To get a “taste” of what today’s garden parties (and gardens) have to offer we dropped in on Bob Haney, president of Town Creek Landscaping, as he entertained friends and clients.
From the street, the front yard of Haney’s home sets the tone for what one can expect out back. While the front landscape is botanical eye candy, the back is an expansive outdoor entertaining area complete with meandering paths that lead from an outdoor kitchen to several eating areas. This idyllic backyard includes a lakeside gazebo, places to sit beside ponds, waterfalls, fountains, terraced gardens, and more–that is, of course, if you can pull yourself away from the outdoor kitchen.
Gone are the days of cookouts and picnics. With high-end outdoor appliances, chefs can easily accommodate gourmet meals akin to those prepared in the finest indoor kitchens. Top-of-the-line grills offer multiple-burners and cooking surfaces, and outdoor bars come fully equipped with refrigerators, wine coolers, soda and beer on tap, sinks, and dishwashers. Haney’s party featured an amazing variety of food all prepared in the outdoor kitchen by caterers hired for the event. “The outdoor kitchen is equipped to handle almost any size party,” Haney explains, “with a large grill, wok cooker, two-burner stove, warming drawer, refrigerator, beer keg fridge, ice machine, and two sinks. The back of the bar/kitchen top features a 14 by 5 foot hand-painted mural.”
Pathways leading to focal points throughout the landscape encourage better flow for entertaining in the garden.
The cuisine at his garden party included: blackened beef tenderloin skewers with horseradish cream, grilled shrimp skewers with lime cilantro, petite lamb chops with mint chutney, a variety of grilled flatbread pizzas, Caesar salad, lobster and crab martinis, chicken teriyaki stir-fry served in Chinese takeout boxes, fresh fruit, and many assorted finger desserts. The variety and preparation of the food was impressive and satisfying to all in attendance.
Haney’s own Town Creek Landscaping Company designed the entire backyard from the landscape design to the kitchen and bar area. “Since the garden is at home and I own Town Creek, a design/build company that provides landscaping, pools, and construction services, our designers often bring potential customers here to show them the types of work that Town Creek provides.” Haney explains.
His garden is both ideal and beneficial to his company; “we perform all of the work, including construction and pool building ‘in house’ to help provide a seamless experience for our clients.”Haney finds his garden useful for more than just parties and a living showroom. It’s an area for family and friends to hang out, hosting church events, informal neighborhood get-togethers, and for his children to play sports with friends and teammates. Just recently, a new pool was finalized in the backyard, enabling the Haneys to host pool parties throughout the summer.
For homeowners who are in the process of designing their own backyard entertainment area or planning to host their own garden party, Haney has tons of advice to offer. “First, get help!” Haney stresses the importance of not taking on this task alone. “Pick a good caterer who can visit your garden and brainstorm with you the theme, food and beverage, guest traffic-flow through the gardens, music, and the services they will provide.”
Having focal points of interest throughout the garden encourages better flow. Outdoor artwork, sculpture, unique specimen plants, water fountains, colorful perennials, and maybe even an additional bar are all elements that will keep guests moving throughout the landscape. Most importantly, Haney provides an overall rule of thumb to keep in mind while planning and hosting your garden party, “always be courteous and sensitive to your neighbors!”
Heather Knapp is an Editorial Intern and student at Towson University.
Contact:
Town Creek Landscaping: 877-531-6608 or towncreeklandscaping.com
Design House Kitchens: 800-827-0001 or designhousekitchens.com
Main Ingredient (caterer): 410-626-0388 or themainingredient.com
