Tag: travel & blogging

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Gardens of Hillwood

In the Lunar Lawn the magnolia blooms were breathtaking, along with spring blooming azaleas and dogwoods. This garden was designed for entertaining on a grand scale.
Foo Dog statue along the garden path.

Diana the Roman goddess of the hunt in the French Parterre garden, which are formal beds divided by paths.

This weekend was spent exploring the gardens on the Hillwood Estate in upper northwest Washington, and to see the varying gardens with greenhouses set on 25 acres that sit adjacent to Rock Creek Park are breathtakingly inspiring. For an entire day we were able to see what prominent landscape architects Umberto Innocenti and Richard Webel were able to do in capturing the vision of Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1950’s.

Their formal gardens extend from the house’s terraces and porches in a progression called “outdoor rooms”. Each area compliments the mansion’s interior spaces or design if you will so, as you stroll the grounds you see beauty all year long.

Hillwood Estate and Gardens
4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
{202} 686-5807

I have been stylishly inspired so, stay tuned for more from Hillwood!
K

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Summer Dreams

What is it about this time of year that draws one outdoors? Early this morning I took my coffee and camera outside to listen to the neighborhood awaken in the cool crisp air. As I focused on taking photos of the newly bloomed Asian Lilies, squirrels jumped from tree to tree. At first, I thought it was a huge buck walking through the woods or a rather large man, but after focusing on the area where branches were falling, I saw the furry tails of these creatures chasing one another. After lining up a few floral shots, I picked up my coffee and began dreaming of the perfect summer, which by coincidence starts with a morning like this…NO HUMIDITY and temps down to 46 degrees.

I usually take to creating the perfect escape during lengthy meetings at work, and begin drafting vacations in margins of notes or on the computer. First and foremost I must be near water. Its the perfect place to start the day with a morning swim, then to end the day after sightseeing. To be gliding through the water for an evening swim is absolute luxury!

As my needs are simple next on the list, its about finding bakeries and bistros with fabulous desserts or treats. Tony took this photo while in downtown Rio last week of a tart and cappuccino at Columbio Confectionary. And, margarita’s to martini’s are always on the agenda.

Lastly, what reverie can end without flowers. These beautiful lilies were from the early morning photo-shoot, where my focus during warmer months are always on growing and procuring blooms to have on the desks at work, and in vases around Heath.

As summer approaches, remember to stay stylish,
K