GARDENING CONTESSA STYLE!

May 11, 2020 129 Comments

WELCOME TO MY FRONT DOOR!

Today YOU will have a GLIMPSE INTO MY FRONT AND BACK GARDEN.

I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT GARDENING WHEN We MOVED HERE FROM ITALY 26 YEARS AGO THIS JUNE! I appealed to the doctor about unmotivated crying, nervousness, weakness, fatigue, hand tremor, anger, aggression, indifference to past interests, bad sleep. Firstly, I was normalized with sleep by medications. I read a lot of information about Xanax at http://medimagery.com/buyxanax/ . I take it for two months, the symptoms do not come and do not repeat. I want to lie down sometimes once again, but with a good mood it’s not a burden. I like to live like this. I came to the doctor was not afraid. I read reviews of people about this remedy – many good. I’ll take as much as the doctor prescribed. I KNEW I LIKED FLOWERS AND GRASS AND MY ITALIAN BOUGHT A HOUSE WITH TONS OF PINE TREES AND NO GRASS!

I WAS A BIT BENT OUT of SHAPE!

STEP BY STEP WE TOOK AWAY AND BUILT TERRACES IN THE FRONT AND BACK.

I learned from studying catalogs that would come in the mail and by visiting NURSERIES and reading the tags.Thats it!

Here is what has happened…………..

PEONY

FRAGRANCE DELIGHTFUL!

Down the path to the BACKYARD with Winston My CARDIGAN CORGI!

This is the TREE I planted to hide the ROAD behind our home!

WHITE CREPE MYRTLE

The ITALIAN wants to take it down so HIS fruit trees have MORE ROOM!

This PINK JASMINE has covered my bathroom window

What a gift the TUB is right behind it!

TALK ABOUT FRAGRANCE!

THEODORE caught in THE ACT of a CIAO…..MEOW!

ALL that LIGHT GREEN YOU SEE WILL BE COVERED IN WHITE BANKSIA ROSES!

PEACE ROSE always the FIRST to BLOOM for me!

SO many names for this little DAISY!

TO the CHICKEN COOP!

THE MYSTERIOUS VERBASCUM that appeared last year so I have bought MORE!

I LOVE THIS PLANT AND THE FLOWER IS YELLOW!

FINALLY after FOUR YEARS the CREEPING FIG has TAKEN OFF.

UGLY PIZZA OVEN BECOVERED!

I was gifted a box of 100 crickets from my SON a few years ago for MY GARDEN!

This must be one of the OFF SPRING!

THE GIFT from BROWNIE DAYS THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

THANK YOU JILL…………

THE SPANISH STEPS as I named them many years ago!

TAKE ME TO ROME!

BANKSIA ROSE doing HER THING!

GOLDEN CELEBRATION I bought for my 40th BIRTHDAY!

Birthday NUMERO 60 is coming FAST!

PATINA PATINA!

WHITE ROSEMARY!

I planted these about THREE years ago.THEY HAVE MULTIPLIED to MY JOY!

I have forgotten the NAME………ANYONE KNOW?

MORE PATINA!

HERE COMES THE FIRST FLUSH!

TIS I……..hanging around the GARDEN!

Reminds me of the 1970’s back in the day when we went to visit my Aunt ROSELLA in Palm Springs!

Jasmine in walls NOT BLOOMING YET!

Second terrace has TEN new Fruit trees!

BOLERO ROSE with LOADS of FRAGRANCE!

THE NEW MOSQUITO ZAPPER!

I STILL HAVE ARTIFACTS from those ANTIQUE STORE DAYS that become USEFUL!

THE ITALIAN found and installed ALL BY HIMSELF!

BRAVO!

Wine Bottles I GRABBED OUT OF THE TRASH on A TUSCAN HILLSIDE!

28 YEAR AGO!

Before they were A THING!

THE PERFECT PIG!

CREEK AREA

CHARLOTTE ROSES MAKE A GOOD HEDGE.

THE CHARLOTTE ROSE

Would YOU believe I have FIVE BUSHES of THE CHARLOTTE ROSE ALREADY GROWING IN MY GARDEN?

I MAY NEED A FEW MORE NOW!

WHY YOU SAY?

THE BIG NEWS IS I BECAME A GUSHING GRANNY!

BABY CHARLOTTE!

BORN MAY 6,2020

7 pounds 10 ounces

5:38AM

AKA:LOTTIE

NOW, click onto THIS GARDEN AS IT WILL TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!

THIS GARDEN is owned by Cindy Hattersley and her HUSBAND down in Monterey County!

CLICK BELOW

SPANISH STYLE HOME with FRENCH GARDENS

BE PREPARED TO BE TRANSFIXED TO YOUR SCREEN!

I’ll be doing a HAPPY DANCE HERE for MY NEW GRAND BABY LOTTIE!

XXX

129 Comments

Leave your reply.

Jane
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 11:04 PM

I can’t begin to say how beautiful your garden is, and thank you for the tour. Mostly, I am in awe and admire you so, so much for your green thumb, perfect choices, the flow of colors and plantings, and most of all, that you find the time and energy to keep it looking so healthy yet a bit blowzy. My style exactly.

