Valentine's Day has come and gone, but why limit romance to just one day of the year? Today, members of the Garden Designers' Roundtable are talking about romance and the garden, a place near and dear to all of our hearts. For garden lovers — and lovers of gardens — there's no better place to connect with your special someone. Step outside and shut the door on the "business of life" inside your home or office. The garden has a different sensibility and a slower rhythm. It can awaken and appeal to all of your senses and bring your life back to a calm, centered place. Then, let the romance begin . . .
Here's my simple, no fail recipe for adding romance to the garden:
1. Buy a bench.
- Not just any bench, one that's comfortable to sit on for more than 2 seconds. Look for one with a shaped seat and back support. Cushions are another option, especially if you're craving some extended together-time.
- Find a bench that's compatible with your existing design style and other furnishings. It needn't be completely matchy-matchy, but you want an accent piece, not a sore thumb.
- Get a bench that's just big enough for two people to sit on comfortably (remember, three's a crowd).
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| classic teak comfort (in my own garden) |
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| stay as along as you like |
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| beautiful for a brief tete' a tete' |
2. Put it in the garden.- Ideally, the location for your bench should not be on the porch, or deck, or patio that's adjacent to the house and two steps from the door, but away.
- Choose a spot that, when seated on the bench, you get a whole new perspective on the world.
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| rustic Adirondack style |
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| custom mountain cool |
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| Design by Lise Mahnke |
3. Make it your special place.- Create a greater sense of intimacy by lowering the overhead plane. The boughs of a tree, an arbor or umbrella will filter the light and protect you from the elements.
- A hardscape backdrop or screen of lush plantings will enhance the feeling of enclosure and privacy.
- Add a focal point that resonates with both of you, like a sculpture, water feature, or collected ephemera.
- Fragrance? You bet. It needn't be a sticky sweet floral (unless you like it!) — herbs like rosemary and sage are wonderful, too.
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| shady hideaway |
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| Design by Patty Brittingham |
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| Denver Botanic Gardens |
4. Use it.- When seated in the garden, side-by-side with your special someone, it's easier to touch; to hold hands or rest a head on a shoulder.
- When seated in the garden, side-by-side with your special someone, it's easier to talk; to say the things that are in your heart.
- When seated in the garden, side-by-side with your special someone, it's easier to communicate. Isn't that what romance is all about?
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| Denver Botanic Gardens |
Read more about the Garden Designers' Roundtable and romance in the garden,
here, or click through to today's participants, below:
