrheart4
    - LA CONTESSA
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      Author
      
      May 20, 2021 at 6:49 AM
      
      THANK YOU GARDEN FLOOZY!!
      NO APPOINTMENTS IN MAY MUST STAY HOME AND ENJOY THE GARDEN!
      XXX
Leslie Lord
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May 18, 2021 at 4:31 PM

Your garden is beautiful! So lush and the roses are lovely.
Miss Betty is adorable. What a thoughtful gift :-))
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:45 AM
  
  BOTH SONS HAVE HUGE HEARTS……..THANK YOU!
  XXX
Lorna
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May 18, 2021 at 1:38 PM

As I always say, you and The Italian have one of the most magical gardens that I have ever seen. I think the fountain is beautiful too. Your day bed looks like a place where I could read an entire book. I’d be in heaven there. One thing I hate about living here is how hard it is to keep anything alive during our rainless summers. We end up watering the plants nearly every day. If a chore especially when the mosquitoes are out and biting me everywhere. Betty looks like a handful but so cute.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:43 AM
  
  DO YOU SEE THE BLACK THING HANGING IN FRONT OF BANKSY AND HIS KONG?THAT IS FOR MOSQUITOES!!I CALL IT A MOSQUITO ZAPPER…………DO YOU HAVE THOSE IN MALTA?
  THEY WORK!!!
  MAYBE I NEED TO SHIP ONE OVER…………or if any family member is going back and fourth this year have them bring as “CARRY ON!”
  YES< I LOVE TO READ IN ThAT BED!!! XXX
Ms. Mary
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May 18, 2021 at 12:14 PM

LOVE THIS! Your garden is just delicious! I know you are enjoying showing it to Miss Betty! <3
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:40 AM
  
  YES, she is SMASHING a few young plants and I just SMILE!
  WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME?!!!
  XXX
judith
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May 18, 2021 at 11:32 AM

What a treat for the eyes in this post! I love, love, love what you are calling a “jungle” look. I call it Cottage Gardening. Everything about your gardens is so appealing: the blooms, the greenery, the pathways, the urns, the cherubs, the structure, and the feeling of calm it all evokes. The rose you asked about is not “New Dawn.” I only know that because I have that rose. I will look around and see if I can identify it for you. Have fun with the new baby, and I hope the other one enjoyed her cake. You are resplendent in pink, Contessa.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 19, 2021 at 6:38 AM
  
  I KNOW YOUR RIGHT……about that ROSE!If anyone can find out its YOU!The tag may still be attached way down yonder………maybe I can ask BETTY TO FETCH!
  I AGREE COTTAGE GARDEN is MORE CORRECT……..MY ITALIAN CALLS IT A JUNGLE AND LOVES TO WEED WHACK IT!
  DRIVES ME CRAZY!I SAY LEAVE IT BE LET THE “WEEDS” BLOOM THAN YOU CAN GO AT IT!
  DO YOU KNOW I JUST LEARNED THAT WORD THIS YEAR!WELL, MAYBE LAST YEAR…………..”RESPLENDENT”from my AUSTRAliAN GIRLFRIEND ANITA!I HAD NEVER HEARD IT BEFORE……..I ADORE IT!
  XXX
  - Viji Ram
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    May 19, 2021 at 7:11 AM
    
    I think it’s Eden rose…one of my favorites..
    Love your garden!!
    - LA CONTESSA
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      Author
      
      May 19, 2021 at 7:23 AM
      
      I THINK YOU ARE CORRECT!
      BINGO!
      THANK YOU!
      XXX