The combination of architectural elements and old world design in a harmonious and pleasant garden sanctuary where you can relax and have a cup of tea or grill when your grandchildren visit, is the vision for many of us today. Spending all our time at home, working from home, we need to create spaces that are relaxing and cohesive with nature, the garden being our connection to Mother Earth. Harmony with nature, gardening, growing our own vegetables, raking dry leaves or even watering plants are activities that are as relaxing as they are nutritious.
The triple arch, hand carved from antique teak wood, sits against the brick wall with vines growing up the columns, beautiful grand old world architecture, the wood is so solid and brings a unique and cohesive identity to your home. garden sanctuary. A beautiful gray granite Buddha sculpture, custom commissioned from India, provides a serene setting. The waterfall that I prepared with natural lava rocks houses the Shiva lingam, which brings the energy of transformation. These natural stones are found in the Narmada River and are said to reverberate with Shiva’s energy. A pair of columns with ancient stone bases give the architectural design element to the garden.
An old ox-drawn cart sits in the middle of the large patio filled with beautiful plants. I use it as a beer cart when I have family and my grandkids love to sit in the harness. A beautiful carved jhoola swing sits under the covered pergola and is our haven. I love to read books or listen to music while gently swaying. My husband loves to grill and the swing is our romantic getaway. I focus on harmony with nature, so I only use reclaimed wood tables and handmade oxcart benches as patio furniture.
A big part of harmony is bringing in a variety of colors, textures, and old world elements that add interest to the garden sanctuary. Old stone jalis encased in wood hang outside the house serving as anchors for the vines. A magnificent granite elephant with its trunk upturned, elaborately carved and polished in two tones makes a stunning statement as you pass through the ancient welcoming gate that is located on the bridge that crosses the stream that runs through the garden. The flow of energy is beautiful, serene and harmonious. The far right of the garden is for vegetables that I grow according to the seasons. The lush and bewildering mix of shrubs, groundcovers and flowers creates a perfect landscape, tranquil yet invigorating.