A gazebo is a great addition to any backyard because it gives it strength, charm and a focal point. But often garden gazebos sit empty because homeowners dont know what to do with them.

One solution is a Spa Gazebo - the perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Spa gazebos come in a variety of styles and allow you to enjoy a hot dip in the whirlpool rain or shine, or on a chilly fall evening.

Some are totally enclosed by walls. Others are more open with partial trellising or screens. Theyre wonderful if you like privacy and also help keep out pesky summer bugs.

The spa tub can be built into the ground or sit on the floor inside the gazebo. Spa gazebos look fabulous accented with pots of colorful flowers and baskets of crisply rolled towels in calming cool green and taupe colors.

Other Great Ways to use Your Garden Gazebo? Turn it into a:

Home Office

With computer notebooks, high speed wireless internet connections and cell phones theres no need to stay stuck inside doing business. If you work at home, then take your office outdoors and enjoy the warm sun and fresh air while youre wheeling and dealing.

All you need to add is a desk, chair, some leather stackable filing boxes, and a bulletin board for the ultimate gazebo home office. Accent your space with accessories in warm earth tones-browns, greens, and terra cottas for a connected to nature feel.

Imagine how your clients will love coming to meetings in your wonderful outdoor living space!

Kids Playhouse

Do you have children? A gazebo makes a fabulous kids playhouse. Position the gazebo to the side of the house so you can keep an eye on the kids, and fill it with big pillows, a small table and chairs and a throw rug.

Keep your color scheme bright and fun in playful shades of red, blue, yellow and green. Then add plenty of toys like Lego, board games, coloring books, and stuffed animals for a playhouse theyll never want to leave.

An added bonus - a playhouse gazebo will keep kids safely shaded on very sunny days.

Potting Shed

Transform your garden gazebo into a potting shed by equipping it with a potting bench, seed packs, foliage, interesting containers, and all your favourite garden tools.

Hang some garden gloves, wall planters and a garden apron or hat at various points along the inside of the gazebo. Make a statement by artfully placing a watering can full of flowers just outside the entrance.

Your favourite hobby now has a spectacular new home.

Yoga Retreat

You can create the ultimate space for rest and spiritual rejuvenation inside your gazebo. An open air gazebo works best for this theme and the view is important.

Place your gazebo close to watera swimming pool, a pretty pond, a rushing waterfall, or a trickling fountain so you can gaze out at the tranquil blue water and soak in its soulful sound.

Sheer curtains tied back inside the gazebo reveal the view and will also help give you that heavenly feel. Top it off with candles, a yoga mat and an Asian garden ornament to meditate on, and you will be in heaven.

So start thinking about how youd like to use your garden gazebo and then play around with the look and feel. The possibilities for this timeless garden structure are endless. Just use your imagination.

Deborah Boland 2006 All Rights Reserved