Happy Monday GPODers!
At Garden Photo of the Day we usually focus on the plants that make our outdoor spaces special, but there is another critical element that shapes the memories we make in our landscapes: people. Some might even say that inviting family and friends into our special spaces and sharing our creations with those we love is the final stage in the gardening process. A gardener who takes great pride in their outdoor entertaining is John Matthews in Raleigh, North Carolina. John has shared his gorgeous garden a couple of times in the past (Check out those previous submissions here: The Garden at Night and From Mud to Garden—and Golf Hole!), and each time we’ve seen the many patios, seating areas, and gathering spots that are essential parts of his designs. Today we’re seeing a different side of his garden, and he has given us an in-depth look at how this nighttime hideaway comes together.
Living in a wooded area in North Raleigh, NC, an elaborate bonfire area is the ideal setup on a 2-acre property filled with gardens and an 85-yard golf hole to have it centrally-located on the property. Not only does this area provide the space to burn excess twigs, leaves and other garden debris, but can also serve as a secluded entertainment area for friends and family.
Using the natural resources
The bonfire pit is one-part utilitarian for burning brush and one-part entertainment for keep friends warm on cool/cold North Carolina nights. Rather than purchasing furniture for the bonfire area, over the years I have created tables, benches and other helpful items for accommodating crowds.
Re-birth of dead items
Creating high-top tables from tree trunks is a great way to give friends a place to rest their drinks outside of the heat from the bonfire.
Three high-top tables extend the “party area” to beyond the benches to give people a respite from the raging fire.
Use your chainsaw
Splitting logs lengthwise with a chainsaw not only creates the bench where to sit but also the legs. Combine the three parts together with 10-inch spikes and a sledgehammer and “viola!” you have a naturalistic bench.
Create a focal point entry
Sandwiched between an 85-yard golf hole and a backyard garden is an inviting bridge over 160-pound railroad ties that leads you to the bonfire area. Surrounding by 8 full cords of stacked, cut firewood with Edison bulbs above, the area not only is cozy, but very well defined creating an enclave to hang out.
The greeter
It is important to escort guests –especially new ones –to the bonfire that sits some 200 feet from the road. Having a Bernese mountain dog that runs to the road with every new car to successfully walk people back to the bonfire is critical!! He knows his job.
Nature meets practicality
Building tables for food and snacks that blends in with the existing trees provides practical landing spots for those that want to show off their cooking.
Also, with a 130-pound Bernese Mountain Dog as the greeter, it is important to build these tables high enough to keep him out of the food!
Thank you so much for sharing this special space with us, John! From that last photo alone we can see that your garden is absolutely the place to be, and the it’s no surprise with the cozy and creative living spaces you create.
How do you hangout in the garden? Do you like to throw lively parties like John, or do you prefer smaller gatherings in a quiet corner of your garden? Let us know in the comments, or consider sharing photos of your garden entertainment area with Garden Photo of the Day! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.
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