I’m loving you in the pretty mauve and coral caftan, the colors suit you. And congratulations on becoming a grandmother! We recently welcomed our fifth and sixth. All within 5 years. Busy kids!?

Jane x
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 14, 2020 at 12:41 PM
  
  6 GRANDS!!!!!!!!!!
  YOU LOOK SO YOUNG!!!!!!!!!
  CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!!!
  I STUCK with two colors in the beginning…….YELLOW & WHITE.I still try to do that but its the water and the soil that DO ALL THE WORK HERE!
  MANY MANY THANKS……….XX
bonnie sachs
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 3:18 PM

I LOVE your garden…it is so wildly organized. i can experience the fragrance right through the photos.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 8:01 PM
  
  BEAUTIFUL COMMENT………THANK YOU!
  XX
Juliet
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 1:46 PM

Absolutely enchanting! Having had the good fortune to sit in our favorite Contessa’s stunning garden, I can attest to it being every bit as fabulous – more – as it appears in your spectacular photography. Above and way beyond. xo
- Juliet
  · Reply
  
  May 13, 2020 at 1:48 PM
  
  Oh, and congrats, again, on the arrival of little Lottie! What a fortunate little girl she is … and how she will enjoy her Nini’s garden. xo
  - Juliet
    · Reply
    
    May 13, 2020 at 1:49 PM
    
    Oops … Nona’s garden?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 8:02 PM
  
  MUST COME BY WITH A MASK AND WILL WILL DO THE 6 FEET APART!
  THE MONTH OF MAY IS THE BEST!
  XX
Cynthia Blaylock
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 12:05 PM

I love the wildness of your garden, but I suspect a lot of work goes into achieving that wild look! I am surprised with all the mature plantings and what looks like their height (maybe the camera angle?), that you get enough sunlight for your roses to flourish. Just curious as to how big your yard is? And I love the crickets gift – I didn’t know – are they good for a garden? Or is it just the lovely sound? We have frogs this time of year in our pond under the bedroom window and I listen to their croaking as I drift off at night. Congratulations on becoming a nonna – it is the absolute best thing in the world to spoil them rotten.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 1:20 PM
  
  A QUARTER of an ACRE.THAT is the size of our lot I think then we back up to the water company property which makes it look bigger!Yes, lots of mature trees but the sun comes through.I do have some shady spots…..but plant accordingly.
  Crickets eat insects so I think thats a PLUS, but he bought them for THE MUSIC THEY MAKE on a HOT SUMMER NIGHT!I always HAD summer GARDEN parties and he was thinking OUT SIDE THE BOX which I LOVED!
  THANK YOU SO MUCH!
  XX
Kathy L
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 9:43 AM

Spectacular – a breath of spring for us in New England!
April Matthews
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 9:26 AM

Almost as good as being there with you and walking through all that beauty—–well not really but I love seeing it all. Thank you for sharing! So pretty. I am dreaming of how great the jasmine must smell when you are in the tub!
kim
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 7:35 AM

This post made me so happy this morning. I just am in love with your space and the garden. I wish you had photos of before. I would like to see. You and Giampi are so amazing. They talk about what Steve and Brooke did, but you two did something very similar and created a villa in the countryside feel. So what is the rose two down from the green bottle picture? It’s kind of peachy. IS that a Charlotte Rose? It’s extra pretty and I love seeing your babies too. They love it there! Congrats about your new grandbaby Lottie. What a lucky girl to have you for a grandma. She will have a lot of fun with you. My grandma was much like you and young like you and I had the best time as a girl at her home. Still my favorite childhood memories. She taught me about her pets, her flowers and cooking. I hope Charlotte gets to be near you a lot! Hugs and much love. xoxo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 8:29 AM
  
  GOLDEN CELEBRATION!IS THE NAME OF THE ROSE TWO PHOTOS AFTER THE GREEN BOTTLE!THAT is the rose I purchased on my 40 th birthday!CINDY has it too in her GARDEN!
  To be honest seeing before is NOT A VISUAL FEAST OF ANY KIND and would be hard to visualize.There was a small deck off the house then the land just dropped down to the creek.LOTS OF SHADE and VINCA and PINE TREES.Makes me SHUTTER to even THINK about it as I WASNOT A HAPPY GIRL WITH THAT YARD!THE ITALIANS response was “Think how happy the boys and dogs will be its Tom Sawyer PARADISE!!!
  HE GETS THE CREDIT AS HE HAD THE VISION!I HAD NO IDEA HOW WE COULD MAKE IT BETTER!He also has access to HEAVY EQUIPMENT!
  YES, we did exactly what they have done but not as MANY ANIMALS nor the space.
  The weather is so much better down in OJAI TOO.YOU know I have been there right?My friend Penelope B took me a few years back!
  XO
Sarah Foster
· Reply

