September, Life En Plein Air

By Leslie Watkins

Until recent history, human animals have lived mostly out of doors. In the current age of runaway consumerism and modern convenience, we have shifted from spending most of our daylight hours outside to an average of just 90 minutes a day, and that’s in summer! We are turning into a society of voluntary “bubble babies.” A global study has shown that children today spend less time outside than prisoners around the world.

Illustration ©Leslie Watkins 2016

The impact on our spiritual, mental and physical health is profound. And the disconnect from nature results in ignorance and disregard of the natural beauty and miracles surrounding us. We can foster a love of our one precious, beautiful planet and help protect it for future generations by spending more time outside. To ease the change from the comfort of staying indoors to the enjoyments of being outside, we can create transitional spaces, like enclosed gardens and garden rooms.

Some of the earliest known gardens originated in Persia in the sixth century B.C. The “paradise” or enclosed garden consisted mainly of a central water feature with four quadrants and walls. In some gardens these features came to symbolize the four rivers of Eden and the four directions of the world. Gardens were designed as both formal structures and places for leisure, and also offered welcome relief from the hot sun. The Mongols carried the idea of the enclosed garden with them along the Silk Road to India, and eventually the idea came to Europe.

The garden follies popular in England in the 18th century were designed to be viewed from afar, a kind of grand garden ornament or destination. An older meaning of the word “folie” was “delight” or “favorite abode.” Alternately, garden rooms offer views from within, and they can serve as nature blinds. Grow fragrant vines such as roses or honeysuckle on trellises, add nectar-rich flowers for the butterflies and birds and some fruiting plants to delight the senses. You may even attract human visitors.

On just about every continent, and in every civilization throughout history, people have enjoyed garden rooms. They have taken the forms of pavilions, temples, teahouses, patios, terraces and decks. Some have walls, some don’t. A pergola, for instance, is a structure with an overhead framework that can support heavy vines, but has no walls. A pavilion may be round or rectangular and has a roof, and a gazebo typically has a roof and half walls or railings. Roofs, walls and floors may be constructed of any combination of wood, stone or metal. Trees, shrubs and vines may also be used to provide living walls and roofs. Add finishing touches of lights, pillows and nice company (or not), and you have the makings of a lovely retreat.

The basic reason for just a bit of shelter is to protect from direct sunlight, wind and rain. These spaces are inviting to readers, artists, poets, musicians and power nappers. They are great gathering places for friends and families to play and eat together, and nice places to hold casual meetings. Larger areas can accommodate more people for BBQs, weddings and cocktail parties and provide protection from sudden changes in weather.

Ideas for natural retreats range from a simple campsite off the beaten trail to a favorite log in the woods to a hilltop pavilion. But whatever your taste or budget may be, how about spending more time outside enjoying nature?

September Garden Checklist

• Deadhead, weed and water.
• Harvest tender vegetables.
• Stop pruning and fertilizing.
• Bring houseplants back indoors.
• Order spring flowering bulbs.
• Plant new trees and shrubs.
• Divide mature perennials.
• Dig up dahlias and other tender bulbs.
• Start spinach and kale under row covers.
• Sow biennial seeds like digitalis and myosotis.