Garden ruins and follies add so much more to your garden than you think...

Garden ruins and folly ideas from Great Comp Garden in Kent, where its magical crumbling walls, towers and focal points are made of stone from the garden, cheap 'job lots' of brick and recycled items. Also small town garden folly ideas.
00:00 Why the dictionary is wrong about garden ruins and follies
00:21 Great Comp Garden www.greatcompgarden.co.uk/
00:31 What follies and garden ruins do in our gardens
01.02 How Great Comp was created
01:29 The follies and garden ruins at Great Comp
02:32 How garden ruins and follies create a 'micro-climate' for planting
03:29 The Old Ruins and the Ruins - breaking up space and creating planting
04:16 Use follies and garden ruins to create seating or raised beds
04:33 Think about what you want to grow before positioning a garden folly
05:31 The Italian Garden - a micro-climate for tender plants
07:15 When is the best time of year to build a folly or garden ruins?
07:55 The Tower - adds height and is a viewing platform
08:35 A garden ruin looks best when weathered
09:32 The Temple
10:43 What to think about when adding a folly or ruin to your garden
11:32 Do we need planning permission for a garden ruin or folly?
11:58 More small garden folly ideas
12:35 Video of Mark Walker's garden: • A garden with a sense ...
12:49 Architectural salvage - Gothic window
13:31 How to design a garden if you're not a garden designer video: • How to design a garden...
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[@janegardener1662]

My father was also a civil engineer and he built a series of retaining walls to use up the concrete chunks from a disused swimming pool. They look better as they age and get lichens and moss, etc.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds fab.

[@MyGreatAuntFanny]

Even in a very small garden, a few well chosen and well placed pieces of stone can be really effective. Although I have quite a large garden at the back, I only have a small front garden. Many years ago I bought a pallet of medieval masonry, and we incorporated some of the nicer pieces next to a very old York stone path. Together, they look like they're the remnants of an ancient building, and people often ask about them. I need to make up an interesting story about them! And I once helped a friend create an area from old bricks and stones, which she used to tell people was a Roman ruin! They always believed her. It only took us about 4 hours to do.

[@snu3877]

Ooh, I wish you could post pictures! Both projects sound amazing. I would LOVE to have a ruin somewhere in my yard/garden.

[@maryanna6302]

There's so many great ideas in this video, I'm especially struck by how a micro climate can be created by a very small wall or structure, but mostly I'm impressed by how these lovely ruins or follies create such striking focal points in a garden. Great food for thought! 😊

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Although I absolutely fell in love with the ruins when I first saw them, I was still surprised at how 'useful' they are as well as beautiful.

[@emmalavenham]

There is something rather dreamy about having a folly in the garden, but until now, I just did not think it was possibility in a smaller space. Thank you!

[@juliekane1156]

Thank you for this, Alexandra. Now that I've had to leave the garden I made over 20 years for this new property - long and narrow, very difficult - I find your videos more inspiring than ever. Right now I'm dealing with what must have been a truckload of bright white quartz stones the previous owners used to outline every bed. Imagine them in our Zone 7 summer sun - blinding! Maybe I could build an alien space ship folly with them.🤣

[@Holly_at_gypsyhollergardens]

This was the very thing I was needing direction on !!! Absolutely fantastic !!!!

[@pansepot1490]

Here in Italy reclaimed old bricks, roof tiles and similar things are way more expensive than new material. I had a stack of them behind the barn that I saved in case I needed them for repairs and the best pieces got stolen. 😭

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Oh, no, that's such a shame. I think sometimes the reclaimed things are more expensive here too, but often they're not

[@juliabinford6500]

The gothic window is brilliant. I loved seeing the use of architectural elements. It’s a dimension of creating a beautiful space that I’m new to. It’s so inspiring. Thank you!

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Alexander, this is a perfect garden to go and sit and sort out a over loaded mind. A place where a person can get themselves together after some traumatic dealings or heart aches. I would choose the Temple Garden, just to sit and allow 'all' to flow out of your mind. The very tall tree on the left side is so beautiful, a feature all on it's own. I also love the arch on the walk way. You can have a climbing rose or leave it bare. Skinks would love to sun themselves on such a wall and out of reach of nosy cats. I suppose you can create a garden as this on a smaller property, but I am not too keen on that idea. I think all these ideas incorporated into such a large garden works perfectly. It changes the plant surroundings completely and it looks like the walls were built for that purpose. I have many mixed feelings about the ornamental side, yet, I cannot get away from the fact, the garden looks so peaceful and the plants are all very beautiful. Again, garden as you feel it is part of you, expressing your talents. It was a lovely garden talk as always, and I am sure many ideas will develop from this video. Take care, many blessings, Elize.

[@debbebunch9973]

BRILLIANT! I ENJOYED THIS IMMENSELY! I've always loved the look of a garden with follies.. Beautifully presented! Thank you Alexandra!!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm glad to hear it. It's a bit of a niche interest, but I loved filming it.