May 13, 2020 at 2:14 AM

EVERYTHING is glorious, gorgeous, elegant, charming, lovely, inviting .. I could GO ON and on! I hope that one I can sit in your truly beautiful garden and share a glass of champagne with you, Contessa! So happy for all the good things in your life, especially beautiful baby Lottie. All my love to you, my friend. Xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 8:14 AM
  
  THIS IS MORE THAN ONE WORD!
  THANK YOU FOR THE VISIT!
  NOW YOU KNOW WHAT I COLLECT AND DO IN THE GARDEN!
  AS YOU HUNKER DOWN FOR WINTER WE ARE REVING IT UP OVER HERE!!!
  SO WONDERFUL WE CAN SHARE IT FOR EACH OTHER!!
  YOU LOOK WELL.I HOPE YOUR FEELING WELL!
  XO
Auntybelle
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 9:42 PM

I’m speechless! Where to begin? Your gardens are a dream of scent and beauty! The lovely daybed under an arbor of yellow roses is storybook princess perfect?. Imagine how delighted your sweet Lottie will be to scamper up and down your “Spanish Steps” or to pluck fruit from her grandfather’s trees? Each piece of statuary or stone whimsy enchants — It’s remarkable, Contessa. You and your wonderful Italian have created your own Eden. It’s a dream you made come true. I’m so excited for your new role as Nonna-Tessa ( grandmother Contessa?). Deeply happy days ahead for you, watching her grow and discover the beauty that awaits her. Every blessing on little Lady Charlotte and her family?
Auntybelle
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 9:42 PM

I’m speechless! Where to begin? Your gardens are a dream of scent and beauty! The lovely daybed under an arbor of yellow roses is storybook princess perfect?. Imagine how delighted your sweet Lottie will be to scamper up and down your “Spanish Steps” or to pluck fruit from her grandfather’s trees? Each piece of statuary or stone whimsy enchants — It’s remarkable, Contessa. You and your wonderful Italian have created your own Eden. It’s a dream you made come true. I’m so excited for your new role as Nonna-Tessa ( grandmother Contessa?). Deeply happy days ahead for you, watching her grow and discover the beauty that awaits her. Every blessing on little Lady Charlotte and her family.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 8:12 AM
  
  SO SORRY you had to write that all out TWICE!!!LEAVING UP SO you can see it came TWICE!DUMB INTERNET!
  LOVE NONNA ~ TESSA!!!
  THAT DAY BED TOOK YEARS FOR ME TO CONVINCE THE ITALIAN!!!!!
  THE COST WAS THE MATTRESS.Worth every PENNY!Even he naps there now when its HOT!SOME things are worth going ON and ON ABOUT!!!!!!
  DO SUBSCRIBE to my POSTS on the HOME PAGE left hand side!!!
  Hope you can find that!
  THANK YOU and YES it is PARADISE NO NEED TO TRAVEL TOO MUCH!!
  XX
Nancy Brantley
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 9:22 PM

WHAT CAN I SAY….GORGEOUS!!! I have always loved a beautiful landscape. The 3 homes I have lived went from bare landscaping to trees, shrubs, flowers and statues, etc. The landscape makes a house look either great or ugly REGARDLESS of the value of property!! You are my kind of lady!….I’ve always did and still work in my landscape. I’ll send you pictures of my landscape if you like. I’ve never had close neighbors that appreciated nice landscape unfortunately. Congratulations on being a grandma!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 8:05 AM
  
  I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR GARDEN!
  MY EMAIL IS iolacontessa@gmail.com
  FORGET THE NEIGHBORS!!!!!!!
  IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY DO IT!!!
  XX
lisa thomson
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 6:01 PM

Congratulations on your new granddaughter!! Charlotte…love the name. So sweet. Also your garden is fabulous!! I want to come have tea in the garden with you, Banksy and Charlotte. Will have to wait for borders to open—lol.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 13, 2020 at 8:03 AM
  
  ANYTIME LISA…………….I’m always here!
  XX
Anita Day
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 4:47 PM

The wind has changed…….I have internet!!!!
My goodness, the garden is looking amazing.
All that pruning in the winter has paid off……..the roses are resplendent!!!!!
I see in Cindy’s garden she loves Golden Celebration too.
You’ll be pleased to know that I ordered 2 Charlotte’s………delivery next month.
Elizabeth, your mystery plant.
I think it’s the white form of Spanish Bluebell.
This has been such a beautiful post Elizabeth
Lovely to see on a wet, miserable day here.
Sending love Vita.
Neat xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 5:04 PM
  
  FANTASTIC!
  AND WE ALL HAVE GOLDEN CELEBRATION!!!!
  SO,NOW IF WE COULD ONLY CELEBRATE……….VIRUS BE GONE!
  RAIN HERE TOO!!!!
  WE HAVE NEVER HAD RAIN IN MAY THAT I CAN RECALL…….EVER!
  It will keep the HILLS GREEN for a BIT LONGER!!!
  XX
Lark
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 2:21 PM

I am in complete awe and admiration! Your gardens are beautiful!\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ (My cat just walked across my keyboard – she heard my gushing at your post!) So, I will leave her exclamations.
Congratulations from one Grandmama to another!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 3:51 PM
  
  LOVE IT!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!
  XX
Josephine Floyd
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 12:46 PM

Thankyou for allowing us to enjoy your magnificent garden , a garden Of such beauty ,developed with love and passion over so many years .
I felt I was walking through with your glorious images love love xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 3:50 PM
  
  HAPPY TO HAVE YOU STROLLING ALONG JOSEPHINE……………..
  MANY THANKS,
  XX
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

Author

May 12, 2020 at 12:33 PM

VIA EMAIL:
OMG! You two BOTH have the MOST beautiful gardens!
I am over the moon Inspired!
Thank you for putting sunshine in my “in box”!

