This summer I visited a friend’s garden and was struck by two charming small structures in the garden.

A lot of the charm factor came from the way she had sited these two ‘necessaries’—one’s a tool shed and the other a couple-sized overflow outdoor bedroom.  But, in the garden, they each frame an expansive view over open water, giving both the view and the garden near them definition and focus.

Vermont garden designer Gordon Hayward addresses precisely these design issues in his lecture at the Garden on “Small Buildings, Small Gardens.” (Learn more about Gordon Hayward and Hayward Gardens.) On Saturday, March 8, he will discuss how small buildings in the garden can define garden spaces, pull together and focus views, and also provide gathering places within the garden for family, friends, and guests.  He provides tips and numerous examples for using buildings as starting places for good garden design. 

For more information, go to:  http://www.lewisginter.org, click on ‘Calendar’ then ‘Education for Adults’ then click on March to register online, or call 804-262-9887 ext. 322 (M-F, 9 am – 2 pm).

Another example of a small structure—the gazebo in the Streb Conifer Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Phyllis Laslett is adult education manager at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

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