The Good-Time Gazebo
It has traditionally had eight sides, been the host to
many parties and, arguably, remains one of the ultimate places to simply
relax in quiet meditation. Of course, I am referring to the good-time
gazebo. Any gazebo owner will tell you that owning one offers a true
slice of freedom, and I know this to be true because I am lucky enough
to have one in my backyard. In my gazebo, I can listen to birds in the
trees while enjoying a cooling breeze or a good book, sit back to take
in the beauty, sweet scenes and scents of my East End garden.
What is great about gazebos is that they can host an array of events,
from the most simple to the most elegant and elaborate. Although the
etymology of the word “gazebo” is shrouded in mystery, one
thing is clear – gazebos have been fixtures in gardens for centuries.
Their popularity has become more widespread with every generation, and
they have emerged as the most prevalent outdoor garden structures in
the world. Gazebos actually started out as towers or lanterns on the
roofs of houses and were built specifically to provide advantageous
views of the surrounding property. It wasn’t until years later
that the structures were built on the ground.
Gazebos have evolved over the years and their design and function has
been influenced by countries around the world. Used mostly by the upper-class,
the first gazebos were simple, until Persians designed ornate, two-story
structures with cupolas, marble columns and gold seats meant for entertaining
guests sometime during the tenth century. While gazebos in Japan, often
called “teahouses,” were used in conjunction with the revered
Tea Ceremonies as a place to rest, get in touch with one’s spiritual
side and absorb the beauty of the garden. Gazebos did not gain popularity
in America until the mid-1800s, and fell slightly out of favor again
around the turn of the century, as houses built with grand, wrap-around
porches had little need for gazebos. Today, they are springing up on
properties across the country and on the East End.
There are hundreds of ways to accessorize and personalize your gazebo.
Many people design their gazebos to coordinate with their houses in
some way. You may see gazebos with the same color or style as the main
house. Another popular design, and also what my parents insisted on
having, is the addition of a cupola, topped off with a beautiful weathervane.
Instead of the traditional rooster, my copper weathervane takes on the
shape of a whale and he (we call him Flip) helps to indicate which direction
the wind is blowing off the ocean waves.
Indeed, with all of the accessories that people can add, some gazebos
have made the leap to being more like mini guesthouses. You’ll
find gazebos with screens, windows, doors, paddle fans and lighting
fixtures. When summer comes along, I usually decorate the gazebo with
white Christmas lights and try to find time to listen to music and enjoy
the hot nights outside, without the trouble of having to worry about
mosquitoes or the terrible smell of a citronella candle, since my gazebo
has screens.
Others fancy them as outdoor dining rooms, perfect for hosting brunches
and luncheons. It has become quite fashionable to put a pretty lace
cloth on a table with a centerpiece of freshly picked flowers and an
attractive tea set to host high tea in a gazebo. I have seen other families
use them as a great place to put a hot tub. On a warm evening, add some
fine, grilled food, a bottle of wine and low lighting and a gazebo transforms
into the perfect place for a romantic dinner. On a grander scale, many
people relish their gazebos as centers for hosting lavish parties like
weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, cookouts and evening cocktail
parties.
In our world, things have become so hectic, with cell phones and computer
technology, which, unfortunately brings the turmoil of work into our
homes. As a result, it’s necessary to retreat to places like a
gazebo or the backyard porch to revel in a few personal moments away
from the world at large. The best part is that you don’t even
need to leave town to find this sacred place – after all, you
can find it just a few steps from your door.
– Victoria L. Cooper
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