How to Build Garden Grottoes
Grottoes are mostly small caves, either natural or artificial, some of which are highly decorative, often housing an ornament of some kind. Buildings that are obviously not caves but are adorned with plentiful stones or shells are also known as grottoes. It is believed that they were originally sacred shrines that housed gods, goddesses or water nymphs. In the past these features have mostly been constructed in large, formal gardens as picturesque features and cool retreats from the sun, but today they are no longer associated with such grandeur and can be accommodated very successfully in smaller sites.
Among garden features, grottoes call for the greatest imagination and flair in their design. True grottoes should either be sculpted out of a rock face or cliff, or dug into the ground, perhaps in association with a mound or a suitable grassy bank. As few gardens have the benefit of a rocky outcrop, it is most likely that the gardener will have to construct a small hill out of which the grotto can be carved.
At their simplest, grottoes are shallow caves, not much more than hollows, while complex ones can involve a warren of tunnels and underground chambers. Those built either totally or partly below ground should have walls and domed roofs of stone or brick. These grottoes should be provided with a drainage system to take away any water that may accumulate on the floor. Above ground, structures can be built of preserved wood or brick.
It is a good idea to leave a vent in the roof, not only for ventilation but to admit a shaft of sunlight. If all or part of the walls are then covered with glass bottle-bases, a most effective atmosphere can be created as they will reflect the light and produce an eerie glow. The structure should also be surrounded by trees and bushes to give an authentic, dark, cool effect. Finally, an ornament, a statue of a god or goddess, or some kind of water feature, such as a wall fountain, can be introduced to enliven the interior.
Potentially, grottoes can be one of the most dangerous garden features, especially if built below ground, and so great care must be taken in their construction to ensure that they are safe and sturdy. Caves in particular should be given much attention, to ensure that they do not collapse. The most complicated grottoes are major projects which should not be undertaken lightly, and professional help should be sought to ensure that roofs and walls are totally secure. The internal decoration, however, is enjoyable and well within the grasp of most gardeners.
