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, sculptural and mysterious.
A few years ago, Eye of the Day became home to a 17th century monastery façade that had languished in a warehouse for decades. Maybe it’s from France. Maybe it’s from Spain. Maybe it’s related to old abbey stones at one time found in Golden Gate Park. Maybe it’s all part of a mystery to be spread among many gardens. Each unique stone piece could become equally unique garden statuary in a setting of any style. At Eye of the Day we plan to put together a number of pieces of the monastery to construct our own French garden folly to inspire our customers.
In addition to the stone façade pieces, Eye of the Day has also collected other old stone items from Europe and China. 
Chiseled stone troughs from France and China once used as feeding troughs are transformed into succulent gardens or a one-of-a-kind fountain. Massive granite millstones stand on their sides, looking as if they are ready to roll through the garden.
You will find your garden
inspiration with these distinctive old pieces, whether to form a folly or become a new sculptural garden component.
Leave a Reply