My first weekend in Paris we went to the Parc de Bagatelle, a beautiful picnic spot in the wider Bois de Boulogne. The Bagatelle was built in 1777 by the Comte d’Artois, who managed to complete the project in 64 days, winning a bet against Marie Antoinette who wagered that it could not be completed in under three months. It’s changed hands a few times since then and is now open for the rest of us to enjoy.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.
Paris is the city of my dreams and I am so incredibly happy to be back here again.
Keeping our priorities straight, on the day of my arrival my sister and I went to the Marché aux fleurs on Ile de la Cité to get some plants and herbs for our apartments. Walking back with our arms full of green we could not stop smiling.
Today the sun came out so we cruised around town in Pierre’s little 1984 Volkswagen and then took a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg. Plenty more Paris to come!
All photographs by Sophia & Olivia Kaplan.
Being a happy tourist at the Osaka Aquarium with my mate the whale shark and at Tenku no Noen rooftop farm in amongst the city.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan & co.
Check out these beautiful handmade resin vases by artist Kate Rhode with quirky floral arrangements by the lovely Cecilia Fox. More info on the collection, titled Ornamental Crimes over at The Design Files.
All photographs by Andrew Barcham.
Welcome to the mean streets of Osaka (not really, this feels like the safest place on earth). Everything seemed to be in bloom – I can only imagine what cherry blossom season is like – and most homes and shopfronts have a pile of pot plants out the front. There is a strong connection to nature here, even in super urban cities like Osaka.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Japan. My man and I went to Osaka and Kyoto and in amongst all the shopping and sightseeing we managed to squeeze in a few garden visits.
First cab of the rank is Utsubo Park in Osaka. This garden hosts a rose garden that was originally planted in 2006 for the first World Rose Convention in Asia. There are approximately 160 different species of roses on display. A little man-made creek runs through the area with kids splashing around while parents laze in the sun.
All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.
Poppies are one of my favourite flowers. Here photographer Daniella Rech shoots these delicate beauties along with model Alexandra Agoston for Russh Magazine.
Tania’s taste is always spot on. Check out a few pics from her blog Delectable Daily.
All images via Delectable Daily.
We’ll be back to regular programming tomorrow, but until then please enjoy the final guest post by Liv for the moment (she will be back!).
House & Garden – June 1971 by Olivia Hantken
Carrying on from my last post, here is another House & Garden magazine which I adore. This issue was hard to pull apart, so I have chosen a bit of everything! From garden sitting rooms, to outdoor entertaining, and two amazing forest retreats.
Located in Waccabuc NY, and designed by architect Myron Goldfinger this amazing house still exists today and is actually for sale! Check out the listing here. Sadly it looks as if the house has been redesigned and lost some of its 1970s charm.
This bird watching structure is located on a riverbank in England, and was designed by two British husband and wife architectural teams: Richard & Su Rogers, and Norman & Wendy Foster.
Thank you so much to Liv for her beautiful contributions and enthusiasm for The Secret Garden.
House & Garden – June 1970 by Olivia Hantken
I picked up this treasure whilst shopping with my mum in Brunswick many years ago. There was a big stack and I regret that we only bought two! They float between her bookcase and mine as we not only love the beautiful images, but enjoy the time warp we enter when reading them.
Whilst not strictly gardens, below is a series of images from this issue featuring alfresco living ideas and interior design.
My favourite is without a doubt the bean bag room. This was taken from the penthouse of french actor Francois Perrier (on Boulevard St Germain of course!). He was aided by interior decorator Francois Arnal, who also painted the black and white composition on the far wall.
Along with the Zanuda bean bag chairs, the feature cactus and amazing ash trays make me conjure images of some of the amazing parties Francois must have thrown.
All images from House & Garden – June 1970. British, American, French No. 6 Whole No. 250 Volume 25 The Conde Nast Publication.
The Secret Garden 