Kathleen Hurder Lauderbach
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 3:49 PM
  
  OUR PLEASURE!
  CINDY and I both get excited when YOU our READERS RESPOND as its the ONLY WAY WE KNOW IF YOU ARE ENJOYING WHAT WE ARE POSTING!SO, THANK YOU for your EMAIL………..XX
  Ps. I hope SUNSHINE is in YOUR INBOX at least ONCE A DAY!!!!
D. A. Squires
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 12:28 PM

I am still thinking about the Manchurian Pear Trees (the name ! and the two by two row, so gorgeous and romantic…) and the Australian Gardener …and the lovely and talented CA artist and her watercolor of Banksy. And now strolling through your garden with Banksia and Charlotte Roses ~ both names so special to you!! It is a real life Secret Garden. For this post (and the last two), I felt like I was INSIDE a watercolor painting (I could even imagine the fragrances). It is true that one can never have too many flowers, and mad with envy I am that your home can be filled with bowls and jugs and cut glass vases of these beauties : ) Simply breathtaking, as was Cindy’s garden tour ~ transporting and inspiring for the mind and spirit. And amongst the time-worn mossy statuary and pebbled paths (channeling the Sacred Woods…) I spied a long-stemmed coral and pink rose that is most definitely one of a kind. XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 3:46 PM
  
  YOU AND YOUR WORDS!!!!!!!!
  SO, HAPPY YOU ENJOYED ANITA!!!!
  SHE IS A DEAR DEAR FRIEND TO ME!
  I’m off to cut a few bouquets NOW……….I will THINK TO YOU!
  XX
- AnitaDay
  · Reply
  
  May 12, 2020 at 7:17 PM
  
  The pear trees are looking amazing just right now. If you’re on Instagram, I’ve just posted a photo.
  Thank you so much
  Anita
Rosemarie
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 12:20 PM

Hi there CONTESSA

The garden is beyond beautiful! It is so natural and speaks to all. It should be featured in garden magazines. People go on tours to gardens here there everywhere when the best one is YOURS!
Thanks so much for sharing.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 3:43 PM
  
  NO!!!
  THERE ARE LOADS OF GARDENS THAT MAKE MINE LOOK DULL!
  THEY HAVE HIRED HELP……………does make a DIFFERENCE!
  I think CINDY’s garden needs to be featured on the cover of a magazine!
  GRAND AND GORGEOUS…………she has the structures and the views!!!
  THANKS FOR WEIGHING IN!!!!!!!
  XX
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 11:24 AM

YIKES!!! My very favorite garden! Wild and wonderful! Just the kind I love!
Fascinating. I would love to see a map of how it lays out! I adore it!

We have some of those banksia roses thanks to you! They get huge and fantastic quickly! It looks like nothing happened here just two years after 3 feet of mud obliterated everything but the trees!
And your and my type of garden is the best for wildlife! And the birds! I bet there are a million!
Don’t you let that Italian take down that white crape myrtle!!! Love it! BRAVISSIMA!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 3:39 PM
  
  NO, I WILL NOT ALLOW THAT THE TREE STAYS this will be its THIRD YEAR so may even grow enough to hide the road!
  YES, the birds are plentiful and this year especially they are singing like CRAZY!!
  THE smallest Birds make the BIGGEST NOISE!
  I cannot DRAW………BUT I’ll try and draw you a LAY OUT and mail by snail mail!
  YOUR 11 baby ducklings are the cutest!!!
  THAT DAN captures SO MUCH!!!
  XX
Graciela
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 10:37 AM

Wow, absolutely beautiful, YOU, your style, your garden.

Many blessings to you and thank you so much for sharing your fabulous home.

