Take a peek inside the gorgeous backyard of Garden Designer Riekje vanDoorn
Effortless elegance from sunrise to sundown
FOOD & TRAVEL
Themostcharmingspotstostroll, sip,andgetinspired
& SAVOUR: SIMONE’S GIN BASIL SMASH
Afreshtwistforwarmsummer nights
From our founder
As the first summer sunrays touch my skin, I can't help but be transported back to my own childhood summers. Growing up near the water, as soon as school was out and the temperature allowed, it was a simple routine: straight into my swimsuit, grabbing the surfboards with my siblings or friends, and spending endless afternoons and evenings playing in the water. That was my version of outdoor play carefree, sun-drenched, and full of golden memories.
Spring and summer still hold that same promise of lightness and joy for me
And this season, I'm especially excited to bring you our latest issue, filled with inspiration to embrace the outdoor life. You'll find a "Shop the Look" feature with one of our favorite garden settings, highlighting a few key pieces to help you recreate the look at home. We take you behind the scenes of our vibrant Positano shoot in Ibiza, where the Mediterranean vibe perfectly captures the spirit of the collection.
You'll also find an inspiring interview with garden designer Riekje van Doorn, who shares her personal garden story, expert tips, and favorite summer blooms. We take you inside the enchanting garden of Cordelia de Castellane, creative director of Dior Maison, where hollyhocks sway and roses tumble freely in a vibrant romantic setting. Our "Perfect Pairings" curated cushion sets make styling your outdoor space easier than ever, offering effortless combinations to elevate any corner.
For those looking for a little getaway inspiration, we've gathered our favorite garden escapes across the Netherlands. And to toast to the season, team member Simone shares the recipe for her favorite summer drink a must-try for sunny afternoons.
I hope this issue inspires you to create your own golden summer memories, wherever you may be. Enjoy every warm breeze, long evening, and outdoor moment this season brings.
x Petra van Roon
FOUNDERPALAIS
Shop the look
Behind the scenes of our Positano Shoot on Ibiza
From charming harbors and hidden beaches to vintage treasures and cosy dinners, this week was all about capturing moments filled with warmth and beauty. Follow the team as they style, shoot, and explore the magic of the island while shooting our Positano Collection.
Monday & Tuesday
On Monday everning it was time to fly to Ibiza!
Watching the sunset behind the rocks at a quiet bay
On Tuesday, we started off with shooting Social content at Petra’s former Ibiza home
Outfits from Zazi Vintage, Mochi, Love Stories, and unique vintage pieces were
Mara and Josje in action - creating social content like ...
Wednesday
The morning started at Los Enamorados, in a quiet harbor where boats gently rocked in the sun
Later, Romy arrived and joined for a golden-hour shoot at Cala Escondida
The day ended around the table full of warmth and good food made by Petra
Thursday
The day started slow around the breakfast table, with early morning light and coffee
Dreamy sets by the pool and open-air scenes
Friday
Bobby wanted us to Amster
The last day arrived! While Romy bonded with a chicken, the Defender was ready for the next adventure
Linda and Petra carefully selected the best shots, before the team ended the week with a cozy dinner together at Juntos House
Cordelia de Castellane’s French Garden: A Dream in Bloom
With a flair for romance and a passion for the seasonal, Cordelia de Castellane - creative director of Dior Maison - has transformed her garden into a vibrant dream. Where hollyhocks sway and roses tumble freely.
AT HOME WITH RIEKJE
At home with Riekje
Meet Riekje, garden designer and planting advisor. She lives in Kortenhoef with her fiancé and their two young sons. They moved here two years ago, and for Riekje, the garden was the deciding factor: “I immediately saw its gardening potential.”
When asked to describe her garden in three words, she chooses: lush, romantic and colourful. While she designs many types of gardens for clients, her personal style is inspired by traditional English gardens, with structure from shrubs and trees balanced by year-round flowers. “I like a bit of nonchalance,” she says. “Self-seeding plants, rich borders. My garden is a bit like a lab, I try things out and see what works. That knowledge goes straight into my designs.”
Her favourite spot in the garden? A small round terrace, surrounded by fragrant plants like mock orange, jasmine and bergamot.
“I love sitting there with friends, with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, while the kids are playing.” One of her star plants is a ground cover called Allysum lobolaria, which smells like honey and blooms almost all year.
Her favourite garden items? “A big extendable table for long meals with family and friends, and multiple seating areas. A bench here, a bistro set there - so you can experience the garden from different angles.”
Riekje’s top tip for creating a great garden? “Make sure every season has something to offer. That’s always the basis in my designs. If you don’t have much space, go for plants that look good in multiple seasons - spring blossoms, autumn colour or berries. And don’t forget your other senses: the rustling of leaves, the scent of lavender - these things really make a garden feel alive.”
Choosing a favourite plant is nearly impossible for Riekje, but in spring, she wouldn’t want to go without geum. “The orange flowers are cheerful without being fussy, and they pair beautifully with bulbs and other early bloomers. Plus, the foliage stays green all winter.” For structure, she’s a fan of euphorbia: “Lime green next to deep purple wallflowers - that’s a combination that brings joy for a long time.”
