GARDEN DESIGN Garden design by Colette Charsley Eat, Drink and be Merry.


of alfresco dining is often associated with trying to cram sausages onto a wobbly barbecue whilst being buffeted by the wind. Gardens are a room outside which can be used for relaxation, dining and entertaining. Think of an open plan sitting room with kitchen and dining areas. The idea of using your garden like this is not a new one. It stretches back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. • A stone relief dating from about 645 BC called ‘The Garden Party’ shows an Assyrian king and queen feasting under a vine covered arbour. • In the 15th


I century Tamerlane received


and entertained guests in various royal garden pavilions. • Catherine de Medici introduced ice cream and sorbets to France and had ice houses installed at Fontainebleau so that these new treats could be enjoyed outside. • In 1625 Francis Bacon recommended that gardens should have a 10 metre high mount topped with a banqueting house. • During the 18th


century it


was considered vital to adorn one’s garden with exotic pavilions, oriental tea houses, follies and grottos in which to dine or take tea. It would be wonderful to


t is a curious fact that food always seems to taste better outdoors, even a sandwich or cup of coffee. It therefore seems a shame that this simple pleasure


Gardens are a room


outside which can be used for relaxation, dining and entertaining


have the space and funds to be able to indulge in outdoor dining on such a scale. However, there is a middle ground. As with everything, planning is essential. Generally speaking the main seating area will be located near the house. However, it may be that the best spot is actually elsewhere in the garden. Where do you spend most time sitting? Create shelter from the sun and wind. A pergola planted with deciduous climbers is ideal as it will give shade in the summer and be more open to the light and sun during the winter. Shade sails also work well and keep off both sun and rain.


A built in barbecue – either charcoal or gas, or full outdoor kitchen, will look best. It will make your space look less cluttered and


because it is always there will be used more often. Incorporate some workspace and storage. If you don’t want a barbecue think about installing a fireplace, wood/pizza oven or a fire pit. Add some subtle lighting, comfy seats, sit back and enjoy. And if you really want an oriental folly on a 10 metre high mount, you had better phone me! colette@charsleydesign.com www.charsleydesign.com t: 01803 722449. m: 07774 827799. Follow me on twitter @ ColetteCharsley


Professional Landscape and Garden Design


Creative and beautiful designs for village, town and country gardens


Colette Charsley PG Dip OCGD 01803 722449 07774 827799


colette@charsleydesign.com www.charsleydesign.com


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