Shelter in Place, stay in – stay safe. Blessings to you and yours,
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 3:34 PM
  
  I HOPE YOU ARE DOING WELL GRACIELA…………..
  I think about YOU OFTEN!
  THANK YOU.
  I am doing what we are told to do!I have no problems staying at HOME!
  NOT BORED YET!
  This morning read some emails, cleaned up the kitchen, vacuumed, and saw a little MOUSE running around that THE CAT, THEODORABLE brought in LAST NIGHT and I couldNOT find!!! SO, today got him safely OUTSIDE!Did have to hang up on my phone call!!!
  THANK YOU for ALL YOUR KIND WORDS!
  XX
LA CONTESSA
· Reply

Author

May 12, 2020 at 9:45 AM

YES, Carla I cut and prune each rose every JANUARY.At one point I had over 300 roses!Between the front yard and the backyard!It took me a few days if not a week.I then FEED each rose.I have lost a few roses over the years so have some HOLES!
We do USE THAT PIZZA OVEN and the ITALIAN makes BREAD TOO in it!!!ALSO BAKED BEANS overnight on a slow bake.The table is right in front of the oven which is an OLD ANTIQUE DOOR I found in TUSCANY!Wine is always available……………
THE BEST IS GOING DOWN THE Spanish Steps EACH MORNING TO FEED THE CHICKENS!AS you can see my jasmine is NOT blooming yet but will be soon……………LOVE THE FRAGRANCE and it lasts through out summer.
XX
Carla Christoph
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 7:34 AM

Just beautiful! I guess everything grows better in California. How nice to be able to have so many cuttings to make gorgeous arrangements to bring into the house. Do you have to cut all these rose bushes and other plants back in the fall or early spring or can you just leave as be and everything comes back bigger and better each year. Does the Italian not use the pizza oven? I like the look of it and how nice to maybe have a table, chairs and some good wine and sit amongst all the beauty enjoying a delicious pizza!! I bet the air smells wonderful as you stroll through your gardens! Thank you for sharing!,
Andrea Serrahn
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 7:24 AM

Having been to your beautiful home and garden, I must say that I do feel as though I’ve stepped into a fairytale garden. Vast expanses of fragrant greens dotted with nooks and crannies and twists and turns. Carved stone statues and shaded retreats. It’s a welcome escape from city life just over yonder. And the synchronicity of your Charlotte rose? Surely they are blooming this year!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:38 AM
  
  ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL COMPLIMENT!
  YES, THE CHARLOTTE ROSES ARE BLOOMING!!!!
  IN FULL FORCE however that rain last night?????AFRAID TO GO PEEK!
  I find that A BEAUTIFUL SIGN THAT I HAVE SO MANY CHARLOTTE ROSES!
  THANK YOU for coming to lunch all those years ago………..must do that again!MAYBE NEXT YEAR if all goes well!!!!!!!!XX
  - Heidi
    · Reply
    
    May 12, 2020 at 11:47 AM
    
    Hi Elizabeth,
    Your garden is like a dream, I would spend all my time out there! Little Lottie will love Exploring it with her fabulous Contessa grandmama!
    My neighbors down the road invited me over to cut flowers. I got there yesterday before the rain and left with bunches and bunches of roses, also lettuce, and irises to plant, and pretty things I cut from the side of the road as I walked back. How I wish we had more of a garden here, and less wild “natural” landscaping! One day….
    Xo Heidi
Kim
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 6:40 AM

Beautiful garden and so inspiring. Congrats on Baby Lottie. Met a girl years ago who went by the name of Lottie. She also went by Lot-Tee-Da!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:34 AM
  
  If this is the KIM I think it is…….I’ll go look after I comment
  YOU KNOW I ADORE THAT!
  WHAT FUN AND SPIRIT!
  XX
Jennifer McFadden or Mrs. M
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 6:12 AM

Your gardens are absolutely fabulous!!! I wish we could have lived in a more green place. Southeast NM is pure dessert. It has its beauty and awesome sun rises and sets. Maybe in time we can move to a more green and warm place. My Mr M says some day!

Congrats on the new G-baby. I have a second one due first of July, another Boy!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:33 AM
  
  BOYS ARE GOOD!
  ENJOY THOSE SUNRISES AND SUNSETS!
  I have a busy road behind my garden so NOT PERFECT!!
  CONGRATUALTIONS!
  I’m a JULY BABY TOO!
  XX
Michelle Troglia Foley
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 5:58 AM

Is that heaven? It sure looks like that!!! Exquisite…xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:31 AM
  
  I do not NEED to GO anywhere………SO MAYBE a little piece!!!
  XO
Karen Kownurko
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 5:19 AM

What a fabulous time in your life. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your restored health, the birth of your precious granddaughter, and creating that gorgeous oasis to enjoy your beautiful family.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:30 AM
  
  THANK YOU!
  YOU know they say to ALWAYS plant in THREE’s and NOW LOOK what you have pointed OUT!
  THREE FABULOUS THINGS!!
  I WILL.
  XX
foodiefan
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 5:12 AM

I feel so lucky to have visited your garden on many occasions in different seasons! It really is a magnificent sight and it keeps changing over the years. What a transformation you have made from 28 years ago – such a joy looking at all the photos of the flowers and trees you have nurtured over the years!
Congratulations on becoming a granny! Lottie will love exploring all the nooks and crannies and playing hide and seek in your beautiful garden in the years to come. xo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:28 AM
  
  THANK YOU APRIL………..I bet you toured this house before we bought it???!!
  THE MIRAMONTE HISTORY teacher lived here with NO MAIL BOX!!
  It has changed A LOT from the VINCA DAYS……………XOXO
Ros short
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 4:54 AM

