Garden Follies

Garden follies are fantastic structures.

Garden follies are fantastic structures.  They vary from other garden ornaments in that they imitate buildings and aren’t simply sculptures.  Traditionally, follies are designed to look like ruins or temples, but they can also be extravagant, fanciful, and improbable.  They’re an incredible way to create an otherworldly feel!

mussenden temple ireland
Mussenden Temple, based on Tivoli’s Temple of Vesta, in Co Derry, Ireland. Image via The Guardian.

Many 18th Century European gardens included follies.  A true garden folly has no purpose other than to embellish the garden.  They weren’t built for storage or shelter, but simply existed as a stylish addition to the extensive manicured grounds owned by the wealthy.  In fact, the world folly comes from the French word “folie,” meaning madness or silliness.

The Oriental summerhouse at Veitschöhheim, Bavaria. Designed in 1768 by Ferdinand Tietz.
The Oriental summerhouse at Veitschöhheim, Bavaria. Designed in 1768 by Ferdinand Tietz.
Garden folly at Chateua Groussay, France.  Image via The Classicist Blog.
Garden folly at Chateua Groussay, France. Image via The Classicist Blog.
Folly hidden in a maze of hedges.
Folly hidden in a maze of hedges.
The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal.
The Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal.

Even if you don’t have a traditional European garden, you can take inspiration from these amazing follies when designing your own landscape.  Put a modern twist on the garden folly concept by creating unique structures in the garden or along a wooded path.  A gazebo or loggia can also be designed with a nod to classic follies.

A modern folly design by The Collins Group, SC.
A modern folly design by The Collins Group, SC.
Bunny Williams designed this temple-inspired pool area.
Bunny Williams designed this temple-inspired pool area.
Side view of the Bunny Williams pool area.
Side view of the Bunny Williams pool area.

Would you consider adding a garden folly to your landscape?