Wallpaper Wednesday - Chinoiserie Wallpaper in Grey Gardens Style

Hello!  Happy Wednesday! 

I am so in love with Chinoiserie!  It first caught my attention when I was watching the 2009 HBO film "Grey Gardens" starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange.  It was based on the 1975 documentary film by Albert and David Maysles based on the life stories of a mother and daughter both named Edith Bouvier Beale but known as "Big and Little Edie."   After a rough period they become reclusive and would not leave their Long Island Summer Home, "Grey Gardens."  Big Edie was the Aunt of Jackie Onassis. 

If you haven't seen "Grey Gardens," I do recommend it.  It can be a tough film to watch as the two women deteriorate along with their beautiful "Grey Gardens."  Not only will you see the decorating eye candy but you will get to witness the great sense of personal style of Little Edie, socialite, former fashion model and cabaret performer.  She was very creative and came up with some stunning and sometimes quirky outfits.  She has had quite an influence on style and is considered a fashion visionary and style icon.

"Grey Gardens" itself was such a gorgeous property.  When I saw the 2009 film my jaw dropped at the decorating.  Please enjoy some of my favorite photos from the film.   You have to give a lot of credit to the set and wardrobe designers.  They did a fantastic job capturing the time period and the graciousness of the home and the personalities of Big and Little Edie.

Click this for movie info on "Grey Gardens"

 Big Edie's Bedroom

 

Love - love - love this hand painted Chinoiserie Wallpaper!

Dining Room

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Exterior of Grey Gardens

Movie versions of Big and Little Edie looking fabulous during the good times...

Thanks for sharing in my love of beautiful wallpaper! 

 

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Have a wonderful day!

Green Animals Topiary Garden, Portsmouth, RI

Green Animals is the oldest topiary garden in the United States.  It has over 80 different topiary.  The shapes range from birds and animals to geometric figures and ornamental designs.  English Boxwood, California Privet and Yew are used for the sculptures.

When I get the chance to go to Green Animals, I'm as excited as a little girl going to Disneyland!  This property is about as close to perfection as you can get.  It has a lovely white antique house with a wrap-around porch overlooking Narragansett Bay.  I would be in heaven if I could just grab a cool minty Mojito, sit myself down in a rocking chair and watch the sailboats go by all afternoon.  If that isn't heavenly enough, walk along the wide gravel path surrounded by meticulously trimmed green archways and make your way to the gardens.

(Click on the photos to enlarge)

“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles

 and get excited about the privileges of simply being human” - Tom Hansel

  

If you are as moved by beautiful landscaping as I am, you may find yourself getting choked up at the loveliness of these gardens.  When you consider the time, effort and planning it has taken to achieve these results, you know that the folks working and volunteering at Green Animals must love every moment of their effort.  All their efforts have produced magical results in the luscious, colorful plantings and playful topiaries in the gardens.

Gardener Joseph Carreiro and his son-in-law George Mendonca were both superintendents of the property and were responsible for creating the topiaries.  Their family managed the property for 80 years; starting in 1905 until 1985!  What a wonderful family creation.  I can just imagine the grandchildren visiting and looking in wonder as they are told "Your Grandfather made these green animals!"

If you love topiaries, marvel at these!

   

     

 

Just love the Bear!

   

 

 

 Now on to the flowers and plantings...

     

  

   

 

 Blue Hydrangeas are always a favorite 

This photo really demonstrates the lushness

in the layering of the plantings.

 

A New England couple

  working in their garden!  

  

Love the archways and covered paths!

      

 Just breathtaking from every perspective!

  

See the little bird?  It was like he was posing for his picture!

  
Exploring Green Animals topiary garden is a wonderful way to lose yourself for an afternoon.  The gardens are extraordinary and impeccably maintained with layers of colorful plantings.  The property is owned by the Newport Preservation Society and is located in Portsmouth, RI.  If you are interested in exploring Green Animals, I have included a link to information below.

http://www.newportmansions.org/explore/green-animals-topiary-garden

One last photo of the house and gardens...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog!  If you have any suggestions for improvement, I'd love to hear from you.