Strange ,I could almost smell the perfume of your garden as I scrolled thru your garden ,just beautiful ,Enjoy baby Charlotte ,they just love you unconditionally .She is a gift & you will b the perfect Noni
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:24 AM
  
  GRAZIE…………
  HAPPY YOU COULD SMELL THE ROSES!IT RAINED YESTERDAY AND THROUGH THE NIGHT afraid I will have a few petals on the ground today!!!
  XX
Judy Sparks
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 4:44 AM

I adore your magical wildernessof a garden. We have downsized from a large garden to a balcony with red geraniums and a lovely sea-view in Brighton ,England . Congratulations on your newest grandchild . I,m 80 with 18 grandchildren and life is still full of joy! So just wait and see what the next 20 years will bring you! Wish I cold come to lunch with you. Too far just now I,m afraid! Very best wishes Judy S.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:23 AM
  
  Well, maybe I can get to ENGLAND in the near future………….I will be happy to CONNECT!Sorry your first comment had to be “OKAYED” by ME.THANKS for writing TWICE!!
  XX
Judy Sparks
· Reply

May 12, 2020 at 4:42 AM

I adore your magical wildernessof a garden. We have downsized from a large garden to a balcony with red geraniums and a lovely sea-view in Brighton ,England . Congratulations on your newest grandchild . I,m 80 with 18 grandchildren and life is still full of joy! So just wait and see what the next 20 years will bring you! Very best wishes Judy S.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:21 AM
  
  OH JUDY 18 GRAND KIDS!!!!!!!!!
  LUCKY YOU!
  I HAVE BEEN TO BRIGHTON AND THAT PIER!IN 1981…….long time ago!
  YOUR BALCONY SOUNDS BEAUTIFUL!
  THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORDS HERE!
  XX
Karen Persson
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May 12, 2020 at 4:31 AM

So gorgeous and inspiring! You’re so talented!

Thank you for the beautiful post!

Love,

Karenxoxoxox
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:17 AM
  
  WELCOME…………hope to see you this FALL!!!
  But who knows what will happen with the Un-masked President !!!
  BE SAFE. KEEP RUNNING IN HOLLAND………
  XX
  - Karen Persson
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    May 16, 2020 at 12:12 PM
    
    Yes, I hope to come in the fall or at the end of the summer. Must wait to see how things go. It’s so crazy.
    
    You guys, too, stay healthy and safe.
    
    Love with a big hug and kisses,
    
    Karenxoooxoxoxx
Jill James
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May 12, 2020 at 2:55 AM

Congratulations to you and your Italian on becoming grandparents. Is little Charlotte close by?
I have so enjoyed your garden tour as a fellow gardener and seeing your Spring flowers especially as we head in to Winter. Love your white peony , I do wish I could get them to flower, and the white rosemary , something I had never seen, must check it out , love white flowers. Enjoy your garden in the warmer weather.
You look stunning in your coral caftan.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:14 AM
  
  SEVEN HOUR DRIVE…………….
  I STARTED OUT PLANTING ONLY WHITE AND YELLOW FLOWERING PLANTS……that yellow was not easy in the beginning but am finding more and more!
  THANKS!
  XX
Taste of France
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May 12, 2020 at 12:57 AM

Congratulations on the new grandchild! Such happiness.
Your garden is enchanting. It’s a world unto itself, a little piece of paradise. I am in awe. My roses are blooming, but they constantly get eaten up by … no idea whether it’s insects or mold or rust or I don’t even know what attacks roses.
Your eye for color and shape and balance, which serves you so well in fashion and décor, clearly translates as well to garden design. I like that it wasn’t all planned out and perfect, like an expensive but soulless decorator house, but that it was layered over time, like your home’s interior. So much more interesting and authentic.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:11 AM
  
  YOU MADE ME SMILE BIG!
  “SOULLESS DECORATOR’s HOUSE!”I NEVER HAD THE RIGHT WORDS BEFORE!
  YOU NAILED THAT LOOK!
  THAT ALL STARTED AROUND THE TIME POTTERY BARN CAME TO TOWN!
  THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMPLIMENT IT’s A BIG ONE!!!
  APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR WORDS!!!
  XX
Ms. Mary
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May 11, 2020 at 7:26 PM

Such a sweet, happy and lush garden. 🙂 It is so inviting. I bet there is a photograph around every corner. I hope the spring is kind to your plants. Enjoy it. <3
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:12 AM
  
  RAIN YESTERDAY Ms. MARY!!!
  AFRAID TO GO OUTSIDE AND PEEK!!
  XX
Penelope
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May 11, 2020 at 5:08 PM

Abundance! That is the word that seems to best describe your wonderland. Thank you for the tour. May is my favorite month in the garden and if I have to be secluded at home, this is the best time of the year.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 5:41 PM
  
  EXACTLY………….WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE THEM!!
  Did you get rain today in MARIN?
  XX
gayle olson
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May 11, 2020 at 4:38 PM

