Gardens need a focal point, a feature, a story. In recent years the pergola, the summerhouse and the rose arch have all played their part in fulfilling this role. Perhaps now it is the time for something new, to take a leaf from the garden design book of yesteryear: a temple, a pavilion, a folly!

The folly is an eccentric structure taking on many forms, set either in a prominent position  or in a secret area of the garden, that need serve no specific function except to impress, amaze or delight. Is this romantic scene purely for visual effect or does it screen the more functional compost heap, disguise a storage shed or simply serve as a divider - a feature?

Garden structures and focal points make a garden - leading the eye to near or distant  parts, creating a total look.