Garden Retreats I
I have to admit I love garden retreats. I have a very modest one. We think it is great fun.
The rudimentary place I call “the teahouse” simply incorporates as its structure the wall of the house and a tall retaining wall placed at a right angle. The roof is the deck above. The other two”walls” are matchstick blinds which can be adjusted to filter the light and create a door. A pair of french garden chairs and a built-in shelf face the garden and city view beyond. I suppose I could embellish this place further beyond the simple structure and the odd assortment of lanterns, but if it is effective, why fight it?
Garden retreats are neither here nor there; they exist outside conventions. They have no apparent domestic use, and indeed the concerns of daily life and its functions are to be eliminated entirely. The garden retreat exists for pleasure.
Providing shelter from the elements, the garden retreat yet also welcomes the natural air and breezes. To observe a rainstorm whilst in the retreat is one of life’s great pleasures. It is this ability to be in the garden and yet away from distractions and the eyes of others which allows the mind to wander, to meditate and to refresh one’s spirit that is at the key of the garden retreat.
The Mughal pavilion, the Japanese teahouse, The Italian Renaissance casino, the summerhouse and my own retreat may be separated by culture, geography and time, yet all are expressions of the same impulse, and the enjoyment found therin is shared by all.
Philip, your post is a garden retreat, where my mind wanders and meditates.
It refreshed this gardener’s spirit.
Thanks for bringing joy with your well informed and beautifully presented website.
Comment by Shauna — 15. June 2008 @ 18:06
Hi Shauna! I love your site. You made my day! Thanks for the comments
Say hi to Oberon for me!
Philip
Comment by admin — 15. June 2008 @ 20:46
Hi, Philip! So glad to hear you have that special retreat for you and your family! It sound simple and special and USED! I think it’s amazing that there are so many gardens that don’t get used! People are too busy being inside! How wonderful that you have a designated place out of doors where you can go for refreshing your spirits. Kathryn xox
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 18. June 2008 @ 16:53
Philip, as usual, your blog makes just about the most interesting reading anywhere. I really do appreciate the visits to these insanely exotic places, most of which cover a fascinating history which you present so well.
In landscaping, the concept of a “retreat” is nearly a given, at least for me. In the construction of residences, I have always viewed the work as “adding a room”, only outdoors.
Comment by Steve — 24. June 2008 @ 18:42