Oh, joy! A baby girl, after 2 boys. You will all have so much fun with the Princess of Quite a Lot to quote Mary Engelbreit! I love your garden, particularly when you take a shot of an area. I love the individual flowers but like to see the whole of the garden in bits!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 5:39 PM
  
  I know!
  This year it was hard getting a GOOD SHOT of an area as somethings were NOT READY TO BE ON STAGE YET!The closer I got to today MAY 11th the better the garden looked.Now today we have had RAIN!Never have I experienced rain in MAY!NEVER!
  It was light but if it rains more tonight THAT FIRST FLUSH WILL BE GONE!However what is ready to bloom will be HAPPY!
  I was NOT HAPPY WITH MY PHOTOS THIS YEAR TO BE HONEST……..I think that’s why I kept adding……..TOO MANY!
  XX
Carol Heartfelt Whimsies
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May 11, 2020 at 2:43 PM

Unbelievable beauty abounds from every nook and cranny of your beautiful garden! I absolutely LOVE the Peace Rose. One of the best fragrances. I can’t believe what you’ve created in your backyard!!
Congrats on becoming a grandmother!! Enjoy every minute!!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 12, 2020 at 9:06 AM
  
  MANY THANKS CAROL……….I WILL!
  XX
Ginger
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May 11, 2020 at 2:26 PM

Thank you for the lovely tour of your beautiful garden! The feathery petals of the Peony are sublime…and a lovely scent too? Be still my heart!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 2:40 PM
  
  YES,THE PEONY HAS A GLORIOUS SCENT!XX
Never Mind Donna
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May 11, 2020 at 1:29 PM

In this time of isolation, thank you for transporting me to such a lovely place. Your gardens are breathtaking!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 1:52 PM
  
  HAPPY TO HELP………………Hope you are doing well!
  XX
Mary Ann Pickett
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May 11, 2020 at 1:26 PM

Congrats on Baby Charlotte! What is the offspring of a contessa called?
Your garden is divine and I want more than ever to visit!!! AND see you.
Mary Ann
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 1:52 PM
  
  LITTLE CONTESSA in TRAINING!!!
  NOW IS THE TIME…………..DON THAT MASK AND GET OVER HERE!!!
  XX
Lorna
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May 11, 2020 at 12:25 PM

Oh Elizabeth, your garden is so magical and beautiful. I don’t know how you do it, how you manage to have walls totally covered in roses and beautiful plants. We only have na ivy that grows without a problem. Our roses lose all their leaves in winter but they are finally back and flowering. But we don’t get a profusion of flowers like you do. Perhaps I should stick to Mediterranean plants. Off to Cindy’s. I know her garden is gorgeous too.
Love to little Lottie.
I love that your son gave you 100 crickets as a gift. What an original idea.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 1:46 PM
  
  I LOVED IT TOO………and written on the box was “Here is something to continue your SOIREE through out the summer!”
  They were 3 cents each……..so AFFORDABLE for a young twenty something!!!
  I have always wanted to add to them but never have!They come back every SUMMER!
  XX
judith
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May 11, 2020 at 11:01 AM

Contessa, is your mystery plant a three-cornered garlic? Another name for it is white bluebell; it’s in the allium family. The other one with so many names is also called English Daisy. Your gardens are so very pretty. Will you share how you care for roses, as Cindy did for her garden? Congratulations on baby Charlotte!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 1:49 PM
  
  COULD BE………….I need to show my local NURSERY MAN!THANKS!
  I think THE ENGLISH DAISY is a LITTLE BIGGER………….these are Erigeron Flowers.
  I LOVE THE ENGLISH DAISY!!!!
  THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD WISHES AND THE INPUT!!!
  XX
LA CONTESSA
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Author

May 11, 2020 at 10:51 AM

I DO ROBIN but where are they is the question………………..the land just dropped off with Pine trees and Vinca.UN~ USABLE REALLY!BY adding dirt and terracing we ADDED MORE SPACE TO PLAY!
NO photos of LOTTIE as they are NOT wanting me to POST!
Its a different VARIETY…….RARE the WHITE ROSEMARY!
XX
Robin
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May 11, 2020 at 10:23 AM

Your garden is so European! So lush!!
Do you have before pictures, what it looked like when you purchased? That must be amazing!!
Looking forward to photos of Lottie. How far are they from you?
Your rosemary blooms white? Mine all bloom purple. They are plated with the lavender, so compliment each other.
The roses and peonies are gorgeous.
Thanks so much for the tour.
Leslie Lord
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May 11, 2020 at 8:53 AM

Thank you for this beautiful garden tour! It’s absolutely divine!!!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 10:45 AM
  
  THANK YOU for VISITING Humble BUNGALOW!
Parnassus
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May 11, 2020 at 8:45 AM

Congratulations Contessa! No event can be happier than the arrival of a new grandchild. Give her a hug for me!

How even to begin about your garden–a place of total enchantment. It’s slow and organic growth is what gives it such great charm. You have many vistas and enchanting views anywhere you look. I always wanted some land, but what I had in mind was only fruit trees. Reading about the growth of your garden, it seems that building once can be a lot of fun. I also tend to accumulate lots of objects that could create vignettes, etc.

