Garden Tour Series: Lunch by the Pool

 As the tour date approached, Bernie and Dennis were getting more and more details from Martha's team regarding the events of the day - and it just kept getting better and better! We learned, for instance, that Martha not only planned to serve the group breakfast on her terrace, but also lunch by the pool! It was truly an embarrassment of riches for us! 

As we headed up towards the pool, Martha told us about the pool's construction and her desire to make it look as inconspicuous as possible: no bright blue here! The pool is the same depth from one end to the other, with a slight dip at the center that is about five feet to the bottom. Martha told me this was a mistake on her part and wished she had created an actual "deep end" for diving. In any case, the pool looks gorgeous, surrounded by potted palms and antique saddle stones at one end that give the appearance of large mushrooms.

The pool can be entered at either end down a series of narrow concrete steps. At one end, near the pergola, there is a jacuzzi hot tub.

I love these antique saddle stones that stand guard at the north end of the pool. 

Martha under the pool pergola explaining to us how the pool was built.

We then all headed over to the covered patio for our lunch! Martha was excited!

We were gobbsmacked to learn that Chef Pierre Schaedlin of P.S. Tailored Events was going to be making our lunch! He had worked as Martha's private chef for several years and has collaborated on many of her cookbooks. He has worked in some of the world's best restaurants in London, Paris and New York City. What a treat!

The table where we dined was set so beautifully. Martha told me her kitchen staff had set it for us, and had even made all of the small arrangements of peonies. Everything looked so beautiful.

Since we couldn't all fit around the main table, Martha had set up several smaller tables around the area. I sat at one of these ones with my friends Michelle and Jordan, and two representatives from Martha's PR firm, the Magrino Agency.

Everyone seated and ready to enjoy a delicious lunch!

The lunch started with gazpacho and herbed toasts. Martha's podcast producer, Heather Kirkland, and stylist and content producer, Lisa Wagner (who has worked with Martha for nearly 30 years) helped out!

The main course was a delicious paella. There were three kinds on offer: the traditional paella with seafood, one without seafood and a vegetarian variety.

Everyone helped themselves!

For dessert, flan was served... on Fireking Jadeite dishes, of course. It was so delicious!

So perfectly pretty!

After lunch, I had a few minutes to chat with Martha. 

Martha told me about her granddaughter, Jude, and some of her musical interests. She always speaks with great pride about her grandchildren. We also spoke about my blog and its Instagram account and how it all came to be. Martha told me she thinks I do a very good job running it. (blush!!)

After lunch, it was time for one more stop near the stables for a formal presentation about Martha's company and some of the projects they're working on! Stay tuned!

(Photos by Jocelyn Santos, Andrew Ritchie, Matt Obey, Carey Lowe, Steven Bednasz)