Author: Kathleen

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French Garden Retreat

IMG_1399 IMG_1400Look at the Baccarat–clear sky above the Hameau de la Reine {the Queen’s Hamlet} in these photos, this tranquil cottage on the grounds of Versailles has become my inspiration for the gardens at Heath this spring. I have been researching information on how Marie-Antoinette enjoyed this quiet hamlet as a refuge from the pomp and ceremony of her court. Imagine an exclusively secret garden where no one may enter without an invitation.

IMG_1403 IMG_1418Though I am not compelled to do what André Le Nôtre, Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Jean-Baptiste Colbert did for Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette in designing the layout of the gardens at Versailles by removing woodland and shifting huge amounts of earth to create canals, fountains, flower beds and the Orangerie.

But, I am dreaming of creating my own escape with beds filled with parrot tulips, hydrangea, grape hyacinths along with night blooming jasmine and orange blossoms. There is nothing like being in the fresh air and wide-open spaces during the weekends, and having a body of water close by makes this secluded area and absolute {re}treat.

Garden stylishly in the French fashion,
K

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Weekend Reprieve

IMG_3502{Magnolia blossoms across the street from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.}

What is it about taking a Friday off from work to enhance your weekend? Is it the added daylight hours or the warmer weather that forces one to sneak off from work? Well for me this added indulgence means heading off to the galleries to see what’s on in Washington DC or the surrounding metropolitan area.

IMG_3607[Bras de Seine Pres Giverny, oil-1897}

A painting by Claude Monet at the Kreeger, which is a private museum and the former home of David and Carmen Kreeger. Their home was designed by modernist architect Philip Johnson. The couple collected paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th century with works by Boudin, Cezanne, Picasso, Van Gogh and Washington’s own artist Sam Gilliam.

IMG_3567It was great to have several days to straighten up the grounds at Heath, but canning a few jars of pickles to serve as a tasty accompaniment to burgers at the start of barbecuing season was well worth the time off.

IMG_3685{My handsome nephew learning to enjoy scallops}

And, lastly nothing is more priceless than having dinner with family at our favorite restaurant {Timbuktu’s} in Maryland for crabs, scallops and lobster. We get together each spring break for fun and frivolities.

Stay stylish,
K