Living In A Garden Pavilion
Create a living area beyond the house, sheltered from the wind, sun and rain – create your own garden pavilion. Garden pavilions have long been a feature of gardens from England to Asia.
They come in all sizes and shapes but they all fulfil the same purpose: a place to relax and unwind. And lets face it, relaxing and unwinding are two essential activities in the garden.
What to Put in a Garden PavilionMust haves…
- Comfortable seating …No. 1! Use armchairs, couches, day beds, and lots of cushions
- Tables or benches
- Clean flooring
Floor Covering optionsDon’t overlook the importance of a comfortable, attractive floor. It can transform the pavilion into a valuable living area that can be used for relaxing and entertaining.
- Seagrass matting – inexpensive but must be fully protected from weather; can collect dust, animal hairs, etc.; has a short life span so be prepared to replace it after a few years
- Polished timber – natural and attractive appearance, durable and long-lasting. It can show up scratches and dents, though, and may need re-sanding and varnishing every 3-5 years.
- Tiles – practical, durable and easy to clean; attractiveness and cost varies
- Slate – expensive but attractive and durable; can be hard underfoot – floor rugs may be needed for increased comfort
- Linoleum – inexpensive, practical and easy to clean; not as attractive as natural materials
- Outdoor carpet (same as car carpets or artificial turf) – practical, comfortable surface; attractiveness depends on carpet quality and style.
Where to Put Your Garden PavilionA garden pavilion needs to be well positioned for two main reasons:
- To look its best when viewed from the garden. A pavilion that is hidden away in the corner of the garden can be a delightful discovery. Alternatively, you can make it a central feature of the garden, by placing it in the middle of the lawn with a path leading from the house.
- To provide the best possible views into the garden. It is important that the pavilion look out onto attractive features. Orient windows towards lush growth, garden ornaments and attractive buildings. Avoid views of bare fences and ugly buildings.
What Type of Construction?A garden pavilion should be built to suit the climate. In England they are often solid stone buildings with double glazed windows; providing protection from the elements all year round, while maintaining lovely views into the garden. In the tropics they are more often open constructions, where the cooling breeze can blow through.
In some parts of temperate Australia it can be very cold in winter and very hot in summer. In this situation you need a solid structure that can keep out the cold, but with enough windows and other openings for ventilation during the hot weather.
MaterialsThe choice of materials should complement the style of the garden. Brick, stone, timber, even bamboo and steel can be used for a pavilion. Each has its own advantages and distinct appearance.
The RoofOnce you have decided on the material for your pavilion, it is worth giving some thought to the shape and materials you use for the roof. A pitched roof or a roof with a gable end can greatly enhance the appearance of the pavilion. Ceramic tiles or even wooden shingles can make for a stunning garden feature.
Windows And DoorsIf you want views into the garden, you will have to provide plenty of windows. Full-length windows can be a great way of seeing your garden to best effect. Curtains, blinds, awnings and flyscreens can be useful and decorative options.
A wide door-space will not only make the pavilion seem more welcoming and accessible, but it will improve light and ventilation inside. French and bifold doors are often used for this reason.
Optional ExtrasDepending on where you are (and the climate) you may choose to include:
- Fly wire screens for insect protection
- Shade awnings
- Roll down blinds to block the rain or wind in adverse conditions
- Shelving
- Cupboards
- Electricity
- Lights
- Water
- Bar fridge
- Spa
- Sauna
- Pool table
- Table tennis
What do I use my Garden Pavilion for?
- Socialising with friends
- Reading
- Sleeping
- Studying
- Taking morning tea
- Playing with the kids
- Playing music (it can be a great spot to put the piano!)
Want to Know More?
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Titles include:
Commercial Hydroponics 3rd edition
One of the worlds best selling hydroponic books, first published in 1991 by Kangaroo Press. Dozens of colour photos, unique and rarely published advice on how to grow over 100 different types of plants (vegetables, herbs, flowers, indoor plants) in hydroponics. http://www.acsebook.com/products/2232-commercial-hydroponics-third-edition.aspx
The Environment of Play 2nd edition
A unique and inspirational view of designing play spaces for children. Full of photos, an inspiration for parents, child care workers, teachers, play leaders, landscape designers and park management professionals. First edition was published in the 1980’s by Leisure Press in New York. http://www.acsebook.com/products/2247-the-environment-of-play.aspx
Growing Trees and Shrubs for Small Gardens 2nd edition
First edition published by Kangaroo Press/Simon & Schuster. http://www.acsebook.com/products/1684-growing-trees-and-shrubs-for-small-gardens.aspx
Tropical Plants 2nd edition
http://www.acsebook.com/products/2245-tropical-plants.aspx
Trees and Shrubs for Warm Places First edition A valuable reference for growing plants not only in the tropics and sub tropics, but also greenhouses, inside the home or even hot courtyards in a temperate garden. Never before been published. The book contains colour photos of close to 300 plants and descriptions of many times that number (and largely different to the plants covered in our Tropical Plants book). http://acsebook.com/products/2238-trees-and-shrubs-for-warm-placescoming-soon.aspx
Garden Design Part 1 1st edition
A huge book with around 300 inspiring colour photos; that explains how to design a garden in a way that is able to be understood by a beginner, but full of tips and ideas that can help even seasoned professionals. http://www.acsebook.com/products/2242-garden-design-part-1.aspx
Garden Design Part 2 1st edition
Following on from Garden Design Part 1, this presents approximately 300 more photos, and a huge amount of inspirational reading to help you (in particular), understand the different styles of garden and the options open to you as a garden designer, or a home owner. http://acsebook.com/products/2244-garden-design-part-2.aspx
Starting a Garden or Landscape Business 2nd ed.
Previously published by Simon and Schuster; this is a must read for anyone wanting to set out on a career in horticulture. http://acsebook.com/products/2239-starting-a-garden-or-landscape-business.aspx
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