The Tradition of Adorning Our Gardens With Summer Houses Lives On
My mother in law has been a source of inspiration for me in the garden since I first set foot into theirs over thirty years ago. I have known my husband’s family since childhood and spent numerous hours during the summers growing up in their garden. Mostly, I think that the items that originally caught my interest were the summer houses. I imagine they would appeal to nearly every small boy or girl, but as I spent more time in the space I grew to cherish so much more of their well manicured garden.
I simply fell head over heels in love with the main summer house that was left wide open during the days of the Spring and Summer months. To me the size of the structure was so perfectly suited for someone my size that it charmed me. The fact that it was decorated with garden furniture for both adults and children made it even more spectacular.
They made it clear to all of their children’s friends that they were welcomed to enjoy it as they so chose. Thus, a secret spot to hide from my baby sister was established, and used for more than ten years as the place I would escape to when she was being too clingy. And during those stolen moments of peace and quiet I began to see all the glory of the day lilies, and tulips, and antique roses.
From those visits, I began to appreciate the value of a highly revered garden, and vowed to myself repeatedly that I would create one of my own when I had my own dwelling. As luck would have it, I not only fell in love with the flowers, trees and creatures of their garden, I also fell for their son. He too valued the wonderful family garden from his childhood and has been a driving force in recreating it at our home.
Before our first babe was born we had our beautiful garden situated, but it was not until he was a toddler that we got our own summer house. At the same time we filled it with new garden furniture that was made for both kids and adults. We wanted to ensure that he, and any other little one’s we later had would be able to enjoy a quiet place to step away from the rest of the world, and to extend that invitation to their friends too.
Now, all these years later we are in the process of guiding our son through the steps of setting up his own garden. He has decided not to wait to obtain a summer house, as he claims he just can’t be separated from the sanctuary it can provide, and we agree it is the best course. I adore the fact that he and I share this as one of our favourite things.