Your flowers are all colorful and beautiful, and seem to all be extensions of your personality, as is the entire garden.
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 10:44 AM
  
  WHAT A COMPLIMENT JIM!THANK YOU………………
  THE GARDEN is VERY much ME!
  I constantly have to tell THE ITALIAN NOT TO CUT DOWN THAT SELF SEEDING ‘WEED” to him as it will give a FLOWER!WE have different ideas about THE GARDEN.
  SO, far I am WINNING!
  IT’s a labor of LOVE and what is so unique is it is constantly changing……………each STAGE can be BEAUTIFUL to the Human who created it!SPring ALWAYS takes my BREATH AWAY!
  VIGNETTES are right up my alley TOO!
  XX
Ellie's friend
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May 11, 2020 at 8:19 AM

Congratulations, grandma! You are a nonna now! What wonderful news to hear of Lottie! I greatly enjoyed your garden and your new series! Wonderful! I sent you an email….
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 10:40 AM
  
  I GOT IT!
  BEAUTIFUL YELLOW BIRDIE!!!!
  SI, DA VERO SONO LA NONNA!!!
  I was just thinking I will be 80 when she turns 20!!!!!!!
  XX
  - Ellie's friend
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    May 11, 2020 at 6:13 PM
    
    It will be a great age for both of our ladies! I love your garden series! Are you going to change your email to
    iolanonna? Congrats again (and again!). I can just see you taking her shopping!
    - LA CONTESSA
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      Author
      
      May 12, 2020 at 9:03 AM
      
      LOVE IT BUT NO!!
      XX
Sandra Sallin- Apart From My Art
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May 11, 2020 at 7:51 AM

Oh I so wish I could go walking in your garden. How did you plan it? Did you just start planting? Did you have a plan? Did you haunt nurseries? Was there a look you wanted? It’s absolutely gorgeous and wild. Just like you. Are you still adding plants? What’s that plant with so many names? Does it take over? I love the Charlotte rose. Bottom line love your garden.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 10:38 AM
  
  THE ITALIAN came up with THE PLAN.First about 10 PINE TREES he took down.Then we had to TERRACE so that meant my job was to find FREE DIRT!Pretty easy!The boys middle school was building a GYM so I told the 18 WHEELER TRUCK DRIVER TO FOLLOW ME!I was just down the road and he would NOT have to pay to dump his dirt!HA!Truck had to JACK KNIFE to unload………it was a SITE!
  Concrete walls went up……….I carried one block THE ITALIAN carried FIVE!There are three rows below the dirt from what you can see!
  YES,I HAUNTED NURSERIES even ones far away!
  FLOWERS………I WANTED LOADS OF FRAGRANT FLOWERS!
  THE ROMANTIC LOOK!
  YES, when I can sneak them by THE ITALIAN!YOU see one more plant means ONE more water nozzle!HE IS MY WATER BOY!
  Santa Barbara DAISY and no its NOT INVASIVE and YES YOU NEED THAT ON YOUR HILL!VERY EASY TO GROW……..MOUNDS UP!OR CASCADES DOWN!
  THANK YOU!
  MAY IS ITS CROWNING GLORY MONTH!
  XOXO
  - Sandra Sallin
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    May 11, 2020 at 12:03 PM
    
    Oh, I love the story. So interesting. See it’s great learning how the garden evoloved. I’m going to add that Santa Barbara Daisey. I need some touches of light and white. delightful. I love the details. great story!!! Do you have sprinklers or do you have drip irrigation. See I need to know.
    - LA CONTESSA
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      Author
      
      May 12, 2020 at 4:57 PM
      
      BOTH!!!!
      XX
cindy
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May 11, 2020 at 7:25 AM

OMG what can I say darn I wish I could be there to admire and ask questions about what is what! I am so glad you convinced me to plant Bolero. Steve planted them too far apart (but I have to be quiet). They were bare root so not yet blooming. So interesting that Charlotte has done so well for you. I tried one several years ago and it did not do well for me. You guys get more rain and so some that do well there do not here! I hope we get out of jail soon so I can bring Summer over to see your garden. She cried yesterday because she wanted me to bring her pink roses….broke my heart. Well congrats Granny! Can’t wait to meet her!
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  May 11, 2020 at 10:29 AM
  
  BOLERO gets pretty rotunda so maybe it will be OKAY!Put carpet roses in between?
  YES!SUMMER needs to meet BANKSY and WINSTON TOO!
  WE will have a GIRLS LUNCH IN THE GARDEN…………
  THANK YOU !!!!
  I’m catching up to YOU!
  XX
  - barbara jones
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    May 12, 2020 at 2:47 PM
    
    That garden is a little piece of paradise and of course very stylish. The beautiful animals complement the flowers and provide a perfect backdrop to the gorgeous Contessa!
    - LA CONTESSA
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      Author
      
      May 12, 2020 at 4:57 PM
      
      THANK YOU BARBARA……….BIG HUG,XX