Ladew Topiary Gardens, Maryland

Nestled north of Towson, Maryland, in bucolic Monkton, Md., is the fabulous spread of gardens know as Ladew Topiary Gardens. Designed with garden rooms portraying themes, it was very forward- thinking for its day. Each room creates a vista from several angles: some from the home, and some from other gardens. It is a work of art. The owner loved the fox hunt and there is an especially skillful topiary of a horse jumping a fence, with topiary beagles and a rider. 

Monet in Giverny: The House, Studio and Garden

The beauty of Monet's garden is indisputable. 

D Day: Omaha Beach

In Normandy, France, where the United States lost 10,000 of our best and bravest soldiers, is a sobering reminder of the cost of freedom. 

Freedom Tower, and the Lone Surviving Church

Freedom Tower in lower Manhattan, reflecting pool memorial, Trinity Episcopal Church, and its very old cemetery, where Alexander Hamilton and his family are buried together. 

Hillwood in Azalea Season

I recently visited Hillwood mansion and gardens. It was a lovely experience, as always.   See below: Ghost orchid in the conservatory, the Japanese Garden, Faberge eggs preciously in the collection of Catherine the Great, columbines, rhododendrons, and azaleas. 

There is no more beautiful place to visit in Washington, DC, than Hillwood Museum and Gardens during azalea or rose season. 

Untitled

I love painting nature!  My painting, finished this week, as yet untitled: oil, 8" X 10"

Azaleas and Dogwood, 9"x12", Oil

My new painting, April 2016, born today: Azaleas and Dogwood