Colors of My Heart

Standen House and Garden, located in East Grinstead, West Sussex, is a late 19th-century country house managed by the National Trust. It was built between 1892 and 1894 as a summer retreat for the wealthy Beale family. Designed by Philip Webb—an architect and close friend of William Morris—the house is characterized by its warm, welcoming exterior crafted from local sandstone and brick. The interior is beautifully adorned with wallpapers and textiles by Morris & Co., alongside furniture designed by Webb himself. Notably, Morris’s iconic "Trellis" wallpaper is preserved in exceptionally fine condition, making this a highly recommended destination for any admirer of his work. The lovely gardens, spreading across the hillside, feature a terrace and a rose garden boasting a wealth of seasonal blossoms, offering panoramic views of the tranquil Sussex countryside. It remains a highly popular destination where visitors can truly immerse themselves in Morris's timeless design...

The beautiful dome visible in the photographs belong to St. Nicholas Church (Kostel sv. Mikuláše), one of the most iconic landmarks in Prague. Viewed against the backdrop of the Old Town’s sea of red-tiled rooftops, it creates a scene that perfectly captures the essence of Prague, often referred to as the “City of a Hundred Spires.” In my opinion, this cityscape is among the most beautiful in the world, combining architectural elegance, rich history, and a timeless atmosphere. Located in Malá Strana (the Lesser Town), St. Nicholas Church is widely regarded as one of the finest masterpieces of Baroque architecture in the Czech Republic. The present church was constructed during the first half of the eighteenth century and stands as a remarkable example of the artistic and engineering achievements of the Baroque era. The church’s most distinctive features are its magnificent green copper dome, clearly visible in the photograph, and its elegant bell tower. The interior is equally breathta...

In June, Hibiya Park enters a particularly beautiful season, when it is adorned with a rich variety of flowers under the gentle, soft light characteristic of early summer. The first to catch the eye are the roses, with numerous varieties reaching their peak bloom mainly in the First Flower Garden. Their vibrant colors—red, pink, and white—along with their delightful fragrance, offer great enjoyment to visitors. Hydrangeas, which are indispensable to the rainy season landscape, bloom gracefully along the pathways and in shaded areas. Their blue and purple blossoms become even more vivid when touched by the rain, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere of the park. In addition, agapanthus, bearing refreshing bluish-purple flowers atop slender, upright stems, come into full bloom in the latter half of June, adding a cool and elegant touch to the early summer scenery. Furthermore, flowers resembling lilies, such as Hemerocallis (commonly known as daylilies), can also be seen. These are character...