[@gracepeterson7483]

This might be my favorite video yet, Alexandra. There is so much inspiration. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@franceshoward7112]

What a fun video, loved it. A real hoot. I have 4 quirky raised beds which qualify as follies and one puzzling 18 inch square of concrete set in the grass which I shall make into a Norse relic I think, with runes showing where the treasure is. And it could be true too as the Vikings visited northern Newhoundland (L'Anse aux Meadows) just about 1,000 miles from here. (N0va Scotia) They built long houses, smelted bog iron and there is a copy of the Sutton Hoo lyre on a museum wall there which they will play for you if you ask them! I have wondered what to do with this concrete which is rather thick and now I know. Runes and a lyre, perfect. Thank you, made my day.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds fab!

[@michaeljonesdougherty.209]

I love the look of the Folly Old like a old ruin church or old stone cottage in the gardens

[@heatherw.2751]

I loved this video!!!! It’s hard to imagine something like this in my garden. My home was built in 1962. I don’t think it would really fit in but I truly enjoyed seeing what others have done! Something to consider though. Maybe I’ll come up with an inspired idea after watching this! Thanks Alexandria!

[@SpanishEclectic]

If you are in the U.S., consider looking for old Sunset Garden books from the Mid-Century period. They often show DIY ideas for homes of that era. I grew up in a house built in 1958, and the long roof lines of the 'ranch house' often work well with Japanese style gardens. I've seen people use things like railroad ties, mirrors, stone blocks, and fountains to create interesting corners like this. :)

[@heatherw.2751]

@@SpanishEclectic I am in the US, in North Carolina. I will look at that for sure! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Great advice from Spanish Eclectic

[@oldmanfigs]

One of my favorite all around subjects.

[@ThreeRunHomer]

Working with stone is daunting, but I imagine you could build a very fancy shed out of wood that could serve as a type of folly focal point.

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

I have been considering this idea in my garden, so this is perfect, thank you Alexandra 👍✨

[@jacquelinewilson2279]

Nice necklace!!!!!! A Pearl Foley with its own third dimension and climate.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, it's my favourite- I bought it in a special offer for £10 in 1990!

[@drawyrral]

Follies are my favorite garden feature. I never knew they were called follies until now.

[@charlesprice925]

You realize, 1000 years from now you will have archeologists digging around in a wild goose chase.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good point. And I wonder how many wild goose chases ancient garden follies might already have sent us on!

[@dotink]

You should definitely leave a cryptic message on any follies you build lol, really keep them guessing 😂

[@charlesprice925]

@@dotink Make it Egyptian

[@tanarehbein7768]

😲 wow! So lovely. Thank you for the gorgeous photography and the thoughtful design inspiration. I have always loved the batina of the old that anchors the new.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@coloradotulips]

What an amazing video! I was just reading about Giardini Panteschi, which are walled gardens protecting a single citrus tree in a harsh dry Mediterranean climate, as it creates its own microclimate. Your video is helping me figure out how this concept is relevant to me!

[@reedwarbler]

Great Comp is our favourite garden. Love how different it looks during the seasons and there's so much wildlife there. Tree creepers, wrens, robins, nuthatches, woodpeckers, greenfinches, chaffinches, skylarks, goldcrests and several more. I also once snapped a picture of a Reed Warbler here just after the summer when it was probably on route to Africa. If you're lucky you might even get to see a pheasant or two roaming around in the bushes. You can also buy Salvias from here which I believe William Dyson is an expert on. Tea room is worth a visit too! they do nice lunches and the staff are so friendly.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good to hear!

[@debs-more-plants]

Thank you for sharing beautiful ideas with us!!!

[@jefftaplin6544]

Alexandra this is absolutely brilliant and one of your very best videos. So inspirational! This makes me want to get out in the yard with my bag of cement & trowel, and get to work. As always, thank you so much.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@SpanishEclectic]

Oh my goodness, Alexandra! This is my favorite subject! While the ruins are 'real', the Gardens of Nimfa in Italy are also fantastic inspiration. I like how you included ways to introduce the charm of follies to smaller gardens. Knowing local government requirements is important, especially if the structure is large, or near the property line. Here garden structures are exempt from permits, but people should also consider drainage elevations so the folly doesn't cause flooding (we get most of our rain within two months). Also, check for things like easements; there may be a strip of land that appears to be part of your property, but must be kept open for access to public utilities. Finally, I have great vision, but am not an engineer, so I worry a bit that anything over a certain height may not be structurally sound. The questions is, will I need a hard hat? But seriously, I have collected bricks from three friend's old patios, sections of concrete pool edging, pink cement pavers, and as part of my property is part of an old river bed, there are strips of large cobble rocks I still need to dig out. I will build something with it all! Thank you for a really great video!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and you raise some really good points. Generally I think that putting safety first is very important, so I'd always take any extra precautions!

[@mkb7997]

One of your loveliest videos❣

[@lisajelle714]

Really enjoyed this- thank you!

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

Great video today! Many ideas, thx

[@barbkenas5663]

Awesome!