Her garden already felt like a special place, but now, with the beautiful cushions from Palais, it’s stylish and inviting. “I’m all set for long summer evenings.”
get 15% discount on your garden design
Don’t miss out on the chance to create the garden of your dreams at a great price. Drop Riekje an email by the 15 of August 2025 at info@riekjevandoorn.nl and make your outdoor space bloom! th
PLACES TO GO: GARDEN ESCAPES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Millinger Theetuin
Theetuin Eemnes
Harvest & Tea Gardens
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Millinger theetuin
Nestled within the Millingerwaard nature reserve, Millinger Theetuin offers a hidden oasis inspired by OrientalMediterranean gardens. Accessible only by foot or bicycle, visitors can enjoy vegetarian lunches, high teas, and seasonal workshops amidst lush greenery. Open daily from late March to late October.
Theetuin Eemnes
Theetuin Eemnes, situated on the edge of 't Gooi, features a fairy-tale garden with cozy seating areas, a quaint tea house, and beautifully decorated greenhouses for gatherings. Guests can enjoy diverse dishes made with local and sustainable ingredients.
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| Pluktuin Stoutenburg
Located in the countryside of Stoutenburg, this vibrant pick-your-own flower garden invites guests to create their own bouquets from July onwards. The charming tea house, set in a former bakehouse, serves homemade cakes and high teas by reservation.
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum
Inspirational gardens
Castle gardens Arcen
Nestled in the picturesque village of Arcen, Kasteeltuinen Arcen spans 32 hectares, offering over 15 themed gardens surrounding a 17th-century castle. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, including a baroque Rosarium, an Oriental Water Garden, and a Mediterranean garden with olive trees and lavender fields. The park provides a sensory journey through carefully curated floral displays and serene water features.
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is a 20-acre botanical garden located in Rotterdam's Kralingen district, showcasing an extensive collection of trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs, and tubers. Highlights include national collections of oaks, beeches, and hostas, as well as a desert greenhouse and a food forest. This green oasis offers tranquility and inspiration amidst the urban landscape.
Museum Voorlinden
Surrounding Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar, the gardens designed by renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf feature a dynamic array of perennials and ornamental grasses. The design emphasizes seasonal changes, offering visual interest throughout the year with its naturalistic planting style. The garden seamlessly integrates with the museum's architecture and the surrounding landscape.
A Day with Palais
PHOTOGRAPHY:LINDAWIT
Wake up to the soft Ibiza sun, sink into Palais, and let the day unfold with effortless ease. In Romy’s world, comfort and style go hand in hand from morning coffee to golden hour.
8 AM - SERENE START
Ease into the day with the softest cushions as you sip your first coffee, stretch into a sun-drenched yoga flow, or simply soak in the quiet.
2 PM - LAZY
LOUNGE
The sun is high, the air is hot - time to sink into effortless comfort with our plush cushions, turning every lounge moment into a little escape.
4 PM - FRESH CUSHIONS
Who said doing laundry is an awful job? With our machinewashable cushions, it's a colorful, effortless task. Simply pop them in the wash and enjoy fresh, vibrant cushions that brighten up any room and garden - no hassle, just pure comfort.
PHOTOGRAPHY:LINDAWIT
6
PM -
TIME TO HIT THE ROAD
When the peak heat of the day is behind us, this is our favorite moment to hit the road. With a soft pillow in our beachbag, we ’ re off to find that quiet beach for a late siesta, where the cool breeze and calming waves are the perfect end to the day.
PHOTOGRAPHY:LINDAWIT
9 PM - GOLDEN GATHERINGS
As the table fills and the sun sets, create the perfect golden-hour retreat with soft, inviting cushions and poufs for extra seatingletting the night unfold in style.
L'Hôtel des Lices: Saint-Tropez's Timeless Revival
PHOTOGRAPHY:NICOLASANETSON|SOURCE:VOGUE
Step into the heart of the French Riviera with these stunning visuals from VOGUE, featuring the rejuvenated charm of L'Hôtel des Lices. A perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication, captured in the essence of Saint-Tropez.
PHOTOGRAPHY:NICOLASANETSON|SOURCE:VOGUE
PHOTOGRAPHY:NICOLASANETSON|SOURCE:VOGUE
PHOTOGRAPHY:NICOLASANETSON|SOURCE:VOGUE
The Palais Perfect Pairings
PHOTOGRAPHY:LINDAWIT
We're happy to introduce our curated cushion sets that take the guesswork out of styling. Offering pre-matched combos that make styling a breeze, so you can kick back while your space looks effortlessly fabulous!
The Coastal Escape Set
The Golden Desert Set
The Blush Oasis Set
The Tropical Sunset Set
Montesol Ibiza: Where Heritage Meets Modern Luxury
SOURCE:MONTESOLIBIZA
Discover the essence of Ibiza with these captivating visuals of Montesol. This iconic hotel blends historic charm with contemporary luxury, offering an unforgettable experience at the heart of the island.
SOURCE:MONTESOLIBIZA
SOURCE:MONTESOLIBIZA
SOURCE:MONTESOLIBIZA
SOURCE:MONTESOLIBIZA
SOURCE:MONTESOLIBIZA
Simone’s gin basil smash
Our brand and content specialist Simone doesn’t drink that often, but when she does, you can bet it’s a cocktail worth savoring. One of her go-to choices is this favorite for warm evenings: a modern classic with a fresh herbal twist. Vibrant, green, and the perfect way to unwind as the sun sets.
Gin Basil Smash Cocktail
Ingredients
50 ml gin
25 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
20 ml sugar syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
8–10 fresh basil leaves
Ice cubes
Instructions
1.Gently muddle the basil leaves in a shaker to release their aroma.
2.Add gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup.
3.Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
4.Fine strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5.Garnish with a basil sprig.
Variation: Virgin Basil Smash
All the zest and aroma, none of the alcohol. Refreshing, crisp, and just as stylish.