6 Great Ways to Use Deck and Garden Gazebos

6 Great Ways to Use Deck and Garden Gazebos

Off to one side will work o.k. if your gazebo is still partly in sight and there is a good reason for it to be there. For example, if the gazebo is placed nearby a tennis or bocce ball court, it can be a place to sit and watch the game. It can also hide something unattractive that you really don�t want to look at likeHere�s a look at some of the creative ways homeowners are decorating and enjoying deck and garden gazebos.If your beautiful garden gazebo is not even part of your view, then why bother to spend all that money to build it? Also, too far to one side can make the yard look lopsided if you don�t balance the rest of the yard with some landscaping or other structures.One family I know built a patio gazebo at the deep end of their rock waterfall swimming pool. It was designed so that you could easily remove the railing on the pool side and dive right off the gazebo into the water.Persians developed their own forms of gazebos or garden houses originating from Islamic architecture, called �kiosks.� Gazebos in tenth-century Persian gardens could range from anything from colorful tents with mats on the floors, two-story structures with cupolas, marble columns, and golden seats. Turkish sultans lived in summer palaces also termed �kiosks.� Some were even constructed across pools or streams so that the cold water running beneath their marble floors would help to cool them. Others were actually used as tombs for their owners.But why is it that some gazebos blend so naturally into the backyard like they�ve been there forever, while others look stiff, awkward and stick out like a sore thumb?Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights ReservedGazebos can be glassed or screened in and look great accented with baskets of crisply rolled neutral coloured towels in big wicker baskets.The earliest known gazebos or garden gazebos were in Egyptian gardens approximately 5,000 years ago, found in a garden plan which dates to about 1400 BC. Murals were created on the tombs of some of the Egyptian royalty with a complete layout of their gardens. The earliest garden plan belonged to an Egyptian high court official who lived in Thebes. Based on the Thebes� garden design, historians and archaeologists have speculated that enclosed gardens with walled, free-standing enclosures similar to pergolas or what we now call the �gazebo,� may date back to 2600 BC or further. Some speculate that early gazebos were used as small temples for communing with the gods. Egyptian royalty often believed their gardens were a paradise on earth and that they could take their gardens to heaven with them, gazebo and all.So remember: For perfect deck and garden gazebo placement, plan ahead. Know the reason for placing your gazebo where you want to put it. When things make sense your garden design will flow beautifully.If your home is on a lake or pond, take advantage of it. Position your outdoor gazebo on the point that overlooks the water.Here are some do�s and don�t to help you get it right!If you love to entertain outdoors in the evenings, then you know by dessert time things start to get a little buggy. That�s when it makes perfect sense to move your company into your screened in gazebo for a delicious dessert and a nice cappuccino.If you are looking for a little shelter, then a patio gazebo nestled in one corner of your deck can complement it beautifully. It can also help to break up what can be a long, boring space.5. Do Place Gazebos on DecksOne backyard I toured had a gazebo on the deck that was used for dining. The ceiling of the gazebo was decorated with dozens of miniature white Christmas tree lights for a starry sky effect at night.Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights ReservedHang some garden gloves, wall planters and a garden apron or hat at various points along the inside of the gazebo. Make a statement by artfully placing a watering can full of flowers just outside the entrance.Some people decorate gazebos with tulle to help give that breezy feel. Others add candles, mats and Asian garden accents if they�re practising Yoga or Tai Chi.2. Do Choose a Spot Close to Water3. Don�t place a garden gazebo in the middle of your Yard unless you have a very large backyard.6. Don�t Place your Outdoor Gazebo too far to one side of the HouseAn added bonus - a playhouse gazebo will keep kids safely shaded on very sunny days.�Kid�s PlayhouseYou can create the ultimate space for outdoor exercise inside your gazebo.Another great place for your outdoor gazebo is smack dab in the middle of your garden where you can turn it into a quaint tea room or cozy reading spot. Not only will you able to enjoy looking out at all your magnificent flowers, but you�ll be able to enjoy their beautiful aroma too.�Spa Gazebo

Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights Reserved

Author: Deborah Boland