[@itsallaboutlight]

Oh my goodness! What a great idea. 💡

[@thebastardgift]

Oh, so beautiful!♥♥♥

[@pamelatidwell6422]

Absolutely stunning! Loved this!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!!

[@MyFocusVaries]

What a beautiful garden and an intriguing idea. It would be an interesting challenge to incorporate this concept into a modern Canadian garden--to think what might fit and make sense.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

There's no reason why not to have a modernist folly and I did see a few examples, when I was researching it, but I haven't photographed any myself so I couldn't use the images.

[@MyFocusVaries]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Time for a field trip. :) I'd love some inspiration! I'm thinking of looking at historic buildings from my area for ideas

[@rayodelsol80]

I love your channel so much! Thank you for taking the time to share your passion for gardening!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@luckysmummy5325]

Loved this one, thankyou!

[@ThreeRunHomer]

I love the “temple”. Gorgeous little folly.

[@donaldauguston9740]

VERY interesting video. Thank you so much for posting. DA

[@tammyhoushour8070]

Very interesting things to do..loved it ❤

[@barnstar2077]

Very interesting, thank you!

[@geraldinefields1730]

Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

You're welcome!

[@dianepuskas6362]

Thank you for another interesting and beautiful video!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's a pleasure!

[@lisab.6818]

This is one of my fav gardens that I have seen 😍. I pinning, saving and posting for inspo or I will have to move there 😅 Absolutely stunning!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@kerryjean2223]

Another wonderful video. Thank you x 🧡💛💙🙏😇🕊️🌟🌈🐦🐠🦋🐞🤔😁

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lauravalenzuela2233]

Great info. I always consider my yard too small for a folly, but you have given me much to think about. And your channel is my long time gardening favorite. Also, I enjoyed your book about the lawyer. Hope to see more.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! That's lovely to hear.

[@marylynnhaynes7558]

I love this theme. I don’t know how I could incorporate this but I want it!

[@helencarlesjo]

Thank you for this very good and inspirationsläger video🙏🙏🙏

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevinjamesparr552]

Just a perfect video to suit my mode. I built a folly as central point of 4 of my 6 gardens .I divides two gardens.The English rose lawn garden and the woodland walk .I use it as a dining room for guests when cooking on my brick oven a place to be cool . Italian garden comes before pergola walk to lake .I am about to raise a mound of earth for water lily pond extension .So want to use all stones as an observation point as no place to go with the spoil. Seeing this garden and listening to the best talker gardener about how the hill was built set mind in motion over my mound in garden .My be stairs to a platform with old stone windows and walls. Yes i think it will work well.I do have stained glass windows in folly and also great arched cast iron window too. THANK YOU for this video of great design .

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@alphonsobutlakiv789]

I used to do miniature castles, usually in ditches. Non meant to look like ruins, but all are now, but not so bad. Was working on true complet moments for my new garden, as it will likely become a public square. A copy of the round temple in Delphi Greece is already going up, but with ornate casted iron columns. Most of the masonry and iron were already here, so it temples cheaper than sheds. This would be in upstate new York

[@alphonsobutlakiv789]

There is also a step pyramid here I may disassemble to create a temple hill side, but with no interior space

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds interesting

[@diydeluxe8543]

Best video ever! But I’m bias. Never knew what follies were!

[@user-sd4sy7dr9p]

I find your videos interesting and helpful. I am interested in using garden mirror/s in a new garden I am planning, but finding it hard to get helpful information on how to do this to best effect. It would be appreciated if you could cover this in a future video. Thanks.

[@Edu_Kate]

I just adore follies! Several years ago, I wanted to add a couple weathered doors before a shade garden. Now I don't think it would look right in my suburban garden. I have several metal arbors. They'll suffice for now.

[@annharlan8926]

Alexandra - Could you do another episode on ruins for folks with small yards? I have a small suburban lot (Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. 8a) which I turned to a permaculture and it would be perfect to include ruins in the back and front yard - but small ones. For example, I have a 2-seater park bench and an oak limb fell on it. While the metal sides are intact, the limb split the 3 rails on the seat so the sides tilt inward. I don't know how to use it, but I think it could work as a small focal point ruin. I also don't know what to plant around it to give it your classy style as it will be so small. Also, perhaps other small elements - I can't even give other examples. Terra-cotta pots are so expensive so maybe something on making fake ones like out of cement or cover the plastic ones. (I'm a single working mom on a tiny budget.) But, certainly more ideas on small ruins. I love your show and look forward to new episodes. So much information and I like that you ask gardeners for the specific species names. Sending blessings.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much and I will think about that. One friend of mine had a car crash into her fence, and the fence is all twisted and crumpled. So she replaced that section of fence, painted the twisted metal and it is now a 'sculpture' on her lawn. You might find some inspiration in this blog post, which I wrote before I did regular videos: www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/15-ways-to-transform-your-garden-with-upcycled-junk/

[@creekbandit]

✨

[@camillaluckey4136]

Proof that the left & right sides of one person’s brain can work well together.