Seeking warmth
Tony Milne of Rough and Milne Landscape Architects muses on how best to stay warm outdoors as the autumn nights grow colder.
Having enjoyed a hazy double IPA on the balcony of Craft Embassy this Sunday afternoon, winter still seems a distant blip on the horizon. However, as summer days give way to autumnal colour and morning chill, our minds turn to our favourite guernsey or ‘knit-frock’ if one is from Cornwall.
Hypothermic I have been not. Almost though. Between a degree in Geography and one in Landscape Architecture, I was educated in the nuances of landscape construction by a very decent chap by the name of John Stokes.
We worked under the moniker Quality Landscape Contractors and, I am sure our work befitted the trading name. During this time, I listened to the dulcet tones of Maggie Barry, Geoff Robinson, Sean Plunket and others via the National Programme on John’s transistor radio. In summer this gave way to Iain Gallaway and others painting wonderous pictures of leather on willow with words.
Winter on the tools can be harsh. As if it was only yesterday, I recall a particularly grim day. While building a traffic island, tears rolled down my cheeks as I cut concrete pavers with a diamond blade saw. A constant stream of running water ensures the blade does not abrade too quickly. As the water fell from the cutting trough, it hit the ground shattering as ice. So cold, I am not sure why my tears were able to roll. If only I'd been dressed like an Inuit.
The traffic island on Rossall Street has experienced many seasons since, the concrete pavers cut, laid straight and true, frame two Gingko trees that continue to grow. They do so on a lean, as they reach towards the arc of the sun, seemingly remembering that winter’s day they were planted.
While this dismal winter day is etched in my mind, some of my most abiding memories are of warmer moments. The best of these are the shared times around an open fire, often outside. While patio heaters, wall-mounted or underslung heaters, throws and hot water bottles are effective ways of extending the usability of an outdoor space, it is hard to beat an open fire.
My feelings are possibly a reflection of formative years in the Scouting movement, jam-filled dampers and the making of hobo stoves. Enveloped by darkness, the flicker of flame identifies the faces of the company, and stories told, possibly a song sung and a little tipple for inner warmth, all add to the atmosphere.
Over the recent Christmas break, we were introduced to a wood-fired hot tub. We spent two glorious days seeking solace, perched amongst kanuka in flower above French Farm, with a prospect of Onawe Peninsula and Akaroa Harbour. We were at the Te Wepu Intrepid Pods. There are three pods in total, each comprising two small pods (buildings), an outdoor kitchen and a wood-fired hot tub all sitting on a decking platform that seems to levitate above the hillside. As the Te Wepu website suggests, this is an “idyllic spot in which to stop, relax, read and breathe in the silence”.
Awaking to bird song with the sun’s rays dancing across the water of the harbour, you can’t help but relax. Content we were. However, my penchant for a good fire, while well-meaning, was somewhat inhibiting. Considerable time was spent willing the hot tub to cool down. Boiled, almost.
As the seasons change, and the evenings shorten, there is no need to rush indoors. Enjoy the cosiness and conviviality of a hot tub or outdoor fireplace. It is time to embrace the Danish concept of hygge.
03 366 3268 | roughandmilne.co.nz
