In architecture, a folly is a building or part of a building built mainly for decoration, but its appearance suggests that it has some other purpose. 18th century English gardens and French landscape gardening often featured Roman temples, Chinese temples, Egyptian pyramids or ruined abbeys. Part of a ruined building tucked in the corner of a lush garden became the most interesting garden element,…
Archives for March 2013
Wrought Iron Reclaimed for Your Garden
Wrought iron has a long history dating to Roman times. Tunis, the northernmost point of Africa, is known for its decorative wrought iron window grates, fences and doors. The designs are Moorish or Andalusian, with extensive scroll-work and decorative motifs. The blue color of many of these forged metal grills immediately catches the eye and…
Pithari: Greek Oil Jar for the People
The Pithari: Greek Oil Jar for the People The pithari, or oil jar, is one of the classics of Greek pottery design and is still used as storage, especially in Greek homes to store the family olive oil. In ancient Minoan culture, both liquids and cereals were stored in these large terra cotta pots, but…
Antiques in the Garden
Antiques and old garden accessories such as wrought iron windows, gates and fences, old stone troughs, antique pottery, oil jars and old wagons, add richness and personality to the garden. Objects that were once common and inexpensive are now becoming more and more difficult to find, but Eye of the Day has been continually adding…