Star Gazing in Posh Gardens
Star Gazing Kit at Posh Cottage
Growing up in a small town in the Midwest one of my favorite things to do was to go star gazing during the summer and early fall. My father managed a Country Club and the best place to do this was out at the driving range which was located away from the club and all its bright lights. My friends, or occasionally boyfriend would go on a Friday, or Saturday night. We would spread out our blankets and lay on the ground under the stars. I must say it made for very romantic dates when my fellow Star Gazer was a boyfriend! These fond memories inspired me to create a Star Gazing area in the garden. Because we live in the country, away from any light pollution, our night sky is dark, pitch black save for the moon and the stars.
However, the idea of laying on the ground as a ‘Midcentury Modern Woman’ (this translates to a middle-aged woman) does not sound all that appealing. I took this into consideration when creating our Star Gazing area. In place of blankets on the ground, we have lounge chairs that recline flat and a side table. Currently there are two chairs and one table, but I made the gravel pad large enough to accommodate four chairs and two tables which I will add later this year. This will allow us to host friends or share the space with our Posh Cottage guests.
As another amenity for the Cottage, I put together a Star Gazing kit for our guests. In it, they will find a variety of maps on star gazing and the constellations; and two red light head lamps which will allow them to read the maps while viewing the night sky in all its glory. I’ve also included outdoor blankets in the laundry closet in case they get chilly. I might have to buy Andy and I a couple of headlamps as well, which means I might also need to get some maps!
In addition, I purchased four red solar landscape lights that when the ground thaws I will install so the viewing area can be easily found by our guests. I will also pick up lounge chair cushions for the summer. I’m even researching possible telescopes. My brother-in-law is an avid Star Gazer as are a couple from our church. I’m hoping between them I can identify the perfect telescope for the property and get it installed. Given our high winds, we will need to set it in permanently via concrete so it will not blow away. When it’s all completed it will be spectacular and I can once again spend a quiet evening